If you have arthritis, your health care professional may recommend hand exercises to help you improve joint flexibility and range of motion. Hand osteoarthritis is swelling and irritation — called inflammation — that causes pain and stiffness in the joints of your hands. It happens when the connective tissue (cartilage) at the ends of your bones wears away. However, you can usually manage mild to moderate symptoms with a combination of medication and non-medication approaches. Surgery may be an option if other treatments fail or the arthritis in your hands is severe. Your healthcare provider will explain what outcome you can expect for your type and severity of arthritis, your age, other existing medical conditions and other factors.
Arthritis in the hands can be a debilitating condition that affects one’s ability to perform daily tasks. Whether it is osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form of the disease, finding effective treatment options is crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Accurately diagnosing hand arthritis can be complicated, so having a physical examination cannot always provide enough information. We can recommend an X-ray so we can pinpoint the hand arthritis and identify what stage it is in. Post-traumatic arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that occurs after a joint injury, but because arthritis develops gradually, it is hard to pinpoint when the condition began. About 10% of people develop hereditary arthritis in the joints of the fingertips, also called the distal interphalangeal joints.
In many cases, a battery of medications can now successfully stymy the inflammatory cells that cause swelling and pain when they infiltrate tissues around the joints. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy and weight management. A physical therapist will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment to help improve your mobility.
Talk with your doctor to find out if these implants are right for you. An expert called a hand therapist can show you exercises and ways to do everyday tasks. For example, instead of carrying grocery bags with your hands, you might carry them over your forearm.
Make sure you are guided by a doctor or physical therapist on the right way to use a splint or brace and for how long. If you use one for too long, it can cause muscle weakness. The pain might become constant and sharper, and the stiffness could keep you from bending your finger joints all the way. Rheumatoid arthritis is usually caused by an autoimmune disorder such as lupus. Your immune system attacks the tissues in your body, including those in the joints of your hands, and causes painful swelling.
Diabetes can also trigger inflammation which can cause cartilage loss. A bone spur is a hardened area of bone that attaches itself to the joint. Also, the capsule around the joint can thicken and enlarge. Learn whether dietary choices can help manage arthritis here. It is not always possible to prevent arthritis, but avoiding certain risk factors may offer protection in some cases.
In other joints, the limitations of the fusion are obvious and challenging, possibly affecting quality of life. Steroids are usually used if medications don’t manage the inflammation or if the inflammation is limited to a few joints. Injections are administered directly into the affected joint. Because steroids can weaken tendons and ligaments, injections are repeated only a few times.
Is there any meaningful treatment for arthritis in the hands?
Medication
Anti-inflammatory medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis in the hands.
Corticosteroids: These medications can be injected directly into the affected joints to provide relief from pain and swelling.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): For individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, DMARDs can slow down the progression of the disease and prevent joint damage.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve strength and range of motion in the hands, making it easier to perform daily activities.
Exercises such as stretching, gripping, and strengthening can be tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.
Splinting
Wearing splints can help support the affected joints and reduce pain during activities that aggravate arthritis symptoms.
Splints can also help maintain proper alignment of the joints, preventing further damage.
Surgery
In severe cases where conservative treatments have not provided relief, surgery may be considered.
Procedures such as joint replacement or fusion can help improve function and reduce pain in the hands.
Lifestyle Changes
Managing weight, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying active can all play a role in managing arthritis symptoms.
Avoiding activities that put strain on the hands and using assistive devices can also help alleviate discomfort.
While there is no cure for arthritis in the hands, a combination of these treatment options can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. It is important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the specific needs and goals of each individual.
