Osteoarthritis Hand Pain

Osteoarthritis pain is one of the most common types of joint problems in the hand. It primarily affects the base of the thumb and knuckles as well as the two joints closest to the fingertips. This is because cartilage in the finger joints can wear out over time. Osteoarthritis hand pain can be caused by aging, a previous injury, obesity and repeated stress on finger joints. It is more likely to occur in women than men. Treatment can include rest, topical applications, medication, prolotherapy and exercise.

Identification

• Osteoarthritis in the hand usually starts out with gradual stiffness, pain and swelling in the various finger and hand joints. Some can experience a burning sensation as well. People may notice bumps or nodes around the joints along with their pain. There may be some clicking in the joints, as well as loss of flexibility. Pain can vary from mild to virtually incapacitating, where people have trouble doing basic tasks.

Effects of Rest, Ice and Heat

• People with osteoarthritis hand pain often find relief abstaining from certain activities or work-related tasks. Rest can prevent further aggravation of the joints and provides ice time to reduce inflammation and pain. Ice reduces pain by causing vasoconstriction, which momentarily narrows blood vessels and blood flow in the joints, minimizing inflammation. After a few days, once inflammation and pain have subsided, heat can promote blood flow (and its healing powers) to the hand joints.

Types of Medications

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve pain. These medications are Cox-2 inhibitors that minimize the effects (swelling and pain) of Cox-2 enzymes and prostaglandins, the body's natural response to cartilage erosion. Certain topical creams, many available over the counter, can relieve pain too. Some contain counterirritants like menthol, eucalyptus or oil of wintergreen to temporarily relieve the pain. Capsaicin creams also relieve pain and inflammation by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter for pain regulation in nerve cells.

Other Types of Treatment

• A proper diet and exercise are believed to help osteoarthritis pain, including the hands. Certain foods are known to cause inflammation, such as dairy foods, wheat (contains gluten), tomatoes and potatoes. Alcohol, coffee and sugar can also spur inflammation in the joints. Conversely, certain foods such as green vegetables, carrots, avocados and other grains and vegetables can help relieve osteoarthritis hand pain. Losing weight can also help, as well as certain hand exercises to promote blood flow and alleviate pain.

Expert Insight

• Prolotherapy injections can also be a potential cure--they actually spur additional inflammation, which ultimately serves as an anodyne and healer. Dr. Ross A Hauser, a rehabilitation doctor with 16 years experience in prolotherapy says, "the localized inflammation triggers a wound healing cascade, resulting in the deposition of new collagen." The upshot is that collagen shrinks then tightens the ligament to cure joint pain.