Can You Develop Arthritis From Whisking by Hand?

Arthritis of the hand is a condition found in people of all ages. It is more common in people above the age of 50, females, overweight individuals and those with previous hand injuries like fractures. The causes of arthritis are so many, that it is sometimes difficult to attribute it to something specific. Relatively new cases of arthritis can be treated more easily, and you can take some precautionary measures to make sure that the situation does not worsen. If the disease has reached its last stage, medication might not be sufficient and you may need to opt for surgery.

For this reason, it is important to diagnose it early so that it can be treated timely and efficiently. The first step is to understand the causes of arthritis so that you can indulge in preventive measures in the initial stages. We have discussed the most common ones below.

Genetics

Genetics is one of the most common causes of arthritis, and sadly, something you can’t do anything about. If your mother, father or siblings have arthritis, there is a high chance that you will get it too. As mentioned above, arthritis is more common in females and in people older than 50, so if you start early on, you can prevent or at least lessen the intensity of the disease. Obesity can also be a cause of hand arthritis, though it more commonly causes osteoarthritis in the knee and hip joints. The early signs of arthritis include stiffness and pain in your hand joints. If you notice these, do not ignore them and consult a doctor immediately.

Repetitive Hand Movements

There is a lot of debate on whether repetitive hand movements like whisking by hand can cause arthritis or not. Even though the answer is not definitive, it has been found that people with jobs that require repetitive hand movements are more likely to develop arthritis of the hand than others. Such jobs can include hairdressing, clothing manufacturers and baking. If you are a baker and are still using a whisk to mix your cake batters and whipped cream, it is high time you stop. This is especially necessary if you are nearing the age of 40 or 50 and are a female. 

Whisking by hand can put a lot of pressure on your knuckles and joints, causing them to hurt. If you notice that you get tired in less time and the pain has begun to sharpen, you should consult a doctor immediately. Even if you are diagnosed with arthritis, it does not mean that you can no longer bake. There are several products available in the market which can make the job easier for you. A hand mixer will whisk your cookie or cake batter better than your hand, and all you will need to do is hold it in place. Also, make sure that all the tools you use are ergonomic and come with proper grips and non-slip handles to make them easy to use even with painful or deformed joints.

Hand Trauma

Hand trauma is another common cause of arthritis of the hand. If you have ever fractured a bone or dislocated a joint in your hand, your chances of developing arthritis over the years increase. This is especially true if you have had surgery. The symptoms of arthritis can appear even several years after the trauma, so you should start preparing early on. Avoid repetitive hand movements and do not lift a lot of weight. Always keep a lookout for symptoms and consult your doctor immediately if you notice any.

To conclude, it can be said that whisking by hand can cause arthritis, especially if it is part of your daily job. It is not a necessity though. The fact of the matter is that some people will not develop arthritis even if they suffer from all the risk factors.