Where is mcp joint

MCP joint arthritis may cause pain, loss of motion, and swelling. These changes often come on gradually and may not be noticed right away. These symptoms may feel worse when gripping or grasping, such as when turning a key or opening a jar. Patients with arthritis sometimes have weak hands and may tend to drop objects due to sudden pains. Over time, the fingers may shift toward the pinkie, which is called an ulnar drift Figure 2.

Seek urgent medical attention if there is a deep cut or puncture over a joint, especially if the joint becomes very painful or swollen, has fluid leaking out, if moving the joint is extremely painful, or if motion is very limited.

The diagnosis of arthritis is often confirmed by taking x-rays. Figure 3 is an x-ray of a hand with MP joint arthritis. The x-ray shows narrowing of the space between the bones, which is a sign that cartilage has been lost. Your doctor may also order blood tests or imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. There are many treatments available depending on the amount of pain and loss of function. Oral medication can be very helpful in relieving pain.

Sometimes steroid injections into the jointcan help. Other options include:. Hand therapy can help maintain motion and strength. If medical treatment fails, then surgery can be considered. There are many surgical options depending on the type and severity of arthritis. In medical terminology, the MCP joints are synovial joints located between the metacarpals and proximal phalanges. The metacarpals are the 5 bones located between the wrist and the fingers, including the thumb. The phalanges are the bones of the fingers, thumbs, and toes.

The MCP joints are condyloid joints that allow for movement back and forth as well as side-to-side fanning the fingers. The MCP joints can be affected by arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritic MCP joints can make it more difficult to grip or pinch items. For example, opening a jar or holding and turning a key may be challenging. On this page:. Susan Standring. Gray's Anatomy. Keith L. Moore, Arthur F. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Promoted articles advertising. Figure 1: volar view Gray's illustrations Figure 1: volar view Gray's illustrations.

Figure 2: lateral view Gray's illustrations Figure 2: lateral view Gray's illustrations. Loading more images Close Please Note: You can also scroll through stacks with your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys. Loading Stack - 0 images remaining.