During hand palpation, which joints should be palpated and encircled?

• A. MCP, PIP & DIP joints
• B. Elbow joint
• C. Carpal joints only
• D. Wrist joint only

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to assess the joints most involved in hand arthritis by palpating the finger joints to detect swelling, warmth, tenderness, or deformities. You should encircle and palpate the finger joints at the base of each finger (the metacarpophalangeal joints) as well as the joints between the finger segments (the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints). These joints are the primary sites where inflammatory or degenerative changes appear in the hand, so examining all of them provides a clear view of joint involvement and disease activity.

The elbow and wrist/carpal joints are important in a broader hand–wrist exam, but the question focuses on the joints of the fingers. Palpating the MCPs, PIPs, and DIPs specifically targets the joints most commonly evaluated for hand arthritis, such as RA or OA, and allows you to compare symmetry and identify which joints are affected.