Question: This winter I shoveled the snow off our driveway. A couple of days later I began having severe pain in my little finger on one hand. The first joint of that finger remains swollen (over a month later) and painful, especially in the morning. I am a 53-year-old woman in otherwise good health. Do these symptoms sound like arthritis?

Answer: Although I would need to personally examine you to know for sure, it does sound like you may have a painful condition called osteoarthritis. This is the most common form of arthritis and is sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD). Also, I know doctors who informally call it “wear and tear” arthritis.

The incidence of osteoarthritis (OA) increases with age, and more than 70 percent of those over 40 years old have it to some degree. While we commonly see osteoarthritis in the weight-bearing joints -- like the hips, knees and feet, it is also not uncommon in the hands. In many cases, OA develops as a result of persistent overuse of a joint. Acute or chronic trauma can also lead to the development of OA. Obesity is often a contributing cause as well. In younger age groups, men are more likely to have OA, but after age 45 women take the lead.

To explain a little more about osteoarthritis, I first need to give you a very quick anatomy lesson about joints. One could define a joint as the place where two (or more) bones come together. Usually, at these junctions each bone is covered with a slippery substance called cartilage. This cartilage is bathed in a special lubricant known synovial fluid.

OA results when the cartilage wears away, spurs grow on the ends of the bones and the body tries to compensate by producing extra synovial fluid. Together, these processes can lead to pain, swelling and loss of motion in the affected joint.

In the hands, OA affects primarily the end and middle joint of the fingers and the base of the thumb. Bulges or swellings called “nodes” develop on these joints, and the fingers can become enlarged and stiff or numb. It has a similar effect on the knees and hips. Stiffness in the morning or after a period of inactivity can be a sign of OA. If a joint is red or feels “hot,” it is probably NOT OA.

The treatment for OA is individualized for each patient. Getting weight under control, if needed, can be a big help. This is probably more of an issue for a person with OA in the hip, knee or ankle than for a problem in the hand; nonetheless it’s always a good idea to strive for a trim figure.

Balancing exercise and rest for the affected joint is important. When the hand is involved, as in your case, some people find wearing hand splints and resting the joint for short periods is beneficial. Range of motion and strength exercises can also be helpful, but should be managed by your physician or a physical therapist.

Pain can be managed by acetaminophen, over-the-counter ibuprofen or prescription medications. Surgery is sometimes needed to smooth out the surfaces of the cartilage. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery.

Some alternative approaches include acupuncture and nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Prior to starting any treatment, you should have your diagnosis confirmed by a health-care professional to be sure a more serious condition is not being overlooked.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701. Past columns are available online at http://www.FamilyMedicineNews.org.