Understanding Irving Hand Arthritis
Arthritis in the hands, known as hand osteoarthritis or hand OA, involves pain, aching, stiffness and swelling in the joints of the fingers, thumbs, wrists and knuckles. It typically develops gradually over years, often affecting both hands equally. Hand arthritis can make normal daily activities difficult and painful.
Causes and Contributing Factors
Common causes and risk factors for developing Irving hand arthritis include:
- Repetitive stress or injury to the hands
- Genetics and family history
- Age - more prevalent over 40 years old
- Obesity or excess weight placing more strain on hand joints
- Other types of inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis
Osteoarthritis break downs the cartilage that normally cushions joints, allowing bones to rub together causing pain, tenderness and reduced flexibility over time.
Common Symptoms
In addition to aching, pain and stiffness, common Irving hand arthritis symptoms include:
- Swelling around certain hand joints
- Bony knobs forming on finger joints from bone spurs
- Cracking or crunching noises when moving the hands
- Joint inflammation and tenderness
- Reduced grip strength
Symptoms may flare up after overusing the hands then ease when resting. Cold weather can also worsen pain.
Medical Treatments for Irving Hand Arthritis
Seeing a doctor to develop a treatment plan for managing Irving hand arthritis is important for easing discomfort and preventing disability. Common medical treatments include:
Pain Relief Medications
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can temporarily alleviate hand arthritis pain. Prescription medications may be stronger if OTC pain relief is inadequate.
Corticosteroid Injections
Powerful anti-inflammatory corticosteroid injections directly into severely inflamed finger joints provides localized pain relief for several months at a time.
Surgery
Surgeries like arthroplasty to improve damaged joint function or arthrodesis to fuse bones eliminating painful motion may be an option for more advanced Irving hand arthritis.
Therapy
Working with an occupational therapist helps you modify daily tasks reducing strain on arthritic hand joints. Custom splints can also offer extra support.
Alternative Treatments to Soothe Hand Arthritis
Complementary home remedies and lifestyle approaches help soothe Irving hand arthritis discomfort and prevent further damage. Useful options include:
Heat and Cold Therapy
Applying hot or cold compresses helps decrease pain and joint stiffness when flare-ups occur.
Hand Exercises
Gentle stretching, strengthening and range of motion hand exercises improve flexibility while protecting vulnerable joints.
Assistive Devices
Ergonomic pens, jar openers and key turners reduce grip strain. Built up handles on things like cutlery also help.
Topical Relief
Massaging arthritic hands with topical pain creams containing menthol, capsaicin or camphor temporarily eases ache.
Acupuncture
This traditional Chinese medicine approach uses fine needles to rebalance energy flow and reduce inflammation.
Creating an Irving Hand Arthritis Friendly Lifestyle
Making certain lifestyle adjustments also benefits Irving hand arthritis by removing strain, easing inflammation and managing pain flare-ups better. Useful strategies include:
Pacing Yourself
Take regular breaks between tasks requiring hand use to prevent overexertion and fatigue.
Low Impact Exercise
Gentle exercises like walking, water workouts and stretching keep joints flexible without further damage.
Protecting Joints
Wear gloves for household cleaning and gardening. Opening jars and tasks requiring grip strength can also be problematic.
Managing Weight
Slimming down lessens mechanical strain and inflammation related to Irving hand arthritis.
Quit Smoking
Smoking worsens inflammation, so quitting benefits hand arthritis and whole body health.
Be patient and compassionate with yourself while adjusting activities to work around hand arthritis limitations. Minor adaptations make tasks easier so you can still participate in enjoyable hobbies.
FAQs
What causes Irving hand arthritis?
Common causes include repetitive hand injuries, age, genetics, obesity, and inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
What are the symptoms of hand arthritis?
Symptoms involve aching, stiffness and swelling in the finger/hand joints, reduced grip strength, joint inflammation, bone spurs, and cracking/crunching with hand movements.
What medical treatments help manage hand arthritis?
OTC and prescription pain medications, corticosteroid injections, surgeries, occupational therapy, and using custom splints can help treat Irving hand arthritis.
What lifestyle changes ease hand arthritis?
Using heat/cold therapy, protective gloves during activities, taking frequent breaks when using your hands, losing excess weight, quitting smoking, and doing gentle stretching and exercises help.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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