How is hand osteoarthritis treated?

A clinician considers which joints hurt, morning stiffness, swelling, grip changes and how symptoms affect tasks such as opening containers or typing. Treatment is adjusted to the joints involved and your other health conditions. Finger Stiffness, Weak Grip and Wrist Pain may occur with hand problems, but they do not identify the cause by themselves.

Joint protection means changing how force is applied: use larger handles, distribute loads across both hands and take breaks from repetitive gripping. Warmth can make movement more comfortable for some people, while a cool pack may help after activity-related irritation.

Hand Therapy can teach range-of-motion work, strengthening, splint use and practical ways to complete daily tasks. Anti-Inflammatory Medication may help some people, but a clinician or pharmacist should check whether it is safe with your medical history and other medicines. A Cortisone Injection may be discussed for a painful joint when other measures are not enough. If a severely painful joint remains limiting, Joint Fusion Surgery can stabilise it by joining the joint surfaces; the trade-off is loss of movement at that joint.

Arrange an assessment if pain or stiffness interferes with work, sleep, grip or self-care, or if swelling persists. Seek prompt care for a hot, red, suddenly swollen joint, fever, a new deformity after injury, or rapidly worsening weakness or numbness. A sudden change may need evaluation for a problem other than osteoarthritis.

Ask which joints are affected, whether a splint or hand therapy could help, which medicines fit your health history, whether an injection is suitable, and how a fusion would affect the movements you use most.