According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 54 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of the joints. The main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheurmatoid arthritis. RA is an automimmune condition in which the body interprets the soft lining around the joints as a threat and attacks it. OA is a degenerative joint condition. It occurs when there is a breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joints due to wear and tear.
Arthritis can affect multiple parts of the body, but let's focus on the hands specifically. Thumb arthritis, or basal joint arthritis, is the second most common type of arthritis in the hand. The most prevalent arthritis in the hand affects the last joint in each finger.
A simple activity such as opening a jar can be a big challenge for someone with arthritis in the hands and fingers. The good news is that there are many products available to aid in minimizing the discomfort. If you or a loved one is struggling with hand arthritis, take note of these helpful tools in the video.
For more information on arthritis, check out one of the many books in the library collection. Below are a few examples. Also, take advantage of our wonderful eSources such as the Florida Electronic Library which has a wealth of information on medical topics.
