There is no doubt that arthritis in hands can be a very painful condition. Although millions of people suffer from some form of this condition, not too many people have an idea of what they can do. The truth of the matter is there are exercises and chiropractic treatments that can help to reduce the severity of the pain that you experience.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

One of the types of arthritis in hands you will find is called rheumatoid arthritis or RA. This is a type of autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints of your body and causes them to fill with fluid. This results in pain and can appear anywhere in your body.

The symptoms that people experience with this form of arthritis can vary. You will find that they can be anywhere from a decrease in your range of motion and you may experience swelling and stiffness in joints. In many cases, the pain levels may vary and you are likely to experience a low grade fever and fatigue when you have been diagnosed with this chronic illness. Keep in mind that there is no known cure for any form of arthritis and the only solution that is available to ways to manage the pain and other symptoms that are associated with it, as well as an attempt to ensure that the problem doesn’t escalate either.

What is Hand Osteoarthritis?

This is a form of arthritis in hands that is caused by the cartilage in your body to wear out. This then has the bones rubbing against each other and that can cause structural changes to occur and for the experience to be painful. Over time, bone spurs are likely to develop and deformity of the hand is a possibility as well.

Since this is one of the more common forms of arthritis in hands, you will need to understand the risks that can lead to it. Typically, it will stem from heavy usage of a particular set of joints or traumatic injury that has caused significant damage to the hands. In other cases, there are genes that can make a person more likely to have this condition and the best solution will be to begin seeing a chiropractor or doing hand exercises as soon as you can.

Who is at Risk for Arthritis in Hands?

While there is a potential for anyone to get arthritis in hands, there are some people who are more likely to experience this condition. The following risk factors will increase your chances.

• Family History of Arthritis
• Bone Defects
• Injury to the hands
• Work that requires extensive use of the hands and causes stress on them
• Obesity

What are Some Symptoms of Arthritis in Hands?

Just because you have some pain in your hands doesn’t mean that you are suffering from arthritis. However, if you notice any or all of the following symptoms frequently, you should consult with your doctor.

• Joint Pain
• Stiffness
• Limited range of motion
• Grinding
• Crunching sounds in hands
• Swelling

With these symptoms you should also note that there are specific areas where you my experience the condition more. It will be important that you keep an eye on the following areas and ensure that you begin seeking treatment at once.

• Wrist
• Joint just below the thumb where it meets the wrist
• The joint at the tips of your fingers

How Will the Doctor Diagnose My Condition?

While arthritis in hands can sometimes be noticed by a visual examination, there may need to be more tests done. Normally, this will include x-rays and bone scans to help determine the extent of damage that has been done and the treatment options you have available to you. In some cases, physical exams may be performed to diagnose the type and extend of your arthritis as well.

Treatment Solutions for Arthritis

There are going to be plenty of choices you will have for treating this condition. Depending on what your preference is meeting with a doctor and a chiropractor may be the best choice you have. Your medical professional is going to most likely want to put you on medications that are designed to be anti-inflammatory and sometimes may involve a pain reliever and steroid combination shot.

In addition to this, soaking your joints in warm waters and using capsaicin creams can also prove to be helpful. At night, your physician may have you use devices that limit the movement of your hands. Should your condition be extreme, surgery may be required. These surgeries can include joint reconstruction and fusion.

Hand Exercises

Chiropractors may also step in and have you do some hand exercises that will help to reduce your symptoms as well. For example, one exercise will have you placing your hand so that it is upright and you then place your fingers and wrist upward, then returning your hand to a normal position. Each angle you do, you would hold for up to 10 seconds.

Another choice you will have is to keep your hand straight and to bend your middle joints as well as the end joints on your finger towards your palm. Do this one finger at a time and hold each finger for 10 seconds. Doing this three times a day can help to improve the levels of pain you have.

These are of course just some of the choices you will have. It is going to be a good idea for you to meet with a chiropractor if you choose to go this route as they will be able to provide you with the information and techniques that you can use to help reduce the levels of pain that you end up having.

Remember, just because you have arthritis in hands doesn’t mean that you have to live with it. Take the time to start exploring all the things you can do to reduce this painful condition and take the first steps to taking back your life. With a number of medical advancements and exercises available to you, there will be no end to the possibilities you will have to improve the quality of your life.