Getting an early diagnosis from a rheumatologist is crucial to setting up the right treatment for hand arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis. This chronic (long-term) type of arthritis can cause pain and swelling in your hands. It will usually affect the same joints in both your hands. Polymyalgia rheumatica.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints—usually in ...