If you are over the age of 50, Caucasian, female, overweight, had hand injuries, or have relatives with arthritis, there is a good chance you may develop some arthritis in your hands.
Arthritis is a disease that attacks the tissues of the joints where the two bones meet, as well as the lining of the joint, or cartilage, which covers at the ends of the bones. As cartilage breaks down, the ends of the bones become exposed and rub against each other and wear away. Hand arthritis is common since there are so many joints in the hands.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthritis and the most common type of arthritis. When this happens, the cartilage breaks down, the ends of the bones rub together and causes pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the wrists, the joint at the base of the thumb, and the middle and top joints of the finger.
Rheumatoid arthritis, is a long term inflammatory disease that causes the joints to swell, pain, stiffness, and loss of function. It is an autoimmune disease and destroys the cartilage at the end of the bones, and the bone itself. The joints lose their shape as tendons and ligaments around the bone weaken and stretch. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the small joints of the wrist, hands and fingers and usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body.
Psoriatic arthritis affects the skin and joints. Fingers become swollen with joint pain and morning stiffness. It is similar to rheumatoid arthritis but may only involve several fingers.
Symptoms of hand arthritis include dull or burning joint pain after increased use, morning pain, stiffness of hands, or swollen joints. Chronic hand arthritis symptoms may include using hands differently, clicking when bending fingers, fingers that don’t fully open or close, bony nodules on the middle joint of fingers, or enlarged and abnormally bent finger joints, which may impact performing everyday tasks.
Diagnosis of arthritis can be determined by examination and with x-rays which show loss of bone cartilage and formation of bone spurs. A blood test for rheumatoid factor and other markers can help make the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment will depend on the type of arthritis, stage of the disease, how may joints are affected, age, activity level, and if the affected hand is the dominant hand. Treatment options include splinting/bracing, medications, injections, therapy and other non-drug options and surgery. Splints /braces support and protect the joint, keep it in alignment, and lessen the strain. Consult with your physician or occupational therapist to guide with purchase of brace/splint.
Medications may be ordered by your healthcare provide to reduce joint pain and swelling, and in the case of rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, help to prevent joint damage. For osteoarthritis, acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve symptoms. Speak with your doctor to discuss what medications are best.
Steroid injections are also used to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Injections are administered into the affected joint and can only be repeated a few times since they can weaken tendons and ligaments.
Other treatment options include strengthening and stretching exercises, hot and cold packs, rest, healthy eating, management of diabetes and cholesterol, losing weight if overweight, quitting smoking, and occupational therapy to instruct on self-help devices to assist with dressing and food preparation.
When nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief and the cartilage has worn away, surgery may be an option. The type of surgery will be determined by your doctor based on your condition.
On March 7, 2024, Thursday, from 12:30-1:30pm following the Rambling Rose meeting, St. Therese of Lisieux will host a lecture on Arthritis of the Hand, Hand Pain and Treatment Options. Fabiha Nishat, OTR from Plymouth Physical Therapy Specialists, will present.
Please RSVP for the lecture with the Parish Office Secretary at 586-254-4433 or Marilyn Cito the Parish Nurse at 586-254-4433 Ext..#320 or via email at Marilync@stol.church since a light lunch will be provided.
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