The hands are a part of the body that works almost non-stop throughout a person’s life. However, this constant movement makes the hands, especially the small joints in the hands and fingers, vulnerable to damage over time
Hand arthritis can occur at any age, especially in people who regularly work with their hands or have problems related to bones, joints, tendonitis or degeneration. The pain can be dull or sharp, making movement difficult and significantly affecting daily activities.
In many cases, if the pain is not severe, you can completely apply supportive measures at home to relieve symptoms and improve motor function.
Causes of hand arthritis
There are many causes of hand arthritis, and determining the correct cause is the first step in choosing the appropriate treatment. Common causes include:
- Age-related joint degeneration: This is the most common cause, especially in people over 50 years old. The cartilage that protects the joint gradually wears away, leading to inflammation and pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the joints, usually starting between the ages of 30–50 and tends to affect the joints symmetrically.
- Tendonitis, minor injuries or repetitive hand movements: People who work in offices, type a lot, or hold tools constantly are often prone to this condition.
- Incorrect hand posture: Incorrect posture when working, sleeping or carrying heavy objects can also put pressure on the hand joints, causing pain and inflammation.
Effective home remedies for hand arthritis
1. Cold compress
When the hand joints are inflamed, the swelling can make you feel sore and difficult to move. Cold compresses are a popular, easy-to-do anti-inflammatory method that can be applied almost anytime. Cold temperatures help constrict blood vessels, reduce blood flow to the inflamed area, thereby effectively reducing swelling and pain.
How to do it:
Put ice cubes in a compress bag or wrap it in a clean cloth, then gently apply it to the painful joint area for 15–20 minutes. It should be repeated every 3–4 hours a day, especially after manual activities for best results.
2. Gentle exercise
Many people think that when the joint is painful, they should rest completely, but this is only partly true. Being immobile for too long can make the joint stiff and weaker. Simple, gentle, painless exercises will help blood circulate better, prevent muscle and tendon atrophy, thereby improving motor function.
Exercise suggestions:
- Clench your fist and slowly stretch it out, repeat 10–15 times.
- Rotate your wrist clockwise and then counterclockwise.
- Squeeze a soft rubber ball for a few minutes every day.
These exercises should be done slowly, in a controlled manner and stopped immediately if the pain increases.
3. Massage properly
Massage is a traditional but extremely effective method of relaxing muscles and reducing pain. For hand joints, gentle massage can help increase blood circulation, reduce stiffness and support natural anti-inflammation.
How to do it:
- Use your thumb and other fingertips to massage the painful joint in a circular motion.
- You can use a little warm olive oil or coconut oil to increase the relaxation effect.
- Do it for 5–10 minutes every day, ideally in the evening before going to bed.
Note: Avoid pressing too hard or massaging when the joint is unusually swollen. In these cases, rest and apply cold compresses before performing the massage.
