Arthritis can occur in any part of the body with joints. It is particularly common in the thumbs and wrists, due to the extreme use of these areas. From carrying objects to holding a pen, we are nearly constantly using our thumbs and wrists.It's important to diagnose the condition so you can take steps to treat it.
Instructions
1. Observe your wrists and thumbs. If the areas appear swollen for long periods of time, you may have arthritis.
2. Touch your wrists and thumbs. If the joint areas feel sensitive to the touch, it may be a sign of arthritis.
3. Roll your hands in a full circle, using your wrist joints as the rotation points. Those with wrist arthritis often have a limited range of motion.
4. Move your thumbs in large circles. If you aren't able to fully complete the circles, you may have arthritis.
5. Grip a ball in each hand. If you have trouble or experience pain gripping with your thumbs, it is sometimes a symptom of arthritis.
6. Examine the appearance of your wrists and thumbs. If they look particularly bony, it may be a sign of arthritis in the area.
7. Document any pain or discomfort you experience in your thumbs and wrists. Keep a journal for several weeks so you can describe the pattern of your pain to your doctor.
8. Your doctor will first perform a physical examination in which he will test the tenderness, range of motion and swelling in the joint areas. He may then take X-rays to view the bones and confirm if you do, indeed, have thumb or wrist arthritis.
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