If you find your hands are in pain or you’re struggling to grip something, you may have arthritis in your hands. It can be painful, can prevent you from working, and can be frustrating, but we have some good news.
There are some treatment for arthritis in hands that can relieve and prevent your pain. So, if you’re suffering from arthritis in the hands, read on to find out how you can start to treat your pain and keep your hands from suffering.
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Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often used in the treatment of arthritis in the hands. Physical therapists are trained to assess the range of motion, strength, and endurance of the hands, wrists, and fingers.
They can design exercises to increase flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce swelling in the hands. They can also teach techniques for proper body mechanics and joint protection, which can help reduce the pain caused by arthritis.
Medications
Medications are a mainstay of medical treatment for arthritis in the hands and are used to help alleviate pain and restore mobility. The primary types of medications used to treat arthritis of the hands include:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- corticosteroids
- disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- and small molecule drugs (SMDs)
NSAIDs decrease inflammation and reduce pain but may cause ulcers or other gastrointestinal side effects. Corticosteroids are used for severe cases of hand arthritis that do not respond to NSAIDs and can be taken orally or injected directly into the affected joints.
DMARDs work by modifying the immune system and can reduce inflammation but can take months to work. SMDs are a newer class of medications that may be prescribed for severe hand arthritis but have not been widely studied yet.
A combination of drug therapies is most commonly used to manage hand arthritis, and it is important to discuss all options with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
Proper Posture and Ergonomic Adjustments
Arthritis in the hands can be incredibly painful and limiting. To help reduce medical problems and symptoms and maintain mobility, proper posture, and ergonomic adjustments should be considered.
This way, your hands are in a position that can reduce strain on them—keeping them in an appropriate resting position at a desk or computer can help.
Joint Protection
Joint protection is an important part of living with arthritis in the hands. Ensuring you are taking care of your hands can help to minimize symptoms and prevent further joint damage.
This includes doing a range of motion exercises to help keep your hands limber and avoid tightness in your fingers, using aids like saddles and splints to avoid joint strain, and wearing supportive gloves during activities.
Consulting with the best orthopedic is the best way to determine the optimal treatment plan for arthritis in the hands.
Learn All About the Treatment for Arthritis in Hands
Overall, it is important to understand the most effective treatment for arthritis in hands. With the right steps, you can reduce the symptoms and pain associated with arthritis.
If you are currently suffering from this type of arthritis, be sure to speak to your doctor to create a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
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