Can anything be done about arthritis in fingers?
There is no cure for arthritis. However, you can usually manage mild to moderate symptoms with a combination of medication and non-medication approaches. Surgery may be an option if other treatments fail or the arthritis in your hands is severe.
How do I reduce arthritis inflammation in my fingers?
Oral Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended to treat arthritis symptoms because of their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities. NSAIDs can’t slow the progression of arthritis, but they can help treat pain and inflammation.
What causes arthritis in fingers to flare up?
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.
What is the best pain relief for arthritic hands?
Analgesics. Analgesics, which include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and opioids, are commonly used for arthritis in the hands and other joints. They also may be used to relieve pain from other hand and wrist conditions or surgery.
Should you exercise an arthritic finger?
Hand exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the hand joints. This can help you perform hand movements with less discomfort. Finally, exercise can also increase the production of synovial fluid, which can improve joint function.
What causes arthritis in fingers?
Injury: Repetitive activities and acute injuries can cause joint damage and lead to arthritis. Smoking: People who smoke have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Infection: Certain infections may cause joint damage and lead to arthritis. Age: Older adults are at higher risk of developing arthritis.
How should I sleep with arthritis in my hands?
Make Your Bed More Comfortable
- Sleep with a thin pillow.
- Use a neck roll or towel.
- Get creative with your pillows.
- Keep your room cold.
- Sleep on a heated mattress pad.
- Take a hot bath.
- Or sleep with ice packs.
- Sleep naked.
How to treat arthritis of the fingers?
Besides exercises, you can also use a variety of oral and topical over-the-counter (OTC) medications to cope with pain from arthritis of the fingers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended to treat arthritis symptoms because of their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities.
What is the most common cause of finger arthritis?
Causes. There are three types of arthritis that commonly affect the fingers: Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, also called wear-and-tear arthritis, is the most common type of finger arthritis. In people with osteoarthritis, the normal cartilage is steadily worn away, exposing bare bone at the joints.
What is osteoarthritis of the fingers?
Osteoarthritis may be more common in the fingers of people who undergo a lot of repetitive motion, like musicians or people who work with their hands or on a computer. The most obvious symptom of finger arthritis is pain and swelling in the fingers, especially in the joints. Other symptoms of finger arthritis can include:
Why do my fingers swell with arthritis?
With arthritis, the fingers can become swollen due to the inflamed synovial membrane. The three most common sites where osteoarthritis happens in the hand include: Symptoms caused by arthritis of the fingers include: