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Do you have persistent pain or discomfort in your hands and wrists?
Arthritis affects millions worldwide, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Since we use our hands and wrist joints so often, regular wear and tear can make them especially susceptible to arthritis, which can interfere with daily tasks and activities.
In this guide, we will provide practical information on arthritis of the hand and wrist, including its definition, diagnosis, and effective treatment options.
With the knowledge and tools necessary to manage symptoms, you can improve daily function and enhance your overall quality of life so that arthritis doesn’t keep you from doing the things you enjoy.
When exploring treatment or how to prevent arthritis in the hands and wrists, it’s crucial to understand the condition and its impact on joint health.
Arthritis is a common disease that leads to discomfort, inflammation, reduced mobility, and joint deformity. Various types of arthritis can affect the hand and wrist, each with distinct causes and symptoms. The most common types include:
Symptoms of hand and wrist arthritis can vary depending on the type and severity. Pain is commonly one of the main symptoms and is often worsened by movement in the affected joints. Everyday activities like writing or gardening may trigger pain or discomfort, limiting your desire to do those activities.
Symptoms specific to the hands include inflammation, swelling, finger joint pain, knuckle pain, limited range of motion, erosion of bones, cartilage loss, tendon rupture, or other orthopedic issues that can visibly affect the appearance of the structures and bones of the hand and wrist.
A combination of factors can contribute to the development of arthritis, including:
While there is no single definitive cause of arthritis, it is considered incurable but manageable with simple lifestyle exercise and lifestyle strategies. We aim to provide accurate and reliable information to empower you to manage your arthritis self-care practice effectively.
As we delve deeper into this practical guide, we will explore effective treatment strategies and lifestyle modifications that can help alleviate symptoms and enhance your well-being.
If you suspect you may have arthritis in your hands and wrists, seeking a proper diagnosis is important. A doctor can confirm this condition through medical history assessment, physical examination, and imaging tests.
Early detection and treatment of hand and wrist arthritis are crucial to prevent further joint damage, deformity, and disability. Imaging tests play a key role in diagnosing and evaluating the extent of joint damage in hand and wrist arthritis.
Standard imaging tests include X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans. These tests provide detailed images of the bones and soft tissues within the joints, helping to confirm the presence of arthritis and assess its severity.
While pain in the hands and wrists is commonly due to arthritis, it’s always best to talk to your doctor to get the best possible treatment.
If you’re in pain and seeking fast relief, heat and cold therapy help. These simple tools can offer soothing relief when you experience pain and stiffness in your hands and wrists.
Heat therapy relaxes muscles and improves blood flow, while cold therapy can help to reduce inflammation. You can use heating pads, ice packs, paraffin wax baths, or therapeutic gloves.
Remember to follow safety guidelines and pay attention to any precautions specific to your condition.
To apply heat or cold therapy effectively, keep the following in mind:
Engaging in stretches and exercises can significantly improve the range of motion, muscle strength, and joint function in your hands and wrists.
Note: The following exercises are generalizations that may be helpful for some types of arthritis. Specific exercises may be recommended based on the type of arthritis you have, so consulting a physical therapist for guidance is always a good idea.
Here are a few exercises that can make a difference for your hands and wrists:
Engage in activities like walking, swimming, or cycling to increase your heart rate and blood circulation without exerting excessive stress on your joints. These activities can reduce inflammation, improve oxygen delivery, enhance mood, and promote weight loss.
Research has shown that combining exercise with Kinesio taping techniques can enhance their effectiveness. Your physical therapist can assist with the proper placement and tension of the tape, leading to improved outcomes and reduced pain. [5]
(If you need to become more familiar with kinesiotape, look at this article to learn more about this method and how it might be helpful for you.)
Splints and braces can be very helpful when your joints require extra support. These devices restrict excessive movement, alleviate pain and inflammation, and stabilize your wrist and finger joints.
Everybody is different, so it’s important to select the correct size device, wear them correctly, and use them only as necessary. Talk to your physical therapist to get correctly fitted for a brace.
Several types of splints and braces are available, including:
Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider for the proper use of a splint or brace, and regularly examine it for wear and tear. Remove the splint or brace periodically to allow your skin to breathe and prevent moisture buildup.
If you’re open to trying alternative therapies, some options may relieve hand and wrist arthritis. Before attempting these therapies, it’s essential to understand the evidence and potential risks associated with them.
Alternative therapies stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, enhance the mind-body connection, or promote relaxation and comfort.
This practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture can help relieve pain by stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, as well as promoting the release of endorphins.
By applying pressure or vibration to soft tissues in the body, massage therapy can help reduce aches and pains. It improves blood circulation, reduces muscle tension, and can help to mediate pain for arthritic joints.
When conservative measures are not working, injections can deliver medication directly into the hand or wrist joints, targeting pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.
The two most common injections for hand and wrist arthritis are corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections.
These contain potent anti-inflammatory medication. When injected directly into the affected joint, injections relieve pain and decrease swelling. However, their effects are temporary, typically lasting a few months, and repeated injections may be necessary.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid that acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. These injections aim to replenish diminished hyaluronic acid in the joint, reducing pain, improving joint movement, and relieving arthritis symptoms.
Multiple injections over several weeks may be required, and results can vary.
Medications are often crucial in managing pain associated with hand and wrist arthritis.
From over-the-counter pain relievers to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis, a range of options is available. It is essential to work closely with your doctor to find the proper medication and dosage that suit your needs.
Different types of medications used for arthritis pain in the hands and wrists include:
Before using any medication, it is vital to consult your doctor and follow their instructions on proper and safe usage.
In severe cases of arthritis where other treatments have not been helpful, surgery may be considered a last resort. Surgical procedures can help restore function and reduce pain when conservative measures have been exhausted.
Before deciding on surgery, it is important to thoroughly discuss the benefits, risks, and potential complications of surgery with your healthcare provider.
Surgical options for arthritis include:
This minimally invasive surgery involves inserting a thin tube with a camera and instruments into the joint through small incisions. It can be used for diagnostic purposes and to treat joint problems such as inflammation, infection, loose bodies, or cartilage damage.
This procedure involves joining two bones within the joint using screws, plates, or wires. Joint fusion improves stability by eliminating excessive movement and friction in the joint. It can also help correct deformities or contractures by aligning the bones properly.
This surgery entails removing the damaged or diseased parts of the joint and replacing them with artificial components. Joint replacement can reduce pain and improve joint function by restoring smoothness and mobility.
Prevention is always preferable to treatment. Regarding hand and wrist arthritis, specific lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay its onset or progression.
Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in joint-friendly exercises, protecting your hands from injuries, and managing stress are all ways to care for your joints. It is always possible to incorporate these changes into your daily life and prioritize the well-being of your hands and wrists.
Smoking reduces blood flow to the joints, while alcohol hampers calcium and vitamin D absorption, both crucial for bone and cartilage health.
Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake can improve blood circulation and enhance bone density, delaying the onset of arthritis. These behaviors have been proven to cause a number of health problems, so moderation is beneficial regardless of your health status.
Several conditions can mimic the symptoms of arthritis in the hands and wrists. These include carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, tendonitis, and other repetitive stress injuries. Other systemic diseases, such as lupus or gout, can cause similar symptoms. Getting a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is essential to ensure the right treatment approach.
Arthritis in the hands and wrists can affect grip strength, fine motor skills, and overall joint mobility, limiting participation in hobbies and sports. Activities requiring precise hand movements, such as playing a musical instrument, knitting, or golfing, may become more challenging. However, with proper management strategies such as using assistive devices, modifying activities, and engaging in appropriate exercises, many people with arthritis can continue to enjoy their hobbies and sports.
Long-term use of braces or splints can sometimes lead to issues such as skin irritation, muscle atrophy due to lack of use, or joint stiffness from reduced mobility. Some people may also develop a dependency on these devices. It’s important to use these devices as advised by a healthcare professional and continue strengthening and mobility exercises as part of a balanced treatment plan.
Some people with arthritis report that their symptoms worsen in cold, damp weather or when atmospheric pressure changes, such as before a storm. The exact reason for this isn’t clear, but it might be due to changes in barometric pressure affecting the pressure inside the joints. However, this varies significantly from person to person, and not everyone with arthritis is affected by weather or climate changes.
When choosing between alternative therapies and conventional treatments, consider factors such as the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, the potential side effects or risks of the treatments, and your preferences. Discussing these options with your healthcare provider is essential, as some alternative therapies can interact with conventional medications or may not be suitable in some cases.
Yes, many support groups and resources are available for people with arthritis. Organizations like the Arthritis Foundation offer resources, educational materials, and connections to local support groups. Online communities and forums can also support and advise people experiencing similar challenges. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers can also provide valuable resources and strategies for managing life with arthritis.
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