Arthritis is a disease that attacks the tissues of the joints. Joints are where two bones meet. Arthritis can attack the lining of the joint or the cartilage, the smooth covering on the ends of bones. Eventually, the cartilage breaks down, exposing the ends of the bones, causing them to rub against each other and wear away. You have many joints in your hands, so this is a common place for arthritis to occur.
Arthritis in the hands causes pain and swelling, stiffness, and deformity. As arthritis progresses, you may not be able to use your hands to do the same daily tasks as before.
Which parts of your hands are most affected?
The four areas of your hands that are affected by arthritis are:
- The base of your thumb, where your thumb meets your wrist.
- Your knuckles.
- The middle joints of your fingers.
- The top joint of your finger that is closest to your fingernails.
Who is likely to get arthritis in the hands?
You are more likely to have arthritis in your hands if:
- You are older, osteoarthritis is common in people over 50. Rheumatoid arthritis usually first appears between the ages of 35 and 50.
- You are female.
- You are white.
- You are obese or overweight.
- You have had a previous injury to your hands. If you have dislocated or broken any joint in your hands or fingers, you are more likely to have arthritis.
- You have inherited a gene that causes arthritis.
Effective Treatments for Arthritis in Your Hands
1. Splints/Brace
Splints or braces support and protect the affected joint, reduce deformity, provide stability to the joint, reduce stress, and promote proper joint alignment. Your healthcare provider, occupational therapist, or hand therapist will discuss your splint/brace options, how and when to wear them, and how long to wear them (wearing a splint or brace for too long can weaken your muscles).
2. Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce joint pain and swelling, from different classes of medications, depending on the severity and type of arthritis you have.
Before taking any over-the-counter medications, be sure to check with your doctor, as there are risks depending on your other health conditions and/or medications.
3. Steroid injections
Steroids reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Steroids are often used if medications do not control inflammation or if inflammation is limited to a few joints. Injections are given directly into the affected joint. Because steroids can weaken tendons and ligaments, injections are only repeated a few times.
4. Other Management Strategies
A comprehensive treatment plan for hand arthritis includes the following additional approaches:
- Strengthening and stretching exercises can reduce symptoms and improve function. A hand therapist will work with you to prescribe exercises that are best suited for your hand arthritis.
- Heat and cold. Cold can help reduce pain and swelling. Heat can help reduce stiffness. Apply for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
- Rest. Regular rest can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
- Eat a healthy diet and control diabetes and cholesterol.
- Lose weight if you are obese or overweight.
- Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of arthritis.
- Occupational therapy to learn how to use self-help devices, including those that help with dressing or preparing food in the kitchen.
