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
Hand Osteoarthritis Causes and Risk Factors
Osteoarthritis (OA) was once thought to happen because of wear and tear on your joints.
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.
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 aren’t aligned the way they should be.
What causes flare-ups?
You might notice that your symptoms are worse in the morning. Other triggers may include:
Stress
Cold weather
Changes in barometric pressure
Making the same motion over and over
Overdoing an activity
Hand Osteoarthritis Treatment
Yourphysior might recommend one or more of these treatments to ease pain and make it easier to use your hand:
- Hand therapy. An physiotherapist can show you exercises and ways to do everyday tasks. For example, instead of carrying grocery bags with your fingers, you might carry them over your forearm.
- Dry Needling and Acupuncture
Interested in learning more about this treatment- feel free to reach out at don@donkellypainrelief.com or you can give me a ring 089 273 4307
My treatment plan is the result of my experience and knowledge in treating chronic pains and injuries over the last 20 years. This is the holistic plan to guarantee pain relief, prevent recurring pains, and faster recovery.
EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT
PHYSIOTHERAPY PLAN BASED ON MY ASSESSMENT
HOMECARE EXERCISE/PLAN
ACUPUNCTURE
EXERCISE PROGRAMME
DRY CUPPING/DRY NEEDLING
MASSAGE