How To Help With Arthritis In Fingers

More Tips For Your Hands

Moving your hands and fingers can help keep your ligaments and tendons flexible and increase the function of synovial fluid. Try regular hand exercises to strengthen muscles and relieve stiffness and pain. Simple exercises like flexing and bending, finger touching, and finger sliding may help keep your fingers limber.

Staying physically active while at the same time taking extra precautions against injury is vital not only for preventing arthritis, but also for your overall physical health.

Recognizing Symptoms Of Arthritis In The Hands

Women are more likely than men to have arthritis in their hands, and often people experience arthritis symptoms in their hands before other signs of arthritis show up. Different forms of arthritis affect the hands in different ways. For example, psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis related to the skin condition psoriasis, is most likely to cause pain in the joints closest to the fingernails , while in osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, cartilage can wear down in all the joints in the fingers and thumb. Symptoms of arthritis in the hands may include:

• Pain in some or all of the joints, including joints of the fingers, wrists, and thumbs
• The growth of bony knobs on finger joints
• Numbness in fingers
• Swollen, red, or warm joints
• Stiffness in the fingers, especially in the morning in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis
• Growth of lumps, or nodules, under the skin of the hands in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
• Fingers that look like swollen sausages in patients with psoriatic arthritis
• Difficulty with motions that require gripping and twisting, such as opening jars

The progression of arthritis in the hands can actually be measured. People with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis lose bone density, which can be measured with bone-density scanning, while the joint damage of osteoarthritis can usually be seen on X-rays.

What Is Osteoarthritis Of The Hand

Hand osteoarthritis is inflammation that causes pain and stiffness in your joints. It usually happens in three places:

• The base of your thumb, where it meets your wrist
• One of the joints closest to your fingertips
• The middle joint of a finger

There’s no cure, but there are a lot of ways to protect your joints and feel better.

Without treatment, osteoarthritis gets worse over time. Itâs important to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan as soon as possible.

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Following These Tips Will Put Less Strain On Your Joints As Youre Tapping Out Messages Getting Work Done And Staying In Touch With Loved Ones

Texting and typing are part of everyday life and usually essential for working, communicating with loved ones, or ordering household items online. During the COVID-19 pandemic, youve likely been spending even more time than usual on your computer or phone to catch up with loved ones or take care of essential errands.

But if you live with arthritis that affects your fingers or hands, you know what a toll these basic activities can take on tender joints. Much like athletic activities, repetitive keystrokes can put you at risk for injury or aggravate existing conditions like arthritis, per Rush University Medical Center. Texting and typing may also affect less obvious joints, like your wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and back.

Luckily, there are many ways to adapt how you use technology to make texting and typing easier and less painful, even if you have to spend the majority of your day doing it.

Hand Yoga Can Help Arthritic Fingers

Arthritis pain and swelling are particularly hard on the hands. Here’s how “hand yoga” can help restore grip strength and dexterity.

TUESDAY, Jan. 10, 2012 When you think of yoga, you probably picture limber, graceful men and women performing full-body movements on floor mats. But did you know yoga can also be done with just your hands?

According to government figures, there are about 50 million Americans living with arthritis, and for many of them, the pain, stiffness, and swelling characteristic of this condition often shows up first in the fingers and hands. Medications can help, but experts also say exercise is key to increasing mobility. That’s why an innovative program at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City is offering a yoga class that’s all about the hands.

On the WABC-TV Eyewitness News Web site, Roberta Schine, the instructor, says: “We write with our hands, we gesture, and if we have pain in the hands, there’s no way we can have a good day.” She teaches exercises that massage, stretch, and strengthen finger muscles, such as using putty or a rubber band to add resistance. Arthur Stevens, a class participant who has osteoarthritis, told Eyewitness News: “I find the massages especially helpful and those which increase the mobility of the digits.”

Have you ever done any type of exercise that helped your hand arthritis? Let us know in the comments!

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Treatment For Hand Arthritis In The Greater Chesapeake

If you have a hand injury or chronic condition such as arthritis, turn to the experts at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Our team of hand experts have a profound understanding of the complex networks of blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones that make up the hand and fingers.

We understand how important pain-free hand and finger motion and function is to daily activities, including work, self-care, sports, and leisure. Our orthopedic and plastic surgeons specialize in hand surgery, and we can offer state-of-the-art nonsurgical and surgical care to treat a full range of hand and finger injuries and conditions.

Call us today to schedule a consultation with our at or request an appointment online now for any of our Greater Chesapeake locations. We look forward to helping you feel less pain in your hands and regain hand motion and function, so you can get back to doing what you love.

What The Experts Say

A hand brace is suitable for carpal tunnel syndrome because it covers the wrist area, and the wrist is an area that often experiences this syndrome. You can still perform daily tasks with a hand brace while getting immediate support. Dr. Okubadejo

• Brace and compression sleeve included

• Recommended for injuries and arthritis

• Available in small and large sizes

• Some users complain of hard, scratchy plastic velcro

• Fits all four fingers, but not the thumb

Reasons why your index finger is causing you pain could be from a sprain, fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, or other related conditions. Arrow Splints Finger Splint comes in two sizes to fit whatever needs you to have from the product.

