Osteoarthritis finger treatment by physiotherapy

Osteoarthritis in the Fingers: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Osteoarthritis often occurs in the hands, where the cartilage of a joint (such as a finger phalanx) becomes worn, leading to bone-on-bone contact. This can cause irritation of the joint capsule, resulting in pain and swelling. Lumps may appear around the phalanges, and the fingers may become stiff and painful.

Diagnosis and Research

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed using an X-ray, which shows reduced space between the bones and changes in the position of the hand bones.

Causes of Osteoarthritis in the Fingers

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, but fractures or ligament injuries in the fingers can cause damage to the cartilage or joint. Hands are often used intensively, which can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

Should I have something done about it?

Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured, treatment can be aimed at reducing pain symptoms.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis in the Fingers

• Splint therapy: The first step in the treatment of finger osteoarthritis is splint therapy, aimed at pain relief. By wearing a custom-made splint you can limit the rubbing of the finger joint during daily activities such as household chores, sports or gardening and reduce pain.
• Smart Tax: Our hand therapist can offer you an exercise program in which you learn how to load the worn joint in a smart way. In addition, various aids are available, such as attachments for pens or adapted cheese slicers, to relieve the joint.
• Injections: Steroid injections can reduce swelling of the joint capsule. However, the effect is often temporary and not always analgesic. Our preference is therefore for splint therapy. Other injection methods, such as hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma, are being further investigated for the fingers.

Rates and Reimbursement

The reimbursement for physiotherapy varies per health insurance. We have contracts with almost all health insurers. Consult your care package and our Rates and Reimbursement page for detailed information.

Finally

The goal of physiotherapy for