Has it become very challenging for you to play the piano or use a kitchenaid hand mixer? Do your hands often go through pain and stiffness? Then you could be suffering from hand arthritis. But fret not. With the help of the doctor and following a treatment course, you can resume having a normal life in no time.

Arthritis is a disease of the bone joints, in particular the cartilage in them. Factors including an injury, heredity and others usually cause the development of this problem. Age may also be the culprit, such as in the case of osteoarthritis. Also known as degenerative arthritis, it's due to the wearing and tearing of cartilages through the years.

Aside from the hands, large weight-bearing joints are also at risk of getting arthritis. It's not uncommon for the shoulders, back, hips and knees to develop it. Arthritis of the hands can cause pain and swelling, which limits normal movements. A grinding or clicking sound may be observed when moving the hands. It's also possible for bony knobs to appear in the joints of the fingers.

A doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical checkup when diagnosing arthritis. Having an x-ray will reveal structural changes in joints affected by the disease. In the case of a rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, having a blood test is helpful. The severity of the disease will have an effect on the mode of treatment to be recommended by the doctor.

Mode of treatment may involve application of topical and oral anti-inflammatory drugs. Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) help in dealing with pain and swelling. Splints are applied to support the hand in an optimal position, as well as to promote rest. Corticosteroid injections are also good at relieving the signs and symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be warranted.

Application of liniment or anything similar is effective for relieving minor signs and symptoms. The same is true with applying a cold compress on your hands. Hand exercises are helpful in maintaining normal hand or finger functions. You may spread your fingers apart, have each of your fingers touch the tip of the thumb, or make a fist. Such practices enable efficient using of a keyboard, flipping of switches beneath the custom LCD of a device, or other similar activities at work.

Arthritis of the hands need not get the best of you. This is as long as you seek the help of a specialist and follow prescribed treatments. In no time you can resume handling a Canon digital SLR camera, swinging a golf club and other pursuits. You will find that arthritis should not cause lingering pain, swelling and joint immobility.