Arthritis is a common health condition that leads to joint inflammation, which causes joint pain, stiffness, and limited motion. When arthritis happens in your hands it can make everyday tasks like holding a fork or typing difficult. You may have trouble using your hands, with affected sites including knuckles, second joint, and top point of your fingers. We spoke to who explained finger arthritis, its types, and treatment options.
The most common types of arthritis that can impact one’s fingers are Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), gout, and post-traumatic arthritis.
“OA happens due to cartilage wear and causes stiffness, and reduced mobility and is managed with exercise and medication. RA is an autoimmune condition leading to swelling, deformities, and pain, treated with Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) and biologics. On the other hand, gout causes sudden, intense pain, which is managed with medication and dietary changes,” explained Dr Khatri.
Arthritis can be detected by physical examination of hands to look for deformities like visible nodules or crooked fingers. Additionally, imaging tests, such as MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound scans may also be recommended.
Finger arthritis can be managed with effective non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles and improves joint mobility. You may also try cold and heat therapy to reduce pain and swelling. “Medications like NSAIDs or corticosteroids tend to ease pain and inflammation. Additionally, lifestyle changes, including low-impact exercises and a healthy diet are good for the joints. However, it is imperative to follow the guidelines given by the expert,” added Dr Khatri.
A nutritious diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation. Regular low-impact exercises like hand stretches and gentle strength training improve mobility and reduce stiffness. However, one should avoid junk, canned and processed foods. Also, ensure that your body gets sunlight as vitamin D may help in reducing inflammation and may delay the progression of RA, according to a 2015 study.
“Surgical options like joint replacement or fusion can relieve pain and restore function in severe finger arthritis. However, it comes with certain risks. This includes infection, blood clots, reduced range of motion, or implant wear over time,” said Dr Khatri. It is, therefore, important to seek advice from an expert. You can even undergo physical therapy after surgery to strengthen your muscles and provide added support.
You can improve hand function and mobility by practising exercises at home. Finger bends, stretches, and squeezing a stress ball can be helpful for the patients. These exercises can help reduce pain and joint damage, while also improving joint flexibility and increasing mobility. According to the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, it was found that hand exercises helped in improving grip strength, and functioning, and reducing pain and fatigue in women with hand OA.
Although all forms of arthritis cannot be prevented, following some steps can help reduce the risk of developing OA in your joints. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you may reduce its risk by quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding exercises that carry the risk of injury, and avoiding repetitive motion and tools that put stress on your joints.
[This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]
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