You may have been told by your family doctor that your pain is from arthritis and therefore it should be expected. You may also have been prescribed some medication for your symptoms. Although research shows that some medications do work for relief of arthritic symptoms there is more that can be done to help relieve your pain.
Arthritis is a degenerative change at the joint which becomes more irritated with over use and incorrect loading of the joints in day-to day tasks. An irritated joint becomes swollen which in turn adds pressure on the supportive ligaments of the joint. When the swelling subsides the ligaments are now stretched and unable to support the joint during activity which then becomes irritated again and so the cycle continues. Eventually to avoid pain a person may posture the sore finger or thumb differently which overloads other joints and begins a cycle of positional deformity such as a “zig-zag” thumb.
By becoming educated on the activities that cause further damage you are empowered to lessen the impact of arthritis and significantly reduce your pain. Positional deformity of thumb joints may be reversed through the use of simple splints while still allowing you to function. Splints can also help maintain proper alignment of the joints and will reduce swelling and pain. There are many types of custom made and pre-fabricated splints. A therapist trained in hand therapy can help determine the right one for you.
Other home therapy activities of simple and gentle exercise further aid in reducing the effects of arthritis as is the use of warmth and cool when used in a complimentary combination. Each person’s needs are different as is the cause of pain and deformity. What happens in the wrist can have a negative impact on the joints in the fingers. The change is gradual over time, but can become quite debilitating.
Although a diagnosis of arthritis is forever, the therapy to help you may be short
lived especially if you address the issues in the early stages.
If you’re in the Hamilton, Niagara area please call 289-897-8707 if you have any questions about the above or are interested in having an assessment.