- Injury to the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or cartilage can cause osteoarthritis
- Genetics and family history
- Repetitive tasks like repetitive jobs in a trade
- High use of steroids throughout lifespan
- Diseases of joint cartilage
At the end of our bones, there is a smooth surface covered in cartilage, which allows the bones to slide freely over one another as we move. This articular cartilage can be damaged during an injury or it can wear down, or degenerate, over time as we age. The most common places for osteoarthritis include the knees, hips, and hands, particularly the thumb Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.
Numerous muscles, ligaments, tendons, and sheaths can be found within the hand. The muscles are the structures that can contract, allowing movement of the bones in the hand. The ligaments are fibrous tissues that help bind together the joints in the hand. The sheaths are tubular structures that surround part of the fingers. The tendons connect muscles in the arm or hand to the bone to allow movement.