What makes this splint ideal for an index finger injury is its design, which protects the entirety of the digit. Customers say its not as bulky as other splints theyve received from doctors, making it more versatile. The splint also comes with a compression sleeve to help muscles and tendons in the finger recover quickly.

Material: Nylon and neoprene | Washable: Not indicated | Targeted Anatomy: Individual finger

• Comes with five sleeves, one for each digit

• Compression instantly relieves symptoms and reduces joint stiffness

• Comfortable and flexible

• Only a mild to moderate amount of compression

• Works better for arthritis than injuries

Material: Nylon, spandex, and gelatin silk | Washable: Yes, by hand or machine | Targeted Anatomy: Individual finger

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Are There Any Other Treatment Options Being Investigated

For osteoarthritis, some clinical research trials are underway in the U.S. exploring stem cell treatment. Early findings are encouraging. Stem cell therapy so far has shown to provide some pain relief and improvement in function. The ultimate goal would hopefully be to use stem cells to regrow cartilage.

Over the past decade, researchers developed many new medications for psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, with more studies underway.

Hand Osteoarthritis Causes And Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis was once thought to happen because of wear and tear on your joints. Doctors now know thereâs more to the story.

On the ends of your bones, there’s a layer of smooth material called cartilage. It helps cushion your joints and allows them to slide easily. But over time, the cartilage gets worn down. The bones rub against each other, causing the symptoms of OA. The wear and tear can also cause other tissues in the joint to make inflammatory cells, which damage it more.

Certain things can make you more likely to have hand OA:

• Age. The older you are, the higher your odds.
• Sex. Compared with men, women are twice as likely to get it.
• Ethnicity. Rates are lower in African Americans.
• Weight. Thinner people are less likely to get it than those who have obesity.
• Injuries. This includes broken and dislocated bones.
• Changes in your genes. Your parents might have passed down a higher chance of OA.
• Joint problems. This includes infections, loose ligaments, overuse, and joints that arenât aligned the way they should be.

What causes flare-ups?

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What Can I Do To Decrease Hand Arthritis Symptoms

Jul 15, 2013 | Geriatrics, Health Tips, Occupational Therapy, Orthopedics, Rehab Medicine |

Osetoarthritis involves degeneration of a joint or joints due to excessive wear and tear. While OA can affect joints throughout the body, it commonly affects those in the hand. People with hand OA often report feeling generalized pain and morning stiffness in the joints. In regard to appearance, people with hand OA often have enlarged knuckles and excessive bone growth on the sides of the fingers.

Although hand arthritis symptoms may be quite severe, there are many simple remedies that can help one decrease pain and stiffness.

You Are Not Alone: Finding Support For Ra In The Hands

How does RA in your hands and fingers affect your daily life? Has your rheumatologist found the right medication to manage your symptoms? What helps you successfully get through each day? Share your tips and experiences in a comment below or on myRAteam. You’ll be surprised how many other members have similar stories.

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What Outcome Can I Expect If I Have Arthritis In My Hands

There is no cure for arthritis. However, you can usually manage mild to moderate symptoms with a combination of medication and non-medication approaches. Surgery may be an option if other treatments fail or the arthritis in your hands is severe. Your healthcare provider will explain what outcome you can expect for your type and severity of arthritis, your age, other existing medical conditions and other factors.

Topical Or Oral Nonsteroidal Anti

Dr. Newsum explains that topical over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications in the form of gels or creams can be even more effective than similar medications taken by mouth.

Since the finger joints are right under the skin, topical anti-inflammatories can deliver the active ingredient quite well and even offer less side effects compared to oral anti-inflammatories.

Though, oral anti-inflammatories can be an effective treatment, too, if needed.

Your doctor can help you determine which is best for you, says Dr. Newsum.

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Meditation For Pain Management

Meditation is an ancient mind and body practice that goes back to Buddhism and other Eastern religions. It puts your focus and attention on the current moment and not letting lifes distractions get in your way.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, meditation can promote calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being. And research shows meditation can be helpful for managing chronic pain associated with conditions like OA and RA.

A 2011 article in the medical journal Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America looked at the possible benefits of meditation on people with rheumatological diseases like RA and OA, which the author cites as the most significant causes of chronic pain.

The reports author further argues that while mind-body therapies can be effective for managing pain, only about 20% of people with chronic pain use them. This 2011 piece also discusses an older study that found only eight weeks of mediation therapy improved pain in people with RA.

Is It Arthritis In My Hand Or Tendonitis

Arthritis and tendonitis can mimic each other, so its important to understand the difference between the two. Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons in your hand due to an injury or repetitive motion, and the pain can come and go suddenly or last for a few days.

