Study: Chopstick Eaters Have High Rate of Hand Osteoarthitis

People who eat with chopsticks have high rates of osteoarthritis in their hands, according to a study presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando, FL.

The researchers assessed 2,507 residents of Beijing for osteoarthritis in their hands. The researchers then compared the prevalence of osteoarthritis in the hand with which they used chopsticks to the hand that did not use chopsticks.

The researchers found chopstick use to be associated with increased risk of osteoarthritis in finger joints of the thumb, the second and third joints on the first and third fingers for both sexes, and the second fingers for women.

"This study suggests that chopsticks may play a role in the development of hand osteoarthritis," said lead researcher David Hunter, assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine.

Hunter said the findings match those of other studies that have shown a high right of osteoarthritis in those who used the joints in their hands repetitively due to their occupations.

"We recommend further biomechanical research to evaluate the forces involved in chopstick use," concluded the researchers.

Other sources: American College of Rheumatology