Hand Arthritis: Early signs, treatment and daily management tips

Our hands are amazing. They perform so many functions, including enabling us to communicate with the world. Many things and activities depend on hands, ranging from typing to cooking and embracing loved ones. So much requires our hands, that once arthritis sets in, it can easily affect our quality of life.

For people with this condition, an appropriate management program and early detection could allow individuals to maintain function and comfort for longer. The first step towards understanding this ailment involves knowing how to manage symptoms effectively and the preservation of hand function over time.

Recognising early warning signs

The gradual development of hand arthritis is characterised by some simple symptoms that easily pass unnoticed in the beginning stages. Picking up on them and seeking immediate intervention may see better results at an early stage. Morning stiffness often serves as the first noticeable sign that many experience. Most patients notice sensitivity or tightness in their hands upon waking in the morning, which usually improves after thirty minutes of activity. This sensation differs from general morning stiffness, which usually resolves more quickly after getting out of bed.

Pain during or after specific activities using the hands is another common early sign. You may experience pain while opening jar lids, turning door knobs, and typing for long periods. You may also have a dull ache that continues even during rest. Also look out for visual symptoms that tend to develop as the condition progresses.

In this regard, the most popular joints that show the effects are the ends of all fingers as well as the joint located at the base of the thumb. These joints may appear larger or slightly deformed compared to the other hand or how they looked in previous years.

Types of arthritis

There are different kinds of arthritis which affect the hands, and they have different characteristics. The most common is osteoarthritis, which is essentially wear and tear over time on

cartilage within the joints. It is a degenerative disease of the joints, and most often, it is seen at the base of the thumb and the joint at the end of all fingers.

In a very different form to the above-noted type of arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, (of which rheumatoid arthritis is the most common), is autoimmune; here, the immune system attacks the lining of the joint. This will affect the same joints on both hands, causing swelling, pain, stiffness, tiredness and even loss of function.

This may affect other joints of the bod,y including the large joints (hips/knees/shoulders etc but also the spine. Rheumatologists manage inflammatory arthritis with medications, which have improved greatly over the last 2 decades.

Professional diagnosis and treatment

Having the intervention of an orthopaedic hand surgeon is another major step in dealing with these symptoms that disrupt daily functioning. They are experts with a wide range of training in diagnosing and treating disorders of the intricate structures of the hand and wrist.

They are able to evaluate if and to what extent there is arthritis and, if this condition exists, verify the severity through a thorough checkup consisting of physical testing, history and diagnosis, and image tests. Afterwards, they create an individualised therapy strategy to match the condition and specific requirements.

Surgical options

For advanced cases, a hand and wrist specialist may recommend surgical interventions if all conservative modalities fail to give adequate relief. Examples include procedures such as debriding or cleaning the joint with arthroscopy, realignment surgery or dividing nerves to take away pain (denervation procedures) or major surgeries like joint fusion and joint replacement.

Surgery is only indicated to reduce pain and enhance function when other treatments are ineffective. Recovery times will depend upon the operation but will include rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility to the joint.

Daily management strategies

Living well with arthritis means learning how to protect joints effectively and optimally maintain function. There are many methods that can help ease daily tasks and preserve joint health. One such technique for doing that is pacing oneself through activities that are intensive for the hands. This practice involves taking regular breaks between energetic sessions and switching between tasks to relieve excess pressure on a single joint. Whenever possible, use more than one joint to bear the weight rather than just one.

Gentle finger exercises will help retain flexibility and strength if done regularly. Easy movements such as grasping and spreading out fingers, placing each fingertip against your thumb, or circular wrist movements can ensure a range of motion.

Consistency is more important than intensity when doing these exercises. Short periods several times a day is better than infrequent, prolonged exercise. Excessive stress and injury can worsen the condition, but the right exercise done under professional supervision can help restore joint function.

The difficulty presented by hand arthritis is countered by a course of treatment or an ongoing treatment regime whereby many people can continue to pursue their hobbies or maintain an independent life. Working with healthcare professionals and the continued practice of joint-protection strategies may allow most people to live fully functional and comfortable lives.