Despite its well-known reputation, most people don’t know arthritis isn’t a single disease. Instead, it is a blanket term that describes several specific disorders that affect joints and cause significant pain. While the risk of developing arthritis increases with age, it is far from inevitable. Understanding what can cause arthritis to develop can help you […]
arthritis
What Are the Best Treatments for Arthritis in the Hands?
Arthritis can be disabling, especially when it is in the hands and fingers. It can prevent you from carrying out normal day-to-day activities such as work duties and preparing meals. Arthritis is a common disease that causes pain and stiffness within joints, including the hand. Appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms, […]
Why Does my Thumb Twitch Sometimes?
Voluntary muscles get their name because normally we can control their actions. In contrast, involuntary muscles, such as the heart, beat to their own rhythm. The muscles in our hands and thumbs are voluntary muscles. Sometimes, though, our voluntary muscles seem to go rogue, twitching uncontrollably. There are a number of reasons your thumb might […]
What Are Those Bumps and Lumps on Your Hand?
The sudden appearance of a round or oval bump on the back of the hand or on the side of the wrist may be upsetting, if not downright alarming. Most likely, it’s a ganglion cyst. That sounds scary, but don’t let the name frighten you. Ganglion cysts are a common condition that are neither harmful […]
Is Cracking Your Fingers Bad for You?
Many people crack their knuckles, toes, back, and especially their fingers. The snapping, popping sound can cause those within earshot to recoil. Perhaps you have heard that cracking your fingers (or knuckles) can lead to arthritis, or that your fingers will become permanently disfigured. Maybe you were told as a child that cracking your fingers […]