All About Hand Arthritis And The Treatments Involved
Has it become very challenging for you to play the piano or use a kitchenaid hand mixer? Do your hands often go through pain and stiffness? Then you could be suffering from hand arthritis. But fret not. With the help of the doctor and following a treatment course, you can resume having a normal life in no time.
Arthritis is a disease of the bone joints, in particular the cartilage in them. Factors including an injury, heredity and others usually cause the development of this problem. Age may also be the culprit, such as in the case of osteoarthritis. Also known as degenerative arthritis, it’s due to the wearing and tearing of cartilages through the years.
Aside from the hands, large weight-bearing joints are also at risk of getting arthritis. It’s not uncommon for the shoulders, back, hips and knees to develop it. Arthritis of the hands can cause pain and swelling, which limits normal movements. A grinding or clicking sound may be observed when moving the hands. It’s also possible for bony knobs to appear in the joints of the fingers.
A doctor will take your health history, as well as do a physical examination to diagnose arthritis. Structural changes in your hands’ joints may be revealed by an x-ray. Blood testing is important for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, a form of autoimmune disease. The degree of the disease will tell the types of treatment the doctor is likely to recommend.
Mode of treatment may involve application of topical and oral anti-inflammatory drugs. Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) help in dealing with pain and swelling. Splints are applied to support the hand in an optimal position, as well as to promote rest. Corticosteroid injections are also good at relieving the signs and symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be warranted.
For mild pain, you can apply arthritis creams or liniments, as well as cold compresses. You may also do hand exercises, such as making a fist, spreading your fingers and having each finger tip touch the thumb. These practices are particularly helpful prior to typing on a keyboard, pressing buttons below a gadget’s custom LCD, or other activities at work.
Strict adherence to your doctor’s recommended treatment mode will help you deal with arthritis of the hands effectively. No matter your leisure pursuit, playing golf or shooting with a Canon digital SLR camera, you can get back to it soon enough. Being stricken with hand arthritis need not cause you enduring joint immobility and pain.



