What Is The Best Treatment For Arthritis In The Hands

Best Cream: Sayman Salve Wonder Rub

7 Tips to Reduce Hand Arthritis Pain (Physical Therapy Approved)

Courtesy of Amazon

Product can be sticky
Some users report feeling nothing when using this product

Three powerful pain fighters give this creamy oil a punch. It contains max strength lidocaine alongside a botanical blend that aims to desensitize aggravated nerves. Together, they dull pain, reduce inflammation and swelling, and relieve stiff joints. Lidocaine, a numbing medication, is a common ingredient in over-the-counter topical medications and can be very helpful. It comes in multiple forms, sometimes combined with other medications, says Dr. Barsoum.

The time-tested formula has more than 150 years of history to its credit, which boasts a pleasant texture and efficient pain relief on hands, feet, and other achy areas. Arnica creates an instant cooling sensation, while hemp oil targets inflammation and cannabinoid receptors. Its clear and has almost no odor.

Price at time of publish: $40

Active Ingredients: Lidocaine, hemp oil, and arnica | Dose: A thin layer applied to affected areas every six to eight hours | Uses: Temporarily relieves minor pain

What Is The Active Ingredient In Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

The active ingredient in Voltaren is diclofenac sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . It falls in the same category of ibuprofen and naproxen. Diclofenac sodium topical gel works by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins to help provide relief.

How To Use Voltaren

Read the label and use the enclosed dosing card.

Do not use on more than two body areas at the same time.

Dosage

Using the dosing card, apply the following amounts:

Upper body areas : 2.25 inches

Lower body areas : 4.5 inches

Directions

Rub gently into affected area. It is intended to be used 4 times a day everyday for up to 21 days. With 4-times-a-day use, you may start to feel relief within a few days. Stop use and ask your doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 21 days.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Hand Surgery

Recovery time depends on many factors, including the severity of your condition, type of surgery you had, the skill of your surgeon and your compliance with therapy. Most people can return to their activities about three months after joint reconstruction surgery. Your team of caregivers can give you the best estimate of your particular recovery time.

Integrative Medicine Treatments For Hand Arthritis

Many doctors today recommend a treatment plan that uses integrative medicinea combination of conventional Western medicine and alternative medicine. Both Western and alternative treatments are supported by research.

Occupational therapy For many patients, hand exercises can be the most cost-effective treatment option.1 A licensed occupational therapist can teach a person exercises that help strengthen the joints in the wrists and fingers, improve hand dexterity, and protect joints from further degeneration.

SplintingStabilize and support the hand joints with splints. There are several different types of braces, including smaller braces that stabilize individual knuckles and larger ones that stabilize the wrist and hand. Bracing at night can prevent pain from interrupting sleep .

People who find braces too cumbersome or rigid to wear all the time may wear compression gloves or sleeves instead. The goal of these products is to support joints while allowing for some flexibility.

MedicationsBoth topical and oral pain medications can temporarily ease pain caused by hand arthritis.

Topical pain relievers come in the form of creams, balms, gels, or patches, and are sold over-the-counter. Certain topical products require a physicians prescription.

Recommended Reading: What Does Arthritis In Your Hands Feel Like

Weight Management And Diet

Although the link between your weight and osteoarthritis of the hands may be less clear than for weight-bearing joints such as the knees, some research shows that being overweight increases inflammation and therefore pain. Therefore, if you have osteoarthritis of the hand or wrist, it still makes sense to try to maintain, or achieve, a healthy weight.

Hand Surgeon In San Antonio Texas

At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our hand surgery team diagnoses and treats a broad range of hand injuries and conditions, including arthritis.

Our extensive education and training enable us to treat the most complex hand issues. For any type of hand or wrist pain and injury, call the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at 692-7400 or request an appointment now. We are happy to provide you the highest quality care for your hand condition.

What Are The Symptoms Of Arthritis In The Hands

Early symptoms include:

Dull or burning joint pain, appearing hours or a day after increased use of your hands.
Morning pain and stiffness in your hand.
Swollen joints in your hand.

If you’ve had arthritis in your hand for some time:

Symptoms are present more often.
Pain may change from dull ache to sharp pain.
Pain may wake you up at night.
Pain may cause you to change the way you use your hand.
Tissue surrounding your affected joint may become red and tender to the touch.
Youll feel grating, grinding, cracking or clicking when bending your fingers.
Your fingers cant fully open and close.
Small bony nodules form on the middle joint of your fingers or at the top joints of your fingers .
Your finger joints become large and deformed and abnormally bent, leaving your hands weak and less able to accomplish everyday tasks.

Biofreeze’s Pain Relief Spray Is Infused With Menthol To Offer Temporary Relief

Osteoarthritis (Arthritis of Hands, Knees) | Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

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Arthritis is a debilitating and persistent condition that an estimated 52.5 million people in the U.S. live with. But there are plenty of over-the-counter treatment options including creams, lotions, gels, and oils with anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and additional properties to relieve pain.

