Things You Need To Know About Arthritis Of The Hands
Do you feel stiffness and pain in your hands? Do you find it difficult to use things like a kitchenaid hand mixer or a handheld vacuum cleaner? It could be that you’re suffering from arthritis of the hands. But worry not. It’s relatively easy to get back to your usual activities by seeing a doctor and following a recommended mode of treatment.
Arthritis is a disease of the bone joints, in particular the cartilage in them. Factors including an injury, heredity and others usually cause the development of this problem. Age may also be the culprit, such as in the case of osteoarthritis. Also known as degenerative arthritis, it’s due to the wearing and tearing of cartilages through the years.
This disease may also strike other weight-bearing joints, including the knees, shoulders, lower back and hips. When it develops in the hands, using them can be quite a problem. This is because swelling and pain in the affected areas are present. Moving the fingers may give off a clicking or grinding sound. It’s also not unlikely for the middle and end finger joints to develop bony knobs.
Physical examination and medical history taking will be done by a specialist to diagnose the disease. Structural changes within the hands may be revealed by getting an x-ray. Sometimes blood testing is necessary, if the specialist suspects rheumatoid arthritis, a kind of autoimmune disease. Treatment and management will have to depend on the findings.
Mode of treatment may involve application of topical and oral anti-inflammatory drugs. Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) help in dealing with pain and swelling. Splints are applied to support the hand in an optimal position, as well as to promote rest. Corticosteroid injections are also good at relieving the signs and symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be warranted.
Application of liniment or anything similar is effective for relieving minor signs and symptoms. The same is true with applying a cold compress on your hands. Hand exercises are helpful in maintaining normal hand or finger functions. You may spread your fingers apart, have each of your fingers touch the tip of the thumb, or make a fist. Such practices enable efficient using of a keyboard, flipping of switches beneath the custom LCD of a device, or other similar activities at work.
Arthritis of the hands need not get the best of you. This is as long as you seek the help of a specialist and follow prescribed treatments. In no time you can resume handling a Canon digital SLR camera, swinging a golf club and other pursuits. You will find that arthritis should not cause lingering pain, swelling and joint immobility.

