You might question what kind of arthritis might be causing your hand issues if you frequently have pain in your hands, fingers, or wrists.
These include hand and finger joint discomfort, stiffness, edema, and soreness. In the event that you are diagnosed with hand arthritis, a medical professional has probably recommended medicine to assist you manage symptoms.
What Is Arthritis In Fingers?
When you have arthritis in your fingertips, the joints in your fingers become inflamed and painful. Any region of your body with joints and cartilage might be affected by arthritis. It could accomplish this by inflaming joints, destroying the cartilage—a smooth coating at the ends of bones—or joint tissues, or both.
As a result, the bones become exposed, rub against one another, and deteriorate. Due to the many joints in the hand, it is possible for arthritis to develop in the hands and spread to the fingers.
Types of arthritis that can affect the hands and fingers
Gout
Due to the buildup of too much uric acid in the body, gout is characterized by the production of crystals within the joints. The big toe is often affected, however it can also impact the finger joints and make the fingers stiff.Psoriatic Arthritis
Similar to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis produces finger swelling. In addition to affecting the skin, it frequently causes morning stiffness and joint pain.Rheumatoid Arthritis
The natural immune system of the body starts to fight its own healthy tissues in rheumatoid arthritis, causing inflammation in the lining of the joints. As a result, the cartilage begins to degrade, eventually eroding the bones. The tiny joints in the hands, wrists, and fingers are symmetrically damaged by this chronic ailment (the same joints in both hands are afflicted).Osteoarthritis
The wrist, the joint at the base of the thumb, and the middle and upper joints in the fingers are all affected by osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative arthritis). Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to wear down over time, which finally causes the bones to grind against one another and break. Stiffness, deformity, and discomfort may result from the bones and cartilage’s gradual degeneration.Causes Finger Arthritis
When the cartilage that cushions the bones at the finger joints is destroyed, arthritis in the fingers can result. Where two bones connect is called a joint, and when cartilage is damaged, it interferes with the smooth motion of the bones there.
A person is more likely to acquire arthritis if they are one of the following: older than 35; genetically predisposed; overweight; and carrying a history of hand, wrist, or finger injuries. However, there is no one reason that accounts for the development of arthritis.
To Get Rid Of Arthritis In Fingers
Massage Your Fingers
According to research, massage treatment for arthritis in the hands may increase mobility and lessen discomfort. Work on your hand muscles and finger joints with any unrefined oil, such as raw coconut oil. Your joints and muscles should be softly rubbed in a rotating motion using the thumb, index, and middle fingers of the hand you will be massaging. You may self-massage at home, but for good hand therapy and to have the skill mastered, go to a massage professional.
While some of the pain associated with arthritis may be reduced with home treatments, it’s crucial to know when to see your doctor.
Use Ice And Heat Treatment
In order to relieve joint stiffness and arthritic fingers, both heat and cold can be used. While cold therapy can numb the hands and lessen joint discomfort and swelling, heat therapy can help with stiffness. When your skin starts to feel numb, stop using the ice pack and resume using cold treatment for no more than 20 minutes at a time. According to what gives you the greatest relief, many individuals alternate between heat and cold treatments; you may do the same.
For heat therapy:
Wrap it in paraffin wax. Warm the wax, then either completely envelop your hand or only the fingers, to do this. Be careful while pouring wax since it might burn easily. Apply a warm compress to your fingertips or use a heating pad. Put warm water in a dish and soak your hands. Shower in warm water.
For cold therapy:
Use a sock stuffed with uncooked rice grains to create a homemade ice pack. Use it as needed and store it in the freezer. Use a frozen water bottle that is wrapped in a tiny cloth to massage your fingertips. Put a towel in the freezer and wrap your fingers in it. Your aching fingers might be covered with a bag of frozen veggies that has been wrapped in a thin cloth.
Exercise Your Hands And Fingers
With a few easy exercises, you can strengthen the muscles that protect the joints in your hands. Your cartilage may stay healthy and avoid further deterioration with the assistance of the intake of nutrients and the enhanced blood flow. Additionally, muscles can support greater weight the stronger they are. The damaged cartilage and bones are further shielded by this.
