Osteoarthritis of the hand
হাতের অস্টিওআর্থ্রাইটিস
This information is for people who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hand (OA hand).
Anyone with new or ongoing symptoms should contact a healthcare professional for assessment and diagnosis.
Read more about self-managing wrist, hand, finger and thumb problems.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (also known as OA) is caused by changes in the cartilage covering the ends of the bones within the joints. The cartilage becomes thin and rough, which can make joint movement difficult.
OA can also develop after trauma to the affected joint.
Most people are able to control the symptoms of OA so that it doesn't interfere with normal activities.
Read more about OA.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Diagnosis
How is osteoarthritis of the hand diagnosed?
If your hand has been hurting for a while and isn't working the way it used to, it's worth talking to a healthcare professional about it. They can tell you whether you need further tests or treatment, or whether this is something you can manage on your own at home.
When you see them, they'll usually start by asking you questions about the problem you've been having with your hand. After that, they'll examine your hand directly, which often includes checking how far you can move your joints and how strong your grip and fingers are.
Sometimes they'll want to run further tests as well, mainly to make sure it isn't some other health condition causing your symptoms.
Treatment
Treating and managing osteoarthritis of the hand
There are a number of ways to manage the symptoms of OA hand.
Arthritis affects everyone in a different way. Symptoms can change from day to day. There are many ways to maintain a good quality of life when living with arthritis.
Arthritis UK has everyday tips for living with arthritis
Fatigue is a common symptom of arthritis. It can make other symptoms like pain and joint stiffness feel worse
Arthritis UK has information on managing fatigue.
Positioning
There are a number of ways to change the way you use your hands while doing common tasks. Changing your hand position can help:
- make tasks easier
- reduce pressure in the area
- reduce pain
Arthritis UK have information on how to look after your joints
Exercise
It’s important to keep the joints moving and strong. This may help reduce pain and inflammation.
Exercises can help to improve your hand posture. They may also make it easier to do your day-to-day activities.
Exercises for OA hand
Splinting
A splint may be advised by your healthcare professional. Splints help support the thumb or fingers to manage your symptoms.
You may need to use a splint during the day when carrying out repetitive activities. It’s not advised to wear this all the time. You may only need to use this for a few weeks in order to settle the symptoms.
Speak to your healthcare professional to get more information about splints and supports for your hand.
Arthritis UK have information on splinting
Aids and adaptations
Arthritis UK have advice on using certain aids or adaptations to help with activities.
Managing pain
Pain medication can help you move more comfortably, which can help manage your symptoms.
The most effective painkiller for this condition is a gel containing ibuprofen that is rubbed into the skin.
More about taking painkillers
Corticosteroid injections
Occasionally corticosteroid injections are considered, if other treatment options aren’t working.
Corticosteroids are medicines that help reduce pain and inflammation. They are used to help with the pain in the short term. There is no evidence of long-term benefit.
Read more about corticosteroids
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be an option if all other treatment options have been tried.
If you’re considered for surgery, your surgeon will go through the benefits and potential complications with you.
Examples of this include:
- joint replacement
- joint fusion
Work
It’s recommended you stay at or return to work as quickly as possible during your recovery, however, you may need to modify your everyday duties. This should be discussed with your employer.
You don’t need to be pain and symptom free to return to work.
Versus Arthritis has more information on arthritis and work
Help and support
Following this advice, your symptoms should become easier to manage.
If you’re struggling to manage your symptoms, or they are worse, within 12 weeks of following this advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional.
Find out how to access MSK services in your area.
When dealing with any health condition it’s important to also look after your mental wellbeing as this can impact your recovery.
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