What to Do if You Have Finger Joint Pain Due to Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it is most common in the knees, hips, spine, and hands.
Finger joint pain is a common symptom of osteoarthritis. This pain can be mild or severe, and it can make it difficult to perform everyday activities such as typing, writing, or opening jars.
There are a number of things you can do to relieve finger joint pain due to osteoarthritis. These include:
Applying heat or cold to the joints. Heat can help to reduce pain and stiffness, while cold can help to numb the pain. You can apply heat or cold to your finger joints using a heating pad, ice pack, or warm or cold water.
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Exercising your fingers. Exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around your finger joints and improve range of motion. Some simple finger exercises include:
Making a fist and then slowly opening it
Spreading your fingers apart and then bringing them back together
Bending your fingers forward and then backward
Rotating your fingers in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction
Using assistive devices. Assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs can help to reduce the stress on your finger joints and make it easier to perform everyday activities.
Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve finger joint pain due to osteoarthritis. Surgery can involve removing damaged cartilage or repairing damaged ligaments.
What are the risk factors for finger joint pain due to osteoarthritis?
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing finger joint pain due to osteoarthritis. These include:
Age. Osteoarthritis is more common in older ***s.
Obesity. Obesity can put extra stress on your finger joints.
Previous finger injury. A previous finger injury can damage the cartilage in your finger joints and increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Family history of osteoarthritis. If you have a family history of osteoarthritis, you are more likely to develop the condition.
Occupation. Jobs that require repetitive use of the fingers can increase your risk of developing finger joint pain due to osteoarthritis.
How is finger joint pain due to osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose finger joint pain due to osteoarthritis based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order X-rays or other imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.
How is finger joint pain due to osteoarthritis treated?
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are a number of treatments that can help to relieve finger joint pain and improve function. These treatments include:
Medication. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) andCOX-2 inhibitors can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around your finger joints and improve range of motion.
Occupational therapy. Occupational therapy can help you to learn how to perform everyday activities in a way that reduces stress on your finger joints.
Alternative therapies. Some alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, may help to relieve finger joint pain.
What is the outlook for finger joint pain due to osteoarthritis?
The outlook for finger joint pain due to osteoarthritis varies. Some people experience mild pain and stiffness that does not interfere with their daily activities. Others experience severe pain and disability that can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are a number of treatments that can help to relieve pain and improve function. With proper treatment, most people with finger joint pain due to osteoarthritis can live full and active lives.
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