Does anti-inflammatory medication treat hand osteoarthritis?

Hand osteoarthritis affects the joints in the fingers or thumb and may cause aching, stiffness, swelling, reduced grip, or difficulty with tasks such as opening containers. Anti-inflammatory medicine can make painful flares more manageable. It does not rebuild cartilage, straighten a changed joint, or remove a bony enlargement.

Symptoms can vary from one hand or joint to another. A clinician can check movement and function, and consider other causes when pain is sudden, unusually severe, or associated with marked warmth or redness.

Use warm water or a heat pack for stiffness if it feels soothing, and use cold wrapped in cloth when swelling is more troublesome. Pace gripping, pinching, and repetitive tasks; larger handles and task breaks can reduce strain. Ask a pharmacist or clinician whether a topical or oral option is appropriate for your medical history and other medicines.

Hand exercises guided by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist can support movement and function. Choose movements that stay within comfortable limits and avoid forcing a painful joint.

Arrange an assessment if pain interferes with sleep, work, self-care, or grip, or if stiffness and swelling continue despite simple measures. Seek prompt care for a suddenly hot, red, very swollen joint, fever, drainage, or a new deformity after injury.

Ask which medicine and formulation suits you, whether a splint or hand therapy could help, and which exercises fit the affected joints. Ask what changes should prompt a review rather than continued self-treatment.