The Benefits of Physiotherapy for Arthritis of the Hand

The Benefits of Physiotherapy for Arthritis of the Hand

Arthritis of the hand is a condition that affects millions of people in North America. It can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the hands. If you are one of the many people who suffer from arthritis, you know how debilitating it can be. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are some effective treatments that can help relieve the pain and improve your function. One of these treatments is hand physiotherapy.

As you might suspect, Hand physiotherapy is a type of physiotherapy that focuses on the hands. It can help to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase strength. Hand physiotherapy can also help to decrease inflammation and improve circulation. If you have arthritis in your hands, hand physiotherapy may be able to help you find relief from your symptoms.

Hand therapists courtesy of Priest Valley Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. (Read the caption)

What are the benefits of hand physiotherapy?

There are many benefits of hand physiotherapy. As we mentioned above, it can help to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase strength. Hand physiotherapy can also help to decrease inflammation and improve circulation. If you have arthritis in your hands, hand physiotherapy may be able to help you find relief from your symptoms.

What are the first signs of arthritis in your hands?

The first symptoms of arthritis in hands may include pain, swelling, redness and stiffness. You may also notice that it is difficult to move your hands or that your grip strength is not as strong as it used to be. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor or physiotherapist. They will be able to determine if you have arthritis and recommend treatment options.

What are the different types of hand arthritis?

The most common ones include:

OsteoarthritisThis is the most common type of arthritis. It happens when the cartilage in your joints breaks down. Typical symptoms include pain, stiffness and bony growth around the joints of the fingers. Typically osteoarthritis only affects only one hand.

Rheumatoid arthritis – This type of arthritis happens when your body’s immune system attacks your joints. Symptoms include pain, swelling and redness in the joints of the finger. Typically both hands will be affected with rheumatoid arthritis.

Post-traumatic arthritis – This type of arthritis can happen after an injury to a joint, such as a fracture.

Psoriatic arthritis  – This type of arthritis is a condition that causes your fingers to become red, swollen and scaly. You may also notice changes to your fingernails.

If you have arthritis in your hands, hand physiotherapy may be able to help you find relief from your symptoms.

What is hand therapy courtesy of Innova Physio & Sports Rehab. (Read the caption)

What triggers hand arthritis?

When you think of arthritis, you might picture an elderly person with aching joints. But arthritis isn’t just a problem for older adults. In fact, hand arthritis is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. There are many different causes of hand arthritis, including injury, overuse, and autoimmune disease.

One of the most common causes of hand arthritis is traumatic injury. If you’ve ever broken a bone in your hand, you’re at risk for developing arthritis later on. This is because the healing process can cause scar tissue to form around the joint, which can eventually lead to pain and stiffness.

Another common cause of hand arthritis is overuse. If you perform repetitive motions with your hands on a daily basis, such as typing or using tools, you’re more likely to develop arthritis in your hands than someone who doesn’t use their hands as much. This is because the constant movement can wear down the cartilage around the joints, eventually leading to pain and inflammation.

Autoimmune disease is another potential cause of hand arthritis. If your body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue in your joints, it can cause inflammation and pain. This type of arthritis is often seen in people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. 

While there is no cure for hand arthritis, there are many treatment options available that can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. If you think you may be suffering from hand arthritis, talk to your doctor or hand physiotherapist about treatment options. To find a top-hand physiotherapy clinic near you just click the search button on this page.

Book Your BACK NECK SHOULDER KNEE ELBOW HIP WRIST FOOT Pain Consult

This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is classified as a disability.

Ring splints are commonly used and worn on the fingers to keep it in the extended position.

There are four stages of osteoarthritis in the hands: Each stage is characterized by different symptoms.

Stage I – This stage is characterized by mild symptoms, such as occasional pain and stiffness in the joints.

Stage II – This stage is characterized by moderate symptoms, such as pain and stiffness in the joints that is more frequent and severe.

Stage III – This stage is characterized by severe symptoms, such as constant pain and stiffness in the joints that limits daily activities.

Stage IV – This stage is characterized by very severe symptoms, such as constant pain and stiffness in the joints that make it impossible to perform daily activities.

About Taylor Sipos

Taylor is a physiotherapist at The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic located in Toronto, Ontario. He treats patients with various musculoskeletal conditions using patient education, exercise therapy, manual therapy and acupuncture. His treatment philosophy involves giving his patient’s the means to self-manage their injuries. He does this through reassurance, education and health promotion. Taylor uses the same principles as a patient educator at Pain Hero. He aims to provide you with high-quality, easy to understand information to teach you about your condition and how to improve it.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

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