How long does hand therapy take to work for hand osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can affect the small joints of the fingers, thumb, or wrist, causing pain, stiffness, reduced grip, and difficulty with precise tasks. Therapy does not rebuild worn joint surfaces. Instead, it can improve joint movement, hand strength, coordination, and the way force is shared during activities. Progress may be noticed as easier opening, writing, dressing, or cooking, even if some stiffness remains.

Practise the exercises your therapist selects and use pacing during tasks that provoke symptoms. Larger handles, two-handed techniques, and brief breaks can reduce stress on small joints. Warmth may make movement more comfortable for some people; follow advice that suits your health. During a flare, ask how to adjust exercise rather than stopping all hand movement for a prolonged period.

Arrange reassessment if pain is steadily increasing, a joint becomes hot and very swollen, or hand function continues to decline despite following the plan. Seek prompt care after an injury, or for sudden severe pain, fever, spreading redness, new numbness, or a pale or cold finger.

Which joints and tasks should therapy target first? How should I modify exercises during a flare? Would a support or adapted handle help with my most difficult activity?