What Causes Osteoarthritis Hands? Symptoms & Relief

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that can affect any joint in the body, but when it affects the hands, it can be particularly debilitating. Hand osteoarthritis can make everyday activities, such as gripping, grasping, and even simple tasks like typing or cooking, incredibly challenging. In this article, we will delve into the causes of osteoarthritis in the hands, explore its symptoms, and discuss the various relief options available.

Understanding Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the cushioning material that covers the ends of bones where they meet to form joints. This breakdown leads to bones rubbing against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. In the hands, osteoarthritis most commonly affects the joints at the base of the thumb, the joints closest to the fingertips (distal interphalangeal joints), and the middle joints of the fingers (proximal interphalangeal joints).

Causes of Osteoarthritis in Hands

While the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not fully understood, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing hand osteoarthritis:

1. Age: The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. Most people develop symptoms after the age of 50, although it can occur earlier.
2. Genetics: Family history plays a significant role. If your parents or siblings have osteoarthritis, you are more likely to develop it.
3. Previous Injury: Trauma to a joint can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in that joint.
4. Obesity: Being overweight increases the strain on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints, but can also affect the hands due to systemic inflammation.
5. Repetitive Stress: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive motions of the hands can increase the risk.

Symptoms of Hand Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis in the hands can vary but often include:

• Pain: Aching or stiffness in the hands, particularly after periods of rest or inactivity.
• Swollen Joints: The affected joints may become swollen, warm, or red.
• Limited Mobility: Stiffness and decreased range of motion in the fingers and thumb.
• Grinding Sensation: Feeling or hearing a grinding sensation when moving the joints.
• Nodules: Bony spurs or nodules (such as Heberden’s nodes on the distal interphalangeal joints and Bouchard’s nodes on the proximal interphalangeal joints) can develop, leading to painful bumps on the fingers.
• Weakness: Decreased grip strength and difficulty performing tasks that require gripping or twisting.

Relief Options for Hand Osteoarthritis

Fortunately, there are several options available to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with hand osteoarthritis:

Medications

1. Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs can help manage pain and inflammation.
2. Prescription Medications: For more severe pain, prescription medications like corticosteroids injected into the joints can provide relief.

Lifestyle Modifications

1. Exercise: Gentle exercises can help maintain joint mobility and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Examples include finger bends, finger spreads, and thumb bends.
2. Heat/Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs can help reduce pain and stiffness.
3. Assistive Devices: Using adaptive equipment, such as larger grips on tools or kitchen utensils, can make daily activities easier.

Alternative Therapies

1. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide personalized exercises and therapies to improve hand function.
2. Occupational Therapy: An occupational therapist can help find ways to adapt daily activities and tasks to reduce strain on the hands.
3. Acupuncture: Some people find relief from pain through acupuncture, although its effectiveness can vary.

Surgery

In severe cases where other treatments have not provided relief, surgery may be an option. Surgical procedures can include:

1. Joint Replacement: Replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one.
2. Fusion: Fusing the bones of the joint together to eliminate movement and reduce pain.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis of the hands is a common condition that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, and exploring the various relief options can help manage the condition and maintain hand function. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, the right combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments can provide relief and improve the ability to perform daily activities.