Erosive osteoarthritis is a disease that affects hand cartilage and sometimes other joints. Women, especially post-menopausal women, are affected by this disease at a rate twelve times that of men. While erosive arthritis, also known as inflammatory arthritis, can attack other joints, it’s generally the joints of the hands that suffer most of the damage.
Erosive Arthritis Symptoms
The symptoms of erosive osteoarthritis tend to be similar to rheumatoid arthritis, and, like that disease, the cause of erosive arthritis is unknown. Most commonly, the patient will feel a sudden onset of pain and swelling, and the hands can be tender. The joints of the fingertips and knuckles generally bear the brunt of the disease.
If symptoms do occur, a doctor will be able to determine if the patient has erosive osteoarthritis by taking X-rays of the joints themselves. Small hand joints of patients with this disease tend to be enlarged and uneven, although it seldom affects the wrist. Knobs can even form if treatment is not sought.
Erosive Arthritis Medications
While severe erosive arthritis can lead to hand deformity, there are many forms of treatment that have shown to be effective with erosive arthritis. These include the following medications:
- Acetaminophen
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen
- Narcotic and non-narcotic pain medications, including prednisone
- Hydroxychloroquine has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated
Physical therapy has also been effective in helping patients regain muscle strength and movement within the joints. Exercise and a good diet also improve the chances of better mobility. Natural remedies include glucosamine and hyaluronic acid nutritional supplements. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
As people get older, they can develop all types of arthritis. Research indicates that poor diet and health, along with genetics, are factors that lead to the development of arthritis.
