Hand osteoarthritis and rhizarthrosis are both forms of osteoarthritis that affect the joints of the hands, but they affect specific areas and have important differences in symptoms, causes, and treatments. This article explores these differences to better understand each condition and the best ways to manage them.
What is Hand Osteoarthritis?
Hand osteoarthritis is characterized by the progressive breakdown of cartilage in the joints of the fingers and wrists. This condition can affect multiple joints, including the distal interphalangeal (DIP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints.
What is Rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is a specific form of osteoarthritis that affects the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb, located at the base of the thumb. This joint allows a wide range of motion and is essential for gripping and pinching movements.
Symptoms
Hand Arthritis
- Pain: Felt in the joints of the fingers and wrists, especially during movement.
- Stiffness: More pronounced in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Swelling: Affected joints may be swollen and tender.
- Deformities: Bone nodules at the IPD (Heberden nodules) and at the IPP (Bouchard nodules).
- Decreased strength and dexterity: Difficulty performing precise movements and grasping objects.
Rhizarthrosis
- Pain at the base of the thumb: Pain is often felt when using the thumb to grasp or pinch objects.
- Swelling and tenderness: The joint may be swollen and painful to the touch.
- Decreased strength and mobility: Thumb movement may be limited and grip strength reduced.
- Cracking: Rubbing or cracking noises may be heard when moving the thumb.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hand Arthritis
- Advanced age: Cartilage wear is more common with age.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop this condition.
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of osteoarthritis may increase the risk.
- Repetitive activities: Repetitive movements that stress the fingers and wrists can accelerate the wear and tear of cartilage.
- Trauma: Previous injuries to the hands or fingers can predispose to osteoarthritis.
Rhizarthrosis
- Specific activities: Activities that place intense stress on the thumb, such as gardening, knitting, or intensive use of a computer mouse, can cause premature wear of the cartilage.
- Age and gender: As with hand osteoarthritis, women and older people are at greater risk.
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of osteoarthritis may also play a role.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of both conditions is based on clinical examination and imaging tests. X-rays are commonly used to assess joint condition and confirm the presence of osteoarthritis.
Treatments
Hand Arthritis
Medications: Analgesics and anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and inflammation.
Orthoses: Devices to stabilize the joints of the fingers and wrists.
Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to improve function and reduce pain.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections for temporary pain relief.
Rhizarthrosis
Medications: Similar use of painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
Thumb orthoses: To immobilize the CMC joint and reduce pain.
Physical Therapy: Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the thumb joint.
Injections: Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Surgery: In cases of persistent and disabling pain, surgical interventions such as arthroplasty or arthrodesis may be considered.
Exercises to Relieve Pain
Hand Arthritis
Finger Stretch : Stretch each finger gently to maintain flexibility.
Finger Flexion and Extension : Slowly lift each finger and hold the position to strengthen the muscles.
Stress Ball Strengthening : Squeeze a foam ball to improve grip strength.
Rhizarthrosis
Thumb Stretch : Gently pull the thumb back to relieve tension.
Thumb Flexion and Extension : Raise and lower the thumb to strengthen the joint.
Strengthening with a stress ball : Use a ball to improve thumb strength.
Use of Cartilamine
Cartilamine is a dietary supplement designed to support joint health, containing glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients may help to:
Reduce inflammation.
Improve joint mobility.
Relieve pain associated with hand osteoarthritis and rhizarthrosis.
Conclusion
Although hand osteoarthritis and rhizarthrosis are forms of osteoarthritis that affect the joints of the hands, they differ in the areas affected, symptoms, and risk factors. Proper management, including medical treatments, exercise, and dietary supplements such as Cartilamine, can help improve the quality of life of people with these conditions.
To learn more about treatments and tips for managing hand osteoarthritis and rhizarthrosis, check out the following resources:
