By: Physio@Home – Your At-Home Physiotherapy Service in Mid Cornwall
Osteoarthritis (OA) in the hands is a common condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced functionality. For those living in Mid Cornwall, Physio@Home provides tailored, home-based physiotherapy services that allow you to manage osteoarthritis comfortably and effectively from your own home. In this post, we’ll dive into what osteoarthritis in the hands entails, how we treat it, and offer tips for managing the symptoms day-to-day.
What is Osteoarthritis in the Hands?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage between the joints wears down over time. This cartilage usually acts as a cushion, absorbing stress and allowing smooth joint movement. As it deteriorates, the bones can rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and even changes in the shape of your joints. Osteoarthritis in the hands often affects the joints at the base of the thumb, the fingertips, and the middle joints of the fingers.
Symptoms of Hand Osteoarthritis
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms of hand osteoarthritis include:
Pain and Tenderness: A dull ache or sharp pain in the joints, particularly during and after use.
Stiffness: Reduced flexibility, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Swelling and Inflammation: Swollen joints may feel warm and tender.
Reduced Grip Strength: Difficulty gripping or holding objects can impact daily activities.
Bony Nodules or Deformities: In severe cases, small lumps or nodules may develop on the affected joints, often at the fingertips.
How Can Physiotherapy Help Manage Hand Osteoarthritis?
At Physio@Home, our goal is to help you manage pain, improve mobility, and regain hand function. Here are some of the most effective physiotherapy approaches we use to help with hand osteoarthritis:
1. Range of Motion Exercises
Range of motion exercises can help maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. Gentle, regular movement keeps the joints supple and improves circulation to the area.
Finger Bends: Gently bend each finger at the base and middle joint, then straighten.
Thumb Stretch: Extend your thumb away from the hand, hold for a few seconds, and release.
Wrist Rotations: Rotate your wrists slowly in both directions, which can improve circulation and relieve tension.
2. Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening the muscles around the joints provides additional support, which can help reduce joint strain. Here are some gentle hand exercises:
Finger Squeezes: Using a soft ball or a putty, squeeze with your fingers to build grip strength. This strengthens hand muscles and stabilizes the joints.
Thumb Opposition: Touch each fingertip to the thumb, forming an “O” shape. Repeat several times on each hand.
Palm Presses: Place your palms together in a prayer position and press gently, which engages various hand muscles.
3. Heat and Cold Therapy
Applying heat can help reduce stiffness, while cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and pain. Here are some options:
Warm Soak: Soak hands in warm water for 5–10 minutes to relax muscles and relieve stiffness.
Cold Compress: Place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the joints for a few minutes, which can reduce swelling.
4. Splinting and Bracing
A thumb splint or wrist brace can stabilize joints and provide relief, especially during activities that require grip strength or repetitive movement. Physio@Home can guide you on appropriate splints and teach you how to use them effectively.
5. Manual Therapy
Manual therapy techniques like gentle massage, myofascial release, and joint mobilization are helpful for pain relief, muscle relaxation, and improving circulation around the joints. Our experienced physiotherapists provide these therapies in the comfort of your home, making it easier to relax and enjoy the benefits of a hands-on approach.
Self-Care Tips for Managing Osteoarthritis in the Hands
In addition to your physiotherapy sessions, there are several things you can do at home to manage your hand osteoarthritis and reduce its impact on your daily life.
1. Take Regular Breaks from Repetitive Activities
Whether it’s typing, gardening, or knitting, repetitive activities can increase strain on your hand joints. Take regular breaks, stretch your hands, and alternate between tasks to minimize joint fatigue.
2. Use Adaptive Equipment
Consider using adaptive tools, such as jar openers, ergonomic pens, or thick-grip utensils, which require less grip strength and reduce joint stress.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Although osteoarthritis in the hands is less affected by weight compared to larger joints, maintaining a healthy weight reduces overall body inflammation, which can benefit all joints, including those in your hands.
4. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseeds), can help reduce overall inflammation. Staying hydrated also supports joint health.
5. Perform Gentle Hand Stretches Daily
Daily hand stretches can make a big difference in maintaining range of motion and reducing stiffness. Focus on stretching each finger, the thumb, and wrists, holding each stretch for about 10 seconds and repeating a few times.
When to Seek Additional Help
While physiotherapy and self-care can significantly improve hand function and pain management, sometimes additional medical intervention may be necessary if:
Pain becomes severe or limits your ability to perform daily tasks.
There’s persistent or worsening joint swelling.
You experience deformities in the hand joints that affect function.
Conservative management is not providing sufficient relief.
Your physiotherapist can coordinate with your GP or specialist if further interventions, like medication, injections, or in severe cases, surgery, might be appropriate.
Working with Physio@Home: Bringing Quality Care to Your Doorstep
At Physio@Home, we understand the challenges that osteoarthritis in the hands can bring to everyday life. We’re here to offer convenient, high-quality physiotherapy services right in the comfort of your home, tailored to meet your unique needs. From structured exercise programs to manual therapy and education, we provide you with the tools and guidance to take control of your condition and improve your hand function, flexibility, and comfort.
Ready to take the first step towards better hand health? Contact Physio@Home today to book an in-home session and let us help you regain control and confidence in your daily activities.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes. Please consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise or treatment plan.
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