- Your palm should be facing away from your face when you extend your hand. Widen the fingers as much as you can. Remain calm and go back to your starting position. three times.
- Gently squeeze a rubber ball, then let go. Five times each for each hand.
- Palm facing down, place your hand on a flat surface. Next, raise and lower each finger one at a time. Put both hands through this.
- Your fingers should form a loose fist with your little finger (pinky) resting on a level surface. Then extend your thumb in a thumbs-up gesture. Repeat with it being lowered.
- With your fingers, try to make a C- or O-shape. Move your fingers to seize an imagined little ball to do this. As closely as you can approach the forms, straighten your fingers, and then retry.
- Bend your thumb slowly and gently to the palm. If you are unable to touch it, that is alright. Simply extend as far as you can, hold, and then repeat.
- One by one, bend the four fingers. First, extend your hand in front of you with the palm up. Next, carefully place one finger in the middle of your palm. Hold it there while bending the other three fingers to contact the palm’s center. Straighten your hand and let go.
- Slowly folding your four fingers into a fist while keeping your thumb pointing outwards will create a soft fist. Straighten your fingers and squeeze them lightly.
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Take Supplements
Finger arthritis pain and stiffness are frequently brought on by inflammation. According to research, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA may aid in lowering inflammation. A study found that ginger pills may also be effective in easing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. If you plan to take any supplements, discuss the dosage with your doctor.Splints and Compression
When symptoms of OA are acute (rapidly developing and severe), finger splinting has been demonstrated to lessen discomfort and increase joint mobility. Splints should only be used when moving a joint causes excruciating discomfort. They are not meant to be used over an extended period of time since they can make joints stiffer and cause them to lose their range of motion permanently.
Additionally, compression gloves can benefit OA and RA patients. Compression is effective at reducing discomfort and stiffness during acute exacerbations (flare-ups), according to studies.
Herbal Supplements
A number of herbal supplements might reduce OA and RA discomfort. These herbs include ginger, boswellia, and curcumin.When To See A Doctor
When you experience arthritis symptoms, consult your doctor to receive a clear diagnosis and learn your best course of action. It is recommended to get examined for arthritis and treated as soon as possible since, if left untreated, it might result in total loss of mobility in your hands and fingers.
Even while there may not be a cure for arthritis, there may be some things you can do to lessen your chance of developing it or prevent it altogether.
Boswellia
Boswellia, sometimes referred to as frankincense, is renowned for its ability to reduce inflammation. When administered for four weeks, Boswellia may be a secure and efficient therapy for OA, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis from 2020. Boswellia is safe in small doses and available as a tablet or a topical cream.Ginger
In persons with RA and OA, ginger may lessen inflammation. Additionally, a 2014 research discovered that ginger’s active components help treat RA discomfort and lessen the risk of joint deterioration.
You may make ginger tea or add it to baked products or prepared foods to enhance the amount of ginger in your diet. Supplements containing ginger are another choice, but you should speak with a healthcare professional to ensure proper dosage and security.
Curcumin
Turmeric, a spice utilized in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for countless years, contains the active component curcumin. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin has been promoted for lowering RA patients’ discomfort and swelling.
A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of eight research found that taking 500 milligrams of turmeric twice day helped ease OA and RA patients’ joint pain and stiffness. Taking curcumin as a supplement is the simplest approach to include it in your diet.
Bottom Line
Your hand arthritis may be better controlled with a few natural and DIY solutions. Non-pharmaceutical pain management techniques include hand exercises, acupuncture, hot-cold therapy, splinting, meditation, and certain vitamins. Consult a physician to learn more about possible alternatives to regular medical treatment.
You shouldn’t overlook symptoms like hand discomfort, wrist pain, or issues with your finger joints, especially if they worsen over time. To find the source of hand discomfort and begin treatment as soon as possible, consult your healthcare practitioner as soon as you can.
Regardless of the arthritic origin, a combination of therapy is the most effective way to treat hand arthritis. These include of over-the-counter and prescription drugs, herbal therapies, and lifestyle modifications.
