Is there anything that physio can do for my arthritic hands?

By Pip on 13th November 2024

We are often asked: “Is there anything that physio can do for my arthritic hands?”.  Well, there is plenty that can be done following a correct diagnosis.  Education and advice is key, pain relief techniques can be helpful, and joint protection with splints can often alleviate much of the discomfort and improve function.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long term condition which presents in the hands with pain and stiffness, with or without thickening in the joints. It often has an impact on the grip of our hands. This can occur due to the very high daily demand from lifting, carrying and daily tasks.

It is only when we get pain in our hands that we start to think about what demands our hands are put through during the day and how we need to look after them to manage pain, control inflammation and improve our grip strength.

Research has shown that joint protection methods are helpful in reducing pain and making every-day activities easier (Bobos et al 2019). People with OA have reported less stiffness in the morning while using these techniques. Looking after the small joints in our hands is essential for managing OA.

As a specialist hand therapist, this is how I can help with management of this condition:

1. Diagnose correctly
2. Education
3. Fabricate splints for function or/and pain management
4. Exercises to help strengthen grip
5. Reduce pain with combination of techniques including wax therapy, ultrasound therapy, and other forms of electrotherapy treatment.
6. Self-management advice

What are splints?

Splints for the hand can help with functional tasks to protect our small hand joints.

These splints are made from thermoplastic which is heated to 70 degrees and custom made to deliver the correct fitting and function, and they can prevent, correct or reduce the risks of deformities.

If a custom made splint is not necessary, I can help with the appropriate purchase and individual fitting of off-the-shelf neoprene splints.   There are many available on-line, which can be confusing, so proper diagnosis and advice from an experienced therapist can sign-post you in the right direction.

Janine David, Specialist Hand Physiotherapist

Nov 2024

Some splints can be purchased from our e-store: https://www.physiofirststore.org.uk/store/1135/category/2388

You may need advice as to the most appropriate for you.

https://www.vineyhallphysio.co.uk/team-member/janine-david

https://www.vineyhallphysio.co.uk/services/physiotherapy-in-forest-of-dean/hand-physiotherapy

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33610437/Comparison of finger kinematics between patients with hand osteoarthritis and healthy participants with and without joint protection programs. 2022 Tanashi et al