Osteoarthritis of the hand

This information is for people who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hand (OA hand).

If you have new symptoms, or symptoms that haven't gone away, see a doctor so you can be assessed and diagnosed.

Read more about self-managing wrist, hand, finger and thumb problems

Osteoarthritis (also called OA) happens when the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones inside your joints changes. The cartilage becomes thin and rough, and this can make it hard to move the joint.

OA can also develop after an injury to the joint.

Most people can control the symptoms of OA well enough that it doesn't get in the way of normal activities.

Osteoarthritis of the hand affects people in different ways. The joints in your fingers, thumb, hands and/or wrists may become painful, swollen and hard to use.

Other common symptoms include:

• loss of hand and wrist movement and strength
• reduced ability to grip, twist or pinch
• changes to the shape of your fingers and thumbs
• small bumps, called nodules, appearing on your fingers and thumbs

If you have ongoing pain and your hand isn't working as well as it used to, it's a good idea to see a doctor. They can tell you whether you need more tests or treatment, or whether you can manage the symptoms yourself.

At the visit, the doctor will begin by asking you about the problem with your hand. Then they'll examine it. This may include checking how far you can move your hand and fingers, and how strong they are.

You may need another examination to rule out other possible health conditions.

There are several ways to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hand. Arthritis affects everyone differently, and your symptoms can change from one day to the next. There are many ways to keep a good quality of life while living with arthritis.

Fatigue is a common symptom of arthritis, and it can make other symptoms, like pain and joint stiffness, feel worse.

There are several ways to change how you use your hands for everyday tasks, and a different hand position can make a real difference. It can:

• make tasks easier
• reduce pressure in the area
• reduce pain

It's important to keep the joints of your hand moving and strong when you have osteoarthritis of the hand. This may help reduce pain and inflammation.

Exercises can help improve your hand posture. They may also make it easier to do your day-to-day activities.

Exercises for OA hand

A doctor may advise a splint for osteoarthritis of the hand. A splint supports the thumb or fingers and helps manage your symptoms.

You may need to wear it during the day, when you're doing repetitive activities. It's not advised to wear it all the time. You may only need it for a few weeks to settle the symptoms.

Speak to your doctor to get more information about splints and supports for your hand.

Medicine for pain can help you move more comfortably, and that in turn helps keep your symptoms under control.

For osteoarthritis of the hand, the most effective painkiller is a gel containing ibuprofen that you rub into the skin.

Doctors sometimes consider corticosteroid injections for osteoarthritis of the hand, but only when other treatments aren't working.

Corticosteroids are medicines that help reduce pain and inflammation. They are used to ease the pain for a short time. There is no evidence that they give any long-term benefit.

Surgery is sometimes an option for osteoarthritis of the hand, but only when every other treatment has been tried first.

If your doctor considers surgery for you, the surgeon will talk you through the benefits and the possible complications before anything is decided. Examples of this kind of surgery include:

• joint replacement
• joint fusion

If you follow this advice for osteoarthritis of the hand, your symptoms should become easier to manage.

If you're still struggling, or your symptoms are worse, within 12 weeks of following it, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor.

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