Do I have arthritis or Osteoarthritis

Dear Ask The Doctor: Both of my thumbs are sore to move them . the joints closest to the wrist ache all the time. with sharp pains occasionally. I use my thumbs alot. is this a sign of arthitis

Dear Linda: While osteoarthritis can damage any joint in your body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, neck, lower back, knees and hips. Sore joints in the fingers may be caused by arthritis, inflammation, and age-related wear and tear. Depending on the cause, your pain may be short term and disappear quickly, or it may develop slowly over weeks or months. A complete physical examination. blood-work and imaging studies like x-ray of the hand and wrist and CT will help in the diagnosis.