Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder with difficulty grasping and holding things being a key early sign of hand OA. If you are having pain and stiffness in your hands, read further to learn the most common triggers of hand osteoarthritis and how to get relief.
Symptoms of Hand OA
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which can affect any joint in your body. With hand OA, the symptoms include an achy feeling in the hands, stiffness, difficulty moving your fingers, and a weak grip.
OA can affect your wrist, the basilar joint connecting your wrist to your thumb, fingertips and middle knuckles. As the disease progresses, your joints can become deformed.
Common Triggers Of Hand Osteoarthritis
The Weather
Yes, the weather can cause a flare up of OA in your hands. Although no one really knows why, changes in temperature and humidity plus barometric pressure seem to affect certain people.
Time Of Day
Early morning hours seem to trigger the stiffness and pain of hand osteoarthritis.
Aging
Getting older is a common risk factor for all arthritis and especially hand osteoarthritis. “Wear and tear” and the more you use your hands over time can cause degeneration of the joint and cartilage.
Family History
Family history of OA or a past hand injury can all contribute to development of hand osteoarthritis. This is especially true of fractures near a joint.
How To Get Relief From Hand Osteoarthritis
It is impossible to reverse or even slow down the progression of hand osteoarthritis, but you can get some relief and manage flare-ups.
- OTC medications and anti-inflammatory drugs like Aleve, Tylenol, and Advil in pill form or as an ointment or cream can help. Be sure to discuss your usage with Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas.
- Injections of cortisone can provide some relief for weeks or even months.
- Using hot and cold therapy is helpful for some people. Use ice for sore fingers to reduce swelling and inflammation. Warm compresses can work for joints that are not inflamed.
- Change the amount of stress you put on your hands. Use ergonomic tools to open jars and bottles. Carry shopping bags with your forearm instead of your hands. Reduce the amount of time you spend on handheld devices.
- Physical therapy and hand exercises can help to strengthen muscles.
If you are having pain and stiffness in your hand, contact Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas for an evaluation and for other ways to get relief from hand osteoarthritis.
As always, if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call (713) 322-0054 today!
