What Causes Progressive Swelling And Pain In Hands And Fingers?

I am 54 years old, in the last 5 years I have noticed a progressive transformation in my hands, my fingers are swollen and painful, changes in the shape of some of my fingers means I cannot write or hold things properly anymore in fact my whole right hand seemed to be deformed. My GP said there is not cure and called it " tear and wear". I would like to know more about this condition, if there is any treatment and what are the factors that can contribute to it.Thank you