The hands are our most important tools: As soon as they stop functioning properly, we can no longer manage our everyday lives in the usual way. The certainty of being able to do things independently at any time drains away. The whole life changes – optimism and joy of life are suffering.
Often, most rheumatism patients are affected by changes in the hands and fingers already in the early stages of the disease: Joint pain and swelling, limited mobility, and lack of strength are commonly observed. In patients with rheumatism of the hand, the function of the fingers is severely impaired. Pain and the concomitant experience of being increasingly dependent on outside help create a high level of suffering.