There are so many Finger Arthritis Pain management tips and advice on the internet that can help you, it can become overwhelming. We have compiled a list of useful tips and exercises to help you manage your arthritis pain.
Finger Arthritis can cause pain, swelling, restricted movement, and limited function. Clinical interventions aim to reduce pain, control swelling, and improve function, such as gripping.
Signs and symptoms of finger arthritis are common:
Pain
The first sign of arthritis is a pain in the fingers and hands. It is usually a dull, burning sensation.
Activities that use the fingers and joints can make the pain worse. For example, activities that require gripping or grasping an object can exacerbate the pain.
Swelling
Overuse can cause swelling in the joints. Sometimes swelling can become so severe that it affects the ability to use a hand or fingers. Occasionally the patient may notice that the skin around the affected finger Joints appears red or pinkish and swelled.
Be warm to the touch.
The swelling can cause the joints to feel warm. It is due to inflammation.
Stiffness
People may experience stiffness in the joints of their fingers and may have difficulty moving their fingers. With finger arthritis, it is generally challenging to move and bend the finger. Even any kind of short movement causes severe pain. With painful stiffness, patients can not hold an object properly.
Numbness and Tingling Sensation
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the cause of tingling and numbness in your hands and fingers, particularly the first, middle, and third fingers. The patient may feel numbness and tingling in two specific fingers, such as the fourth and fingers, because the ulnar nerve is attached to the fourth and fifth fingers, so the tingling sensation is because of ulnar nerve compression.
CTS or carpal tunnel syndrome may also cause hand arthritis because of the pinched nerve connected to our wrist. It can be caused by arthritis, injury, fluid build-up, or pregnancy.
Fingers bumps
Bumps may form on fingers due to osteoarthritis. Bouchard’s node is present at the mid finger, and Heberden’s node is present at the endpoint of a finger. Pressure on these two nerves causes finger bumps and associated discomforts..
Weakness
Other people might also feel weakness in their fingers and hands.
With finger weakness, holding a heavy object or unled a tight jar would be challenging. It is possible for a person to have difficulty turning on faucets or turning the key in a door.
Warnings
Exercise advise for arthritis patients should be adapted to your level of comfort. Do not force movements. Nobody can tell you how much or how long to exercise.
You are not the only one who can experience arthritis pain and discomfort. Discomfort level varies from patient to patient; everyone’s sensation is not the same. So, you need to make a balance of your own To help you find your balance, remember that too much exercise can cause pain, and too little can cause stiffness. Try different exercises at different times to find the right balance.
Pain relief
Cold treatment When something is severely inflamed, it is important to immediately apply cold or ice. Because the bones of the hand are very close to the skin, you need to make sure that there is a barrier (cotton or another fabric) between the ice crystals and the skin.
Compression: You must apply a limited amount of compression to the affected area. You should use a comfortable level. A tight wrap on a joint will only cause more pain. The compression should support the joint, and make it feel as if the pain is subsiding. To compress painful joints, you can use thermal gloves or compression gloves.
Gentle stretching is a gentle exercise that helps to reduce swelling. To move fluids that cause joint swelling, our lymphatic system relies upon muscle contractions and relaxation.
Rest Spitts – Use as directed or recommended by your healthcare professional
Massage and Warmth can be used to increase circulation and relieve aching –
Warm water is a good place to do hand exercises.
To massage your hands gently, use any cream or rub-on you have on hand
For extra warmth, use a hot water bottle or wheat bag
Hand exercises
Tendon gliding, or “Tai Chi for fingers.”
Your fingers should be together, with your hand pointed up. Begin by bending your fingers toward the floor. Next, make a fist, and then let your thumb and tips relax into a straight position. Do the movements smoothly and without straining. This gives your hands a full range of motion. This should be done about ten times a day.
Finger extension
Now, place your palm flat on a piece of furniture and raise each finger one at a time. If you feel comfortable, repeat the process ten times.
Thumb opposition
Touch your thumb one by one to make the letter O. The circle should be as large as possible. If you feel comfortable, repeat the process ten times.
Summary
Use splints and aids to protect your joints during loading.
It is best to rest your joints at night.
Do gentle exercises to strengthen your joint stability muscles. However, finger arthritis patient can improve their grasping ability by doing exercises with a grip strength tool. However, before that, you must consult with your orthopaedic therapist.
