My Fitness Edge

Have you noticed that you’ve been having difficulties in playing the guitar or using a kitchenaid hand mixer? Have you been feeling pain and stiffness in your hands? One of the possible reasons can be arthritis of the hands. But don’t panic just yet. With the aid of a doctor and some treatment, getting back to your normal life is possible.

Arthritis is a disease involving the cartilage of bone joints. It can be caused by a lot of factors, including trauma and heredity. While there are so many types of the disease, the most common is osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis. It’s related to aging and the normal wear and tear of cartilages.

Other than the hands, the disease usually occurs in large weight-bearing joints. Such may include the knees, hips, back, and shoulders. Hand arthritis often results to pain and inflammation. Because of these, hand use and movement becomes very limited. It’s not uncommon to hear grinding or clicking sound when moving the fingers. Bony knobs may also appear in the end and middle finger joints.

A doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical checkup when diagnosing arthritis. Having an x-ray will reveal structural changes in joints affected by the disease. In the case of a rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, having a blood test is helpful. The severity of the disease will have an effect on the mode of treatment to be recommended by the doctor.

Mode of treatment may involve application of topical and oral anti-inflammatory drugs. Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) help in dealing with pain and swelling. Splints are applied to support the hand in an optimal position, as well as to promote rest. Corticosteroid injections are also good at relieving the signs and symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be warranted.

Creams or liniments may be applied topically for mild pain attacks. Applying a cold compress works wonderfully too. Performing certain hand exercises can also be very effective. They include making a tight fist, spreading your fingers apart and placing each of your fingertips on the thumb. If your job involves using a keyboard, flipping switches under a device’s custom LCD, or anything similar, such practices can be beneficial.

With proper activity modification and following the doctor’s orders, hand arthritis need not get in the way of your daily living. Soon enough you can resume your passion in life, be it using a Canon digital SLR camera or gripping a tennis racket. Having arthritis of the hand need not cause you lifelong pain and joint immobility.