Hand arthritis can significantly impact your ability to perform daily tasks and enjoy your favorite activities. The pain, stiffness, and limited mobility associated with this condition can be debilitating. However, seeking the right hand arthritis treatment can help you regain control over your body and improve your quality of life.
Symptoms of Hand Arthritis
Hand arthritis symptoms can vary depending on severity and the type of arthritis. However, some common symptoms can help identify the condition early and seek treatment before it worsens. Seek out a specialists if experience any of the following symptoms to a debilitating degree or for an extended period of time:
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Pain and Tenderness: Pain is often felt in the joints of the hands, especially after repetitive movements. The pain can range from mild to severe and may worsen with physical activity.
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Stiffness: Stiffness in the hands is common, particularly after resting or in the morning. This stiffness can make it difficult to open jars, grip objects, or perform simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or tying your shoes.
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Swelling: Swelling in the hands or fingers can occur, particularly around the joints. This can lead to discomfort and restricted movement.
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Decreased Range of Motion: Over time, the range of motion in the affected hand joints can become limited. This can impact your ability to carry out everyday tasks and may make it difficult to fully straighten or bend your fingers.
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Formation of Bumps or Deformities: In advanced cases, bone spurs may develop around the joints, leading to the formation of lumps or visible deformities. These can make the hands look misshapen or swollen.
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Grinding Sensation: You may experience a sensation of grinding or crunching in your fingers or hands as the cartilage breaks down in the affected joints.
Hand Arthritis Treatment in Louisville, KY
Hand arthritis can be a debilitating condition to live with. Our hands play such a large role in our lives, and without full movement, we may feel helpless. Activities that require a steady hand or precise movements become much more difficult. Hobbies that we once enjoyed become painful. However, with modern medicine, there are ways to treat this condition. Perhaps a cure is still on its way to being found, but pain management methods have proven to be effective with certain types of arthritis. Dr. Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists has years of experience providing hand arthritis treatment in Louisville, KY from mild to sever cases. Some treatments include:
1. Medications
The first line of treatment for hand arthritis often involves medications to help reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help manage mild to moderate pain. In cases of more severe inflammation, prescription medications, such as corticosteroids, or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may be utilized.
2. Physical and Occupational Therapy
Physical and occupational therapy can play a critical role in improving hand function. A physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve flexibility, while an occupational therapist can teach you techniques to perform daily tasks more easily and reduce stress on the affected joints. Splints and custom braces may also be used to protect your hands and prevent further damage.
3. Injections
Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation. These injections are typically administered directly into the affected joint. While they can be highly effective, they are not a long-term solution and may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
4. Surgery
If conservative treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms, surgery may be necessary. There are different surgical options available depending on the severity of the arthritis and the specific joints involved:
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Joint Fusion: This procedure involves fusing two bones together to eliminate movement and relieve pain in the affected joint. It is most commonly used for severe cases of osteoarthritis.
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Joint Replacement: In cases where the joint is severely damaged, a joint replacement may be recommended. The damaged joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint, helping restore function and alleviate pain.
5. Lifestyle Modifications
Making certain lifestyle changes can also help manage arthritis symptoms. These may include maintaining a healthy weight, which reduces stress on the joints, and avoiding repetitive hand movements that may aggravate the condition. Regular low-impact exercise can improve flexibility and strengthen muscles to support the affected joints.
6. Alternative Therapies
Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage, or the use of hot or cold therapy may provide additional relief for some individuals with hand arthritis. Consult with your doctor before pursuing these therapies to ensure they are safe and effective for your specific condition.
If you or someone you love suffers from hand arthritis in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.
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