Arthritis Treatment for Hands

Arthritis, as you may already know it, is a general term that is used to refer to the condition wherein, a joint or joints of the body become inflamed. Now there are multiple types of this disorder, and one of them is, what is known as osteoarthritis. This is the most common form of arthritis, wherein, the protective cushioning between the joints start wearing out with time. It is a chronic condition, whose cure does not exist. Here we would speak of the condition of degenerative arthritis in hands, also known as hand osteoarthritis.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is pain in the joints. This may be accompanied by skin rash and swelling. Some people might have fever as well, and they could notice certain changes in the affected joints. Another classic symptom of the condition is a crunchy sound which may arise as the joint moves. Some patients have reported the formation of mucous cysts at the end of the fingers.

In some cases, the causes cannot be determined by experts. However, doctors assume that a combination of certain factors contribute to the development of arthritis in hands and elsewhere in the body. These may include normal aging process, weakness in the muscles, being overweight, stress, injury to the joints, or heredity factors.

Treatment

Although there isn't any cure for hand osteoarthritis, there are several treatment methods which help reduce the pain and improve joint movements. The main aim of the treatment is to enable the affected person to be able to perform his/her daily tasks.

• Acetaminophen is prescribed for people who experience mild to moderate pan
• Even over-the-counter drugs are involved in the treatment. These drugs not only manage the pain but also serve to reduce the inflammation of the affected joint. These drugs may also be prescribed, but in stronger dosage
• Another drug that helps in managing arthritis in hands is the analgesic tramadol. It manages short-term attacks
• People who suffer from severe pain, are prescribed strong pain killer such as codeine
• Some people could be prescribed with corticosteroids. These are steroid drugs work well when all other medications don't

Apart from these, patients may be recommended to undergo physical therapy. One part of such therapy involves working with a physical therapist to perform dedicated exercises for muscle strengthening, increasing range of motion and pain reduction. Patients also benefit by working with an occupational therapist, who helps in coming up with ways and means, which would reduce stress on the already painful areas. Other methods include using medical devices that are designed to reduce chronic pain. Surgery may also come into the picture when pain goes beyond the tolerable limit.

Apart from medical treatment, most people have also found relief by putting into use a few self-care measures at home. These include:

• Regular and proper application of heat and cold therapy. Applying heat helps in reducing stiffness in the joints, and for reducing inflammation cold therapy does the trick. For heat therapy, you can use a heating pad, a hot water bottle or even a warm bath (and not hot bath) will do. This has to be done for about 20 minutes, several times a day. For cold treatments, ice packs do well. However, if your hands have poor circulation or numbness, then it is better not to use cold therapy
• Soak your aching hands in warm water mixed with a spoonful of Epsom salt. The warmth of the water, and the salt would work to reduce the pain
• Some people also find relief by using herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties. These herbs can be taken in the form of tea, or they can be also availed in capsulated forms. Some common herbs which also help reduce arthritis pain are meadowsweet, birch, devil's claw and willow

Considering there is no cure for arthritis, following measures such as the above ones, does provide a great deal of help in improving the quality of life.