Osteoarthritis in hands: Symptoms, risk factors, and strategies for management
Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that affects older adults, causing joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the hands. This article provides an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hand OA.
Hand OA is primarily caused by aging-related cartilage wear and thinning, leading to joint degeneration. Other contributing factors include joint overloading, excess weight, genetic predisposition, and repetitive joint stress or injury.
Symptoms of hand OA include joint pain, stiffness (especially morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes), decreased mobility, and sometimes clicking or popping sounds in the joints. Hard bony enlargements called Heberden's nodes and Bouchard's nodes may develop on finger joints, which can limit finger movement significantly and cause discomfort.
Treatment for hand OA mainly focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining hand function. This can include pain relief through oral analgesics or topical agents, physical therapy to preserve mobility and strength in the hand joints, lifestyle adjustments such as weight management and avoiding activities that overload the joints, splinting or assistive devices to reduce joint strain, and in some cases, surgical intervention.
Early recognition of symptoms like minor joint stiffness and occasional joint clicking can prompt timely medical evaluation to slow progression. Tips to reduce strain on the hands include using gadgets, using a shopping trolley or backpack, using both hands for tasks, switching taps and door handles, alternating between harder and easier jobs, and consulting an occupational therapist.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for OA, but with treatment and management, a person may be able to manage their symptoms and continue to function normally with minimal issues. A doctor may prescribe long-term use of analgesic medications to manage complications of hand OA.
Nonmedical ways to manage hand arthritis include doing exercises, using wrist straps, heat therapy, maintaining a moderate weight, eating a nutritious diet, and reducing strain on the hands. OA can also cause bone spurs, which can cause additional stiffness and pain. Cold weather and changes in barometric pressure can trigger symptoms of hand OA to worsen.
In severe cases, surgery can remove damaged cartilage, fuse joints together, or replace a joint. Common medications include pain medication, counterirritants, NSAIDs, and corticosteroids.
Hand OA is more common in later life and in females. It's important to note that while there is not one specific cause of hand OA, early recognition and timely treatment can help slow its progression and improve quality of life for those affected. If you experience pain, tenderness, or loss of motion in your hands that has no explanation, or if your symptoms worsen and your treatment regimen seems less effective, it's important to contact a doctor for further evaluation.
[1] Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Hand Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis/hand-osteoarthritis
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hand osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353827
[3] NHS. (2021). Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/
[4] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Hand Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hand-osteoarthritis
[5] WebMD. (2021). Hand Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/hand-osteoarthritis-topic-overview
- Beyond the hand joints, other pain and other joint pain could be symptoms of various medical conditions, including osteoarthritis, also known as other arthritis, and chronic diseases such as health-and-wellness related issues.
- Science and medical research have shown that osteoarthritis (OA) and related chronic diseases, including hand OA, can be caused by multiple factors like aging, genetics, overloading of joints, excess weight, and repetitive stress or injury.
- Managing symptoms of osteoarthritis and maintaining a good quality of life can involve an array of treatments, including pain relief medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
- It is essential to recognize and seek proper medical evaluation for early signs of osteoarthritis, such as slight joint stiffness or occasional clicking sounds, as adequate treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve overall health and wellness.