Arthritis, however, is inflammation of the joint due to degenerative joint disease. There are many types of arthritis, but the most common forms are osteoarthritis , when the protective cartilage in the joint breaks down, and rheumatoid arthritis , when immune system attacks the joints. Early symptoms of arthritis include painful hand joints, burning sensation and decreased functionality of the hand and/or wrist.

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Best For Trigger Finger: Vive Trigger Finger Splint

• Immobilizes affected finger without immobilizing entire hand

• Can fit any finger, plus the thumb

• Lightweight and breathable

• Not as stabilizing as it could be for many users

• Velcro and buckle are not durable for long-lasting use

Trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynovitis, can cause pain, stiffness, and a sensation of locking in a finger that prevents you from doing your daily tasks. It often occurs on the ring finger or thumb, but any finger can be impacted.

Vive Trigger Finger Splint works by immobilizing the impacted finger while allowing the rest of the hand to still perform daily tasks. The splint is adjustable, so it can immobilize any finger on the hand and provide swift pain relief. Customers also say the split is comfortable for daytime or nighttime wear.

Material: Aluminum and neoprene | Washable: Yes, by hand | Targeted Anatomy: Individual finger

Top 5 Things You Can Do To Help Relieve Arthritis In The Hands

Home / Blog / Health & Wellness Tips / Top 5 Things You Can Do to Help Relieve Arthritis in the Hands

If you have joint stiffness, joint swelling or pain with movement in your hands, there is a good chance that you may have arthritis. The bones in your hands are protected by cartilage, which can eventually wear down over time and cause a condition called osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis is also known as wear and tear arthritis and it is normally caused by age, repetitive joint movement and trauma. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is the result of an autoimmune condition, can also affect the hands. While there is no cure for arthritis, here are the top 5 things that you can do to help relieve the painful symptoms of arthritis in the hands:

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Popular Supplements For Arthritis: What You Need To Know

Learn which supplements and vitamins might help with arthritis symptoms, and what risks some can pose.

Several nutritional supplements have shown promise for relieving pain, stiffness and other arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e and curcumin are just some of the natural products researchers have studied for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis .

Some of these natural remedies may offer arthritis symptom relief, especially when you use them in conjunction with traditional treatments. Heres the evidence on some of the most popular supplements used to treat arthritis, and how they work.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most commonly used supplements for arthritis. Theyre components of cartilagethe substance that cushions the joints.

Research on these supplements has been mixed, in part because studies have used varying designs and supplement types. A large National Institutes of Health study called the GAIT trial compared glucosamine and chondroitin, alone or together, with an NSAID and inactive treatment in people with knee osteoarthritis . Glucosamine improved symptoms like pain and function, but not much better than a placebo. Yet a 2016 international trial found the combination to be as effective as the NSAID celecoxib at reducing pain, stiffness and swelling in knee OA.

Fish oil

SAM-e

Curcumin

Vitamins

Supplement Risks

How to Take Supplements Safely

Complementary Therapies

Types Of Finger Arthritis

There are three types of arthritis that commonly affect the fingers:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, also called wear-and-tear arthritis, is the most common type of finger arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes normal cartilage to wear away. This exposes bare bone at the joints. The most frequently affected joints in the hand are the knuckles of the mid-finger and fingertip and the joint at the base of the thumb.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis causes a different type of joint destruction. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the whole body. It causes the immune system to attack the soft tissues surrounding the joints. The most commonly affected joints in the hand are the knuckles at the base of the fingers .
• Gout: Gout is a condition that occurs when crystals develop within the joints. These crystals can form in one or more joints when there is too much of a substance called uric acid in the body. While the big toe is the most commonly affected part of the body, gout can also develop in finger joints.

Rarely, other types of arthritis can also cause problems in the fingers.

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Treatment For Thumb Arthritis

• Outlook

Osteoarthritis in the thumb is the most common form of arthritis that affects the hands. Osteoarthritis results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. It can affect the basal joint, which is the joint near the wrist and the fleshy part of the thumb. This joint normally allows you to pinch, pivot, and swivel your thumb for hundreds of tasks every day.

In people with thumb arthritis, the cushion-like cartilage inside the joint breaks down over time. This causes the bone to rub against bone. Symptoms of thumb arthritis can become crippling, partly because the thumb is needed so often each day. Decreased grip strength, decreased range of motion, and swelling and pain throughout your hand may occur. You may find it difficult to open jars, twist open a doorknob, or even snap your fingers.

If you have arthritis in other joints like your knees, hips, or elbows, it may make thumb arthritis more likely. Women are more prone to thumb arthritis, especially those with very flexible or lax thumb ligaments. Statistically, women are more likely than men to develop thumb arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another type of arthritis that can develop in the basal joint.

Arthritis is different in each individual. There are a variety of treatments that may work for your particular symptoms.

Initial treatment options involve:

• splinting
• steroid injections

If these methods do not relieve pain and improve function, the joint may need to be reconstructed with surgery.