10 Symptoms of Arthritis

7. Symptoms of Arthritis of the Hand

The same diseases that cause arthritis in the feet also cause arthritis in the hands. People with this type experience a dull pain or a burning sensation. In most cases, this pain occurs after long periods of joint use, especially with movements like writing, typing, gripping, or grasping. Arthritic symptoms in the hands do not show up immediately, however, with many people not feeling pain until the day following the exertion. If the discomfort improves after resting, it is likely due to osteoarthritis. An arthritic joint sometimes feels warm to the touch. Small cysts may develop on arthritic end joints of fingers. Arthritis sometimes damages the ligaments in the hand, which affects the support structures of the joint, leading to looseness and loss of mobility. This is common with those who develop advanced thumb base arthritis.