Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint Disease: complex degenerative process, or wearing out of a joint.
• Etiology: Exact cause unknown, although it is based on several factors. 
• Symptoms: effects frequently used joints more. DIstal and proximal interphalangeal joints are often affected and can develop a crooked deformity of the fingers, although the metacarpophalangeal fingers are not. 
• Interphalangeal: usually referring to joints between the finger bones
• Metacarpophalangeal: referring to the metacarpus and the phalanges; specifically, the articulations between them. 
• Articular: relating to a joint surface.
• Treatment: rest, non-weight bearing exercise, the application of heat, and the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory meds. If it is severe then steroid injections into the joint capsule can relieve pain.
• Diagnosis: Based on history and physical exams. 
• Prevention: Keeping a healthy body weight. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the joints and the connective tissues of the body. It is debilitating and destroys the joints. The symptoms are all joints are affected unlike osteoarthritis where it's just the working joints. It deforms the hand and destroys the metacarpophalangeal joints.