What causes arthritis of the hands and wrists?
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two most common arthritic conditions of the hands. Osteoarthritis can cause gradual wearing away of cartilage, including that which lines the joints of the fingers and wrists. Cartilage is the tissue that provides a smooth surface over which a joint can glide. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the tissues that line the joints. This can also lead to a wearing away of the cartilage. • Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune response. The body attacks its own tissues, including the joint tissues. • In osteoarthritis, the stress of everyday movement wears down the smooth cartilage surface of a joint, leading to pain and other symptoms. Arthritis in the hands can also develop after an injury. An injured joint is about seven times more likely to develop arthritis, even if the injury is treated. It can also be related to work or hobbies that involve repetitive hand motions. It is important to find out the type of arthritis you have, beca
