Q: I’m having pain and stiffness in my hands and wrists. It’s getting harder to fasten the buttons on my clothes. A friend said I might have arthritis. Could she be right?
A: Pain and stiffness, especially in the morning, can be signs of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that can affect joints in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, knees, shoulders and elbows. The disease can make it difficult to perform activities of daily living, such as buttoning shirts and tying shoes. Other symptoms in the hands, which may begin suddenly or gradually, include swelling of the joints, bumps over small joints, decreased movement, pain that worsens with movement, fatigue and occasional fever. Keep in mind that these symptoms may resemble other medical conditions or problems. That’s why it’s important to consult your physician for a diagnosis.
— Dr. Robert Mastey, Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedics; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
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