Also Check: Is Arthritis An Inflammatory Disease

Who Is At Risk For Arthritis

Some risk factors for arthritis that cant be avoided or changed include:

Age. The older you are, the more likely you are to have arthritis.
Gender. Women are more likely to have arthritis than men.
Heredity. Some types of arthritis are linked to certain genes.

Risk factors that may be avoided or changed include:

Weight. Being overweight or obese can damage your knee joints. This can make them more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Injury. A joint that has been damaged by an injury is more likely to develop arthritis at some point.
Infection. Reactive arthritis can affect joints after an infection.
Your job. Work that involves repeated bending or squatting can lead to knee arthritis.

Arthritis In Hands And Fingers

The process of osteoarthritis is complex. It affects bone, cartilage, soft tissue, and the connective tissue in your joints.

Osteoarthritis wears away the articular cartilage in a joint. Cartilage is the cushioning material between bones. This wearing away can cause swelling and irritation of the synovial lining, which produces the synovial fluid that helps protect and lubricate the joint.

When osteoarthritis affects the joints of your hands or fingers, it can cause:

joint deformity

The pain can get worse whenever you use your hand for repetitive tasks. For example, typing on a computer keyboard or gripping utensils in the kitchen can cause discomfort. You may also lose strength in your hands. This weakness can make it hard to do everyday tasks, such as opening jars.

Some medication options may help treat hand arthritis. For example, you can take oral pain-relieving medications.

You can also get steroid injections in your joints or splint your hands to give them support. If these options dont work, surgery may help to reduce pain.

Home treatments can also help to reduce the pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis in your hands and fingers.

Hand and finger exercises can be a noninvasive way to:

keep your joints flexible
improve range of motion
relieve arthritis pain

Hand exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the hand joints. This can help you perform hand movements with less discomfort.

Place the ball on a flat surface such as a table.

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Best With Capsaicin: Zostrix Maximum Strength Natural Pain Relief Cream

Provides warm, penetrating relief

Cream can sting/burn if used on other parts of the body

First things first: Yes, this product is going to sting a littlethats the point. Capsaicin is the chemical compound found in chili peppers, so creating that numbing heat is what Zostrix is designed to do. If youre looking for a cooling product, this is definitely not for you. Having said all that, people who do get more relief from heat should still keep in mind that if used incorrectly, this product can sting other parts of your body if you touch them without thoroughly washing your hands first. But ultimately, when used as directed, many people have used Zostrix to successfully manage arthritis pain.

Zostrix shouldn’t be used on broken skin or open wounds or on irritated, inflamed, reddened, or dry skin.

Price at time of publish: $20

Active Ingredients: Capsaicin | Dose: Apply a thin film of cream to the affected area and gently rub in until fully absorbed. For optimum relief, apply three to four times daily. Best results typically occur after two to four weeks of continuous use. | Uses: Temporary relief of minor aches and pains

Finger Or Hand Arthritis These 5 Nonsurgical Treatments May Help

Hand or finger arthritis can limit your ability to live your best, active life. And if you cant open a jar, grip your grocery bags or write a letter to a loved one without wincing in pain, it might be time to seek some solutions that may help. Many of these treatments are even safe and effective without surgery.

In fact, Nicholas J. Newsum, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, wrist, elbow and microsurgery, spoke to us about these five nonsurgical treatments for hand and finger arthritis.

What Are The Symptoms Of Thumb Arthritis

Pain in the thumb is the most common symptom of thumb arthritis. You might feel pain when you are pinching or gripping objects, Dr. Luo says. You may also notice a little bump at the base of your thumb, he adds, explaining that this would be a bone spur, or a projection that develops along joints as a result of inflammation, including osteoarthritis.

Other symptoms may include the following:

Swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb
An ache after prolonged use of the thumb
Loss of strength when gripping or pinching with your thumb
Limited motion

Risk Factors For Hand And Finger Arthritis

According to Dr. Newsum, finger or hand arthritis can occur years after of an old injury, but most of the time, it affects people age 50 and older.

By age 60, 70% of people will have arthritis based on X-rays. By age 75, 90% have arthritis on X-rays, but the important thing to note is that many dont have severe symptoms and are not debilitated by it.

If you do, however, its important to get medical help to find your path toward relief.

Other factors that can increase your risk of arthritis in your hands and fingers include:

Enlarged bumps at the fingers knuckles

Its also important to distinguish between the different types of hand or finger arthritis.

Dr. Newsum explains, Osteoarthritis affects the middle knuckles and knuckles near the nails and can appear as large bumps on the knuckle, which are bone spurs that are caused from bone rubbing on bone when the joint moves.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that attacks tendons, ligaments, the joint lining and bones.

Exercises To Relieve Arthritis

The following exercises increase blood flow to cartilage, bringing it the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and prevent further breakdown. Consult your healthcare provider before starting these exercises to make sure theyre appropriate for you.

If so, the exercises are easy to do and can ease your arthritis pain:

The stronger your muscles are, the more weight they will be able to handle. Like other types of exercise, hand exercises won’t “work” overnight. But they should with time and repetition.

Managing General Ra Pain

9 Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hands, by Dr. Andrea Furlan

While acupuncture for RA hand pain and symptoms hasnt been examined, studies have explored using acupuncture to manage general RA pain. They demonstrate that acupuncture can curb pain because it boosts endorphins, the bodys natural pain killers.

For example, a 2018 systematic review published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found acupuncture alone or with other therapies can help manage pain and function and improve quality of life in people with RA without side effects.

Recommended Reading: How To Reduce Arthritis Pain In Fingers

Natural Remedies For Arthritis In Hands

There are natural ways to combat the pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with arthritis. These natural remedies can provide rest for your hands and reduce the pain and stiffness you may be experiencing.

Ice packs: Just like an injury, when inflammation occurs its important to apply ice packs to reduce it. Applying ice packs regularly can reduce irritation and soreness associated with arthritis.

Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a natural anti-inflammatory. Drinking a teaspoon with some warm water daily can help.

Honey and cinnamon: This combination is best used to relax stiff muscles. Honey has antiseptic properties and cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory. Combine a tablespoon of honey with half a teaspoon of cinnamon and consume each morning on an empty stomach.

Epsom salt: Epsom salt can help reduce stiffness, inflammation, and pain. It is packed with magnesium, which is essential for bone mineralization. Simply combine Epsom salt with water and allow your sore hands to soak.

Olive oil: You can massage olive oil onto your hands or consume it with meals as a means to reduce inflammation.

Garlic: Another natural anti-inflammatory, garlic should be consumed regularly to reduce inflammation and pain.

Fenugreek seeds: Fenugreek seeds are anti-inflammatories that also provide antioxidants. To prepare, soak fenugreek seeds overnight in water. In the morning, drain the water and consume the seeds.

Best Homeopathic: Naturopathica Arnica Gel

Courtesy of Amazon

Not everyone finds relief using arnica

When other formulas dont cut it, this luxe Naturopathica gel is worth every penny. The key ingredient is arnica, a prized herb known as “natures aspirin.” Naturopathicas product also contains menthol for a cooling effect and natural aroma and enriched with magnesium to improve muscle function.

A little goes a long way with this potent arnica-packed gel thats gentle on skin and dries with a smooth, non-greasy finish.

Price at time of publish: $34

Active Ingredients: Arnica and menthol | Dose: Massage a dime-sized amount into affected areas as needed | Uses: Helps to soothe and restore skin after exercise, post-injury, arthritis pain, and otherwise achy muscles and joints

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What Is Arthritis Of The Hand

Arthritis is a disease that attacks the tissues of your joints. A joint is where two bones meet. Arthritis can attack the lining of your joint or the cartilage, the smooth covering at the ends of bones. Eventually the cartilage breaks down, the ends of your bones become exposed, rub against each other and wear away. You have many joints in your hand, therefore its a common site for arthritis to happen.

Arthritis of the hand causes pain and swelling, stiffness and deformity. As arthritis progresses, you cant use your hands to manage everyday tasks as you once could.

What The Experts Say

How to Prevent and Treat Osteoarthritis in the Hands

First and foremost, anyone considering arthritis cream or gel should discuss using the product with their orthopaedic surgeon or primary care physician to ensure it is being used appropriately and for the correct indication. Rachel Frank, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at UCHealth and director of the Joint Preservation Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine

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Key Points About Arthritis

Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body.
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases can affect people of all ages. They are more common in women than men.
Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, or redness in 1 or more joints.
There is no cure for arthritis. The treatment goal is to limit pain and inflammation and preserve joint function.
Treatment options include medicines, weight reduction, exercise, and surgery.

What Stands Out About Yale Medicines Approach To Thumb Arthritis

The physicians in Yale Medicines Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery Program specialize in evaluating and treating injuries and musculoskeletal disorders that affect your daily movements. We offer the latest technological advances and we are active in research that can lead to better treatments.

At Yale Medicine, we offer the complete range of care to patients, with occupational therapists on site at multiple locations and a new state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center at Yale New Haven Hospitals St. Raphael Campus, Dr. Luo says.

Reducing The Strain On Your Hands And Wrists

We use our hands a lot in daily life. If you have osteoarthritis in your hands or wrists, taking some time to think about how you use them, and how you could reduce the strain on them, can bring great benefits. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use your hands, just that you should think about ways of using them differently.

It may be helpful to see an occupational therapist or hand therapist, who will be able to offer a lot of useful advice on this. But many people discover for themselves different ways of doing things that help to ease the strain on their joints. Examples include:

using gadgets such as electric tin openers or tools with softer, chunkier handles that don’t need such a tight grip
using a backpack or shopping trolley to avoid carrying heavy bags in your hands
taking more frequent breaks from tasks that put more strain on your joints or switching between harder and easier jobs
using both hands for some of the tasks that you normally do one-handed
having taps or door handles changed for those that are easier to use
looking out for easy-to-handle fastenings when choosing clothing or shoes.

Find out more about looking after your joints.