Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in the proximal interphalangeal joints of fingers and leads to severe deformity and disability of the hands. The thumb is often drawn into flexion and adduction. The fingers tend to deviate toward the ulnar side. The individual digits may develop deformities and severe restriction of function. The metacarpophalangeal joints and their surrounding structures are particularly vulnerable to destruction by rheumathoid arthritis.

AIS may help to relieve and restore wrist and hand postures.