There
is no known cure for arthritis, which commonly affects the hands. However, a
person can take steps to lower the risk of arthritis developing or worsening and
to reduce and manage pain. These steps include practicing specific exercises
and making dietary changes and adjustments to daily habits.
Arthritis is a
general term that describes several conditions that affect a person’s joints.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Arthritis is generally
not preventable, but a person may be able to reduce their risk by changing the
risk factors that they can control.
Some types of
arthritis cause pain or stiffness in the joints, while others can attack the immune
system.
According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common type of arthritis in
the United States is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect nearly any joint
in the body, but it most commonly affects the joints in the knees, hips, and
hands.
This article
discusses how to reduce the risk of developing arthritis in the hands or
prevent it from worsening. It also explains how to reduce and manage the pain
of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
occurs over time as a person’s cartilage breaks down. Once the cartilage has
worn away enough, a person can experience pain and stiffness in their joints.
A person can take
steps to help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid
arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks
the joints.
According to the National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a
combination of genetic and environmental factors triggers the development of
rheumatoid arthritis.
These factors can
activate the immune system years before symptoms appear.
Both
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often affect the hands and fingers, and
they can both cause joint stiffness or difficulty moving the joint.
However, there are
some differences between the two conditions.
Osteoarthritis
often affects the last joint on the finger, which is the one closest to the
tip. Rheumatoid arthritis typically does not affect this joint.
In addition, the
NIAMS note that osteoarthritis stiffness usually goes away within 30 minutes of
waking up or resting, whereas the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid
arthritis tend to last longer than 30 minutes.
General arthritis prevention
Not all forms of
arthritis are preventable. However, a person can take some steps to reduce
their risk of developing osteoarthritis in their joints.
According to the CDC,
these steps include:
-
stopping smoking, if a smoker, or
avoiding secondhand smoke
-
achieving or maintaining a moderate
weight, as this helps protect the joints throughout the body
-
seeking treatment for any signs of
infection, which can damage the joints
-
protecting against injury by performing
exercises and stretches or avoiding activities that carry the risk of
injury
-
using tools that do not place undue
stress on the joints
-
avoiding repetitive motion when possible
Preventing arthritis in the hands
A person can try
several techniques to help prevent arthritis in the hands from becoming
debilitating.
Hand exercises
Several exercises
may help with preventing or alleviating arthritis pain in the hand and fingers.
A person should
talk to a doctor or occupational therapist about the best routine or exercises
to help prevent disease progression or worsening pain or stiffness.
One simple
exercise that many people should be able to do is making a fist.
To do this, a
person starts with their fingers and thumb straight out. Then, they curl their
fingers slowly into their palm and close their thumb around the outside of
their fingers.
The person should
not squeeze the hand too tight during this exercise, but they should hold the
fist position for 2–3 seconds before releasing it. They can then repeat the
action 10 times.
Another exercise
that a person can try to prevent or alleviate arthritis symptoms is squeezing a
stress ball or a tennis ball. Similar to making a fist, the motion should be
slow and deliberate.
Learn more about
hand exercises for arthritis here.
Daily habit adjustments
People who have
not developed arthritis can take steps to help prevent joint damage in their
hands. Some tips for preventing joint damage include:
-
using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse
when working at the computer
-
avoiding lifting heavy items that can
put strain on the fingers and hand
-
using splints or braces to reduce the
risk of injury when using the hands for repetitive activities, such as
sewing or chopping food.
Methods to reduce hand pain
If a person is
living with pain in their hands from arthritis, they may wish to try:
-
practicing gentle motion hand exercises
that promote movement and help reduce stiffness
-
seeking physical therapy and occupational
therapy from certified professionals
-
talking to a doctor about medications
and topical pain relievers to help with the pain
The Arthritis Foundation
add that a person can also:
-
use hot or cold therapy
-
modify their daily routine to avoid
putting stress on the hands and fingers
-
talk to a doctor about steroid
injections
Some additional
steps that a person can take to help prevent arthritis pain in the hands
include:
-
using kinetic tape as a preventive
measure
-
using dictation software instead of
typing
-
avoiding placing excess strain on the
fingers by using large joints, such as the elbows or shoulders, to carry
the weight of shopping bags
-
using other body parts besides the hands
to close a door
-
using the palm of the hand to hold a
phone or tablet to avoid placing strain on the fingers
-
changing daily habits, such as stirring
food using a shoulder motion
-
using utensils with large, easy-to-grip
handles
A person should
talk to a doctor if at-home methods or treatments are ineffective in managing
their arthritis symptoms. It is possible that a doctor will recommend surgery
as a treatment option.
It is not possible
to prevent arthritis, but a person may be able to manage the pain that it
causes and slow its progression.
At-home techniques
and modifications to everyday routines may help prevent pain and minimize the
loss of joint function.
Summary
Arthritis is a
common condition, and there are numerous different types.
Although arthritis
is not usually preventable, a person can take some steps to help protect their
joints and potentially reduce their risk of the disorder.
A person can also
take several steps to manage the pain and discomfort of arthritis at home.
If at-home
treatments do not work, a person can work with a doctor to identify therapies
and treatments that may help.
About PUSM
Shenyang Pusman Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. was established in 2006. It is a
professional enterprise integrating R & D, manufacturing and sales. It
specializes in producing medical equipment according to national standards. Our
company's main products: medical electric saw drill series; imported brushless
motor series; domestic high-quality brushless motor series; medical electric
drill pendulum saw integrated multi-functional system; hand, foot and ankle
special system; pedicle screw screwing into special power; external Fixed
needles are screwed into special power; external fixation series; bone cement
cannula; bone cement guns and other orthopedic surgical instruments.
Advantages of PUSM Power
Tool
Integrated design, good sealing; integrated host provides you with efficient
and stable output; reasonable distribution of the weight of the host from top
to bottom, the user's hands are not tired; ergonomic design, comfortable
feel; Suited sterilization box.
Contact:
Website: www.pusm-medical.com
Email: info@pusm-medical.com
Tel: +86-24-23519517
WhatsApp: +86 1399 8124 587