I Have Symptoms of Pain and Swelling in My Hands and Feet – What Could It Be?
While there are multiple causes of swelling and pain in the hands and feet, arthritis is probably the most common cause. The term “arthritis” is derived from the Greek and means “joint inflammation”. It refers to more than 100 different diseases that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Joints are where the ends of long bones connect and interact. The end of each bone inside a joint has a thin layer of cartilage and is held in place by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. A joint is lined with synovial tissue (synovium) that helps to nourish the joint. It is the synovium that often becomes inflamed in arthritis. Arthritis may also affect other supporting structures around joints such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Some serious forms of arthritis can affect internal organs. The common symptoms of arthritis are due to inflammation (swelling, heat, redness, pain): o Swelling in one or more joints o Stiffness in the joints in the morning or with prolonged inac
