What Is the First Treatment for Hand Osteoarthritis?

Hand osteoarthritis affects the joints in the fingers, thumb or wrist as the joint tissues change over time. Stiffness, aching, reduced grip and swelling around a joint can make opening jars, turning keys or typing harder. The treatment choice depends on which joints hurt, how much movement is limited and your other health conditions.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication may help pain for some people, but a clinician should check whether it is suitable, especially with stomach, kidney, heart or blood-thinning concerns. Hand Therapy focuses on joint protection, movement, grip control and useful adaptations rather than pushing through sharp pain.

Notice which tasks trigger symptoms and change the grip, pace or tool rather than stopping every hand activity. Short periods of movement through a comfortable range can reduce stiffness after rest. A therapist may recommend splinting for a thumb or finger joint during selected tasks, along with exercises tailored to strength and mobility.

Warm water can make morning movement more comfortable for some people. If one joint remains very painful despite these measures, a Cortisone Injection may be discussed after examination. Joint Fusion Surgery is reserved for selected advanced joint problems when pain and loss of function remain substantial after non-surgical options.

Arrange medical review for persistent swelling, warmth, marked redness, a sudden change in finger shape, rapidly worsening pain or loss of function after an injury. Seek urgent care if a finger becomes pale, blue, numb or cold, or if severe pain follows a crush injury. A clinician should also reassess symptoms that affect sleep or work despite a consistent plan.

Ask: Which joint is causing my symptoms? Is medication safe with my health history? Would a splint help? What exercises protect my grip? When would an injection or surgery be considered?