Although almost any joint can be troubled by Osteoarthritis, the hand is one of the most common joints to be affected.1 Aside from the pain, Osteoarthritis in the hand makes it difficult to grip and pinch items and can even affect the way the hands look.2,3 From washing clothes and helping the children to get dressed to cooking and working, healthy hands are essential. Which is why Osteoarthritis can affect every area of daily life. The following tips can help ease the pain, retain joint mobility and improve overall quality of life.
Exercise plays an important role when it comes to managing pain in all osteoarthritic joints, and the hand is no different.2 Here are two types of exercise that experts recommend:
Try to move the affected joints as far as comfortably possible, several times a day.3
It’s important to recognise that you may need to learn to pace yourself more when doing your every day activities,4 as otherwise there is a risk that you’ll overdo things and cause more damage to your hand. It might take time and a bit of practice getting the balance right between doing things you need to do and taking the regular rests your hand may need.
Where mild-to-moderate Osteoarthritis is concerned, over-the-counter pain relievers and heat therapy may assist to reduce pain.3,8 Some medical guidelines recommend Paracetamol as the their preferred pain reliever of choice for the management of Osteoarthritis pain.3,10-12 You could also take a non-steriodal anti-inflammatory to relieve pain. Pain relievers should not be used for more than a few days at a time except under the advice of your doctor. If you experience more severe or ongoing symptoms you should speak to suitably qualified healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. Only use pain relievers as directed and follow the product label at all times.
Applying hot packs or keeping the hand in a warm paraffin bath is also recommended as an add-on to other measures.2,6 This may be especially useful before exercising.2
There are a wide range of gadgets and tools you can buy to help make life easier.3,6 Choosing the right tool for you will depend on how Osteoarthritis affects your hand. For example, if turning things is a problem, then jar openers and tap turners can help. When it comes to gripping items, there are also special pens and even garden tools.
Visit the Panadol Osteo website and join the FREE Osteo Information Programme for helpful tips and information on staying positive, staying active and eating well.
Sign up now www.myosteolife.co.nz/sign-up
