Wrist and Hand Osteoarthritis: When Your Hands Start Acting Up

Wrist and Hand Osteoarthritis: When Your Hands Start Acting Up

Ever feel like your hands are staging a little revolt? Wrist and hand osteoarthritis (OA) might be the troublemaker behind that nagging pain and stiffness. But don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you and offer some solutions to keep your hands happy and functional.

What Is Wrist and Hand Osteoarthritis?

Think of wrist and hand osteoarthritis as a gradual breakdown of your joint’s smooth, cushy cartilage. Over time, this cartilage wears away, leaving you with increased friction, pain, and a slow loss of mobility. It’s like your hands are trying to get in on the “old and creaky” trend, but not in a fun way.

Symptoms You Might Be Feeling

• Deep, Aching Pain: This is the kind of persistent pain that doesn’t seem to have a specific cause but just won’t go away.
• Activity-Induced Pain: If opening jars or typing on a keyboard becomes an Olympic sport because of the pain, OA might be the culprit.
• Stiffness and Limited Motion: Struggling to perform everyday tasks like brushing your teeth or using cutlery? Your hands might be losing their flexibility.
• Reduced Grip Strength: If your handshake isn’t as firm as it used to be, it could be a sign.
• Crepitus: That’s a fancy term for the grinding and clicking noises you hear when you move your hands. It’s like your hands are trying to talk but don’t have the right words.

The Stats and Facts

• Prevalence: By the time women hit 85, about 50% will experience hand OA. For men, it’s around 25%. It seems your hands get cranky as you get older.
• Gender: Women, you’re more likely to deal with this and often in a more severe form.
• Age: After 55, women are especially prone to it. The older you get, the more your hands might start complaining.
• Handedness: Your dominant hand is usually the one that takes the brunt of OA.
• Common Spots: OA often affects three parts of the hand:
  • Thumb Base: Where your thumb meets your wrist (trapeziometacarpal joint).
  • Fingertip Joint: The joint closest to the end of your finger (distal interphalangeal joint).
  • Middle Finger Joint: The joint in the middle of your finger (proximal interphalangeal joint).

Self-Management Tips

• Heat & Cold Therapy: Use a warm towel or heating pack to ease pain and stiffness. Afterward, apply an ice pack to reduce any swelling. It’s like giving your hands a cozy blanket followed by a refreshing chill.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or NSAIDs can help. Just be sure to follow the dosage instructions, and check with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
• Night Splint: Wearing a splint while you sleep can do wonders for improving pain, hand function, strength, and range of motion over time. It’s like giving your hands a well-deserved rest while you dream.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

A physiotherapist is like a personal coach for your hands. Here’s how they can assist:

• Diagnosis and Education: They’ll help you understand what’s happening and how to deal with it.
• Strengthening Exercises: Specific exercises tailored to your condition to build up hand and wrist strength.
• Grip Improvement: Targeted exercises to improve your grip and help with daily tasks.
• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to help alleviate pain and improve function.
• Rehabilitation Program: A structured plan to get your hands back in action.

What Causes Wrist and Hand Osteoarthritis?

OA usually develops due to wear and tear over time. Here’s a bit more detail:

• Cartilage Breakdown: Healthy joints have cartilage that cushions the bones and allows smooth movement. OA causes this cartilage to deteriorate, leading to pain and stiffness as the bones start to rub against each other.
• Risk Factors:
  • Family History: If someone in your family has OA, you might be at a higher risk.
  • Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to develop OA.
  • Hand-Intensive Jobs: Jobs that involve a lot of hand use, like cooking or manufacturing, can increase your risk.
  • Previous Injuries: Past hand injuries, like fractures or dislocations, can set you up for OA.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you’ve tried managing your symptoms on your own and they’re not improving or are getting worse, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional. A physiotherapist or orthopaedic specialist can provide further evaluation and guidance to help get your hands back to their best.

So, if your hands are feeling more “creaky old gate” than “well-oiled machine,” don’t wait to get some help. With the right care, you can keep your hands in tip-top shape and ready for whatever life throws your way!