Osteoarthritis (OA) is a natural degenerative process where the cartilage that spaces a joint start to change and over time thin, meaning the bones gets closer together, and can occur in any joint in the body. Osteoarthritis is a part of the normal ageing process and is most commonly seen in people over the age of 40.
The fingers, thumb, hand and wrist joints are among the most commonly affected by Osteoarthritis. OA of the fingers can go through “flare-up” periods in which your joints may become stiff and painful.
The most common symptoms of Finger OA are:
- Limited function in daily tasks
- Pain
- Reduced movement of the finger joint
- Pain is worse with or after activity
- Stiffness worse with inactivity
- Symptoms can flare or settle with changing seasons
- Lumps and bumps on the finger joints can be seen. These are known as Herbeden's or Bouchard's nodes
Diagnosis is usually made from a consultation with your Health Care Professional, involving a detailed history of the onset of symptoms, current pattern of symptoms and your current functional ability.
An X-Ray is generally not needed to confirm osteoarthritis. One may be performed if the Health Care Professional needs further information to finalise the diagnosis. A blood test may be performed to rule out other forms of arthritis.
The primary aim of treatment is to help manage your pain. This allows you to move more and help you return to normal activities sooner. Initial treatment therefore is aimed at pain control. This might involve pain medication, or the use of heat or cold treatments. Other treatment can include:
- Reducing the strain on your hands if you have to complete very repetitive tasks/heavy lifting at work
- Warm water soaks for your hands and fingers
- Wearing gloves when going outside to reduce the impact of the cold
Once your pain is under control, working on the movement and strength of your fingers and hand is what will help long term.
You can help to reduce pain, ease stiffness, strengthen your muscles and improve overall general fitness by keeping active. Below are some basic exercises specific to your fingers to get you started.
It is normal to experience some discomfort when doing exercises, and individuals may start at different points. Pain should not increase excessively during or immediately after the activity. Discomfort should return to pre-activity levels 24-48 hours after the activity has finished.
The number (reps) and frequency (sets) of exercises suggested here are a guide, and should be performed to your personal tolerable pain levels. This means repetitions will vary between individuals and you should only go as far as is reasonably comfortable for you.
Finger Flexion/Extension
Place your affected arm and hand flat on a table. Try to make a fist, curling your fingers on to your palm, then fully straightening your fingers back out.
Thumb Opposition (thumb to every fingertip)
Place elbow or back of your hand on a table. Put your thumb against each fingertip in turn. Practice picking up small objects.
Grip squeeze
Hold a ball in your hand. Squeeze the ball as hard as you can and hold. Allow your wrist to move in whichever direction feels natural.
AROM wrist flexion/extension
Start in a seated position with your forearm resting on a table and your thumb facing upright to the ceiling. Bend your wrist forwards, and then extend your wrist backwards, keeping your fingers relaxed throughout the whole movement.
AROM forearm pronation/supination
Sit up straight with your forearm resting on a table. Try to turn your palm to face upwards. Then try to turn your palm to face down. Continue this movement. It is important the movement only comes from your forearm, so ensure you do not allow your upper arm or body to twist.
You should see a Health Care Professional if you:
- Have pain that doesn’t show any signs of improvement, within a couple of weeks of self help
- Have pain that has rapidly deteriorated or suddenly worsened despite self help
- Have a history of inflammatory arthritis, immuno-suppression, cancer, Tuberculosis (TB), drug abuse, AIDS or other infection
- Feel unwell, have a fever, or unexplained weight loss
- Are experiencing significant and regular changes to your usual sleeping pattern
- Have any tingling or loss of sensation in your hand or wrist
- Notice changes to your grip strength and are frequently dropping things
- Have severe pain after trauma, such as a fall, collision, or impact to the wrist or hand
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Notice your fingers becomes acutely red hot and swollen without any prior explanation of activity/overuse
If you do not have any of the above, you may be able to effectively self manage your condition