Hand Arthritis · Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hand

Pattern Overview

Blood Stasis is a chronic pattern in hand arthritis, characterized by joint deformity, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at night. The core pathogenesis is prolonged stasis of blood in the hand joint collaterals, leading to joint deformity, chronic inflammation, and persistent pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Hand Arthritis · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hand

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Bi is an acute inflammatory pattern in hand arthritis, characterized by acute synovitis, swelling, redness, and burning pain. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the hand joints, causing acute synovitis, joint effusion, and severe pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Hand Arthritis · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hand

Pattern Overview

Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a chronic degenerative pattern in hand arthritis, characterized by bone erosion, chronic ache, weakness, and aggravation with overwork. The core pathogenesis is insufficient nourishment of the hand joints by Liver Blood and Kidney Essence, leading to progressive bone erosion and joint damage.

Hand Arthritis · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hand

Pattern Overview

Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic pattern in hand arthritis, characterized by chronic degeneration, dull pain, weakness, and fatigue. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood to nourish the hand joints, leading to chronic degeneration, weakness, and impaired function.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Hand Arthritis · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hand

Pattern Overview

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in hand arthritis, characterized by rheumatoid/osteoarthritis, cold pain, stiffness, and aggravation in cold weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the hand joint meridians, causing obstruction of Qi and Blood flow and progressive joint degeneration.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Hand Arthritis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Hand

Overview

Hand arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, particularly as they age. It can be osteoarthritis (wear and tear) or rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune). Both cause pain, stiffness, and reduced function in the small joints of the hands.

The good news: TCM offers effective, non-pharmacological approaches that complement conventional care. Many patients find significant relief with acupuncture and herbal therapy.