Living with osteoarthritis in your hands can make simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt or holding a cup, very hard. This condition causes pain, stiffness, and trouble moving your joints. It can affect everyday activities. With the right care, you can manage hand osteoarthritis symptoms and feel better.
This article will explain the best treatment for osteoarthritis in your hands.
What are the Symptoms and Causes of Hand Osteoarthritis?
Hand osteoarthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage in your joints wears away over time. Without this cushion, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
You might see bony bumps near the joints or feel a grinding sensation when you move your fingers.
This condition often affects the base of the thumb, the joint near the fingertip, and the middle joint of the fingers.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain, especially when gripping, pinching, or writing
- Swelling and tenderness in the joints
- Trouble moving your fingers fully
- Bony bumps or lumps around the joints
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis in Hands
Let’s look at the different options for treatment for osteoarthritis of the hand.
1. Medications for Pain Relief
For many people, the first step is to manage pain. You can use over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or NSAIDs. NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These can help reduce pain and swelling, but they do not fix the joint damage.
If your pain is worse, your doctor might suggest stronger options. These could include creams with capsaicin or prescription NSAIDs. These creams can give relief directly to the painful area without needing to take pills.
2. Joint-Friendly Exercise Programs
Exercise might sound counterintuitive when joints ache. However, targeted hand exercises can help maintain your range of motion and strengthen surrounding muscles. A physical therapist can guide you through hand-stretching and strengthening routines.
Examples of exercises include:
- Thumb flexion: Bend your thumb toward your palm and hold for a few seconds.
- Finger lifts: Place your hands flat and lift each finger one by one.
- Fist stretches: Slowly form a fist and then release, extending your fingers outward each time.
Consistency with these exercises can help reduce stiffness and maintain joint mobility.
3. Heat and Cold Therapy
When pain flares up, alternating between heat and cold therapy can offer significant relief. Apply a warm pack to relax stiff muscles and joints.
Cold packs, on the other hand, can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Use heat for about 15 minutes or cold therapy for around 10 minutes. Be sure to wrap the pack in a soft cloth to avoid direct contact with your skin.
4. Splints and Supports for Stability
Hand splints or braces offer additional stability. They are especially helpful during repetitive tasks that exacerbate symptoms.
These devices can protect your joints from overuse while promoting proper alignment.
Do you find tasks like typing, cooking, or lifting becoming more painful? If so, incorporating a splint could make a difference.
Custom-made splints, tailored by an occupational therapist, provide the most effective support.
5. Dietary Changes and Supplements
Certain foods can help support joint health. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, like salmon and mackerel, into your diet.
Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries and spinach, may reduce inflammation.
Some patients also benefit from supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. However, always discuss supplements with your doctor first to ensure they are safe for your condition.
6. Cortisone or Hyaluronic Acid Injection Therapy
Doctors often recommend injection therapy when other treatments are not providing sufficient relief. Cortisone injections reduce inflammation directly in the joint.
Alternatively, hyaluronic acid injections act as a lubricant, making movement less painful.
These treatments are not permanent. However, they can offer substantial relief for several months and be repeated as necessary.
7. Surgery as a Last Resort
When other treatments fail to provide relief and daily activities remain challenging, surgery may help.
Procedures include:
- Joint fusion or arthrodesis to eliminate joint movement and decrease pain
- Joint replacement surgery, where damaged joint parts are replaced with artificial components
Surgical approaches are considered after careful evaluation of your joint condition.
How to Find the Best Orthopedic Specialist for Your Treatment
Having a trusted orthopedic specialist by your side can make a significant difference in your treatment. Here are tips for finding the right professional:
Confirm Their Expertise
Look for a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon. Consider someone with specific experience treating hand osteoarthritis.
Evaluate Their Reputation
Check reviews and recommendations. Testimonials from other patients can provide valuable insights into the quality of care.
Seek a Comfortable Environment
A reputable clinic will provide exhaustive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. They will also foster a welcoming atmosphere.
You should feel confident in your care provider’s expertise.
Orthopedic Doctors in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee
Osteoarthritis in the hands can feel limiting. However, the right care can empower you to perform daily tasks without discomfort. From medications to strengthening exercises and advanced treatment options, there is hope. There are several options for treatment for osteoarthritis of the hands.
If pain continues to interfere with your life, professional care may be the solution you need. At Watauga Orthopaedics, our trusted specialists are dedicated to restoring comfort for you. Call us today at (423) 282-9011 to schedule an appointment for expert care you can trust. Take the first step toward better joint health with Watauga Orthopaedics.
The top orthopedic doctors look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7082-arthritis-of-the-wrist-and-hand
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5599-osteoarthritis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351930
