Arthritis of the hand is a debilitating condition that can negatively impact your life and mental health. It causes pain, swelling, and even deformity. As the condition progresses, it can also prevent you from managing daily tasks.
Several types of arthritis can affect your hands, fingers, and wrists. They can cause severe pain and even loss of function. However, you can manage the condition with the help of proper treatment.
In this blog, we’re discussing arthritis of the hands and how to manage flare-ups according to a certified hand therapist in Edison, NJ.
What Is Arthritis of The Hands?
The hand and wrist consist of small joints that aid in motion, which can be affected by arthritis of hands. The condition attacks tissues and the inner lining of the joints or cartilage. As a result, the cartilage breaks down and exposes the ends of bones, wearing them down.
Over time, the disease makes simple tasks difficult, like holding items, writing, getting dressed, etc. If left untreated, the bones lose their shape and mobility.
Types of Arthritis in The Hands
These different types of arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis(OA)
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Osteoarthritis (OA)
This type is the most commonly found arthritis known as “wear and tear” or degenerative arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage breaks down and wears away.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
This is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes the lining of the joints to swell.
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
This type of arthritis affects the patient’s skin. It causes the joints to swell and stiffen, and has symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
How Do You Manage Flare-Ups?
An arthritis flare-up is an episode of increased stiffness, pain, weakness, and fatigue. When the symptoms of the condition worsen, it can make it harder for you to perform daily tasks. Here are some simple ways to manage arthritis flare-ups.
Rest Your Hand
Though it’s a piece of obvious advice, resting your hand can help you recover from the flare-up. That’s because you need to give your joints a break from all the movement.
Hand Exercises
Don’t stop moving even if you’re resting your hand. After all, the last thing you want is more joint stiffness. Exercise them with motions you can manage to maintain flexibility in the ligaments and tendons.
Hot and Cold Compresses
Utilizing hot and cold compresses is a great way to manage flare-ups and your arthritis symptoms in general. Apply warm packs to affected joints to reduce stiffness and cold packs to lessen swelling.
Are you in need of hand physical therapy in Edison, NJ? Then consider our services at Able Hands Rehabilitation.
Here at Able Hands Rehabilitation, we take pride in being of the leading hand therapists in New Jersey. With more than 25 years of experience in the field, we provide effective treatments for various conditions. These include finger fractures, hand stiffness, and trigger finger therapy in Edison, NJ.
Contact us today for more information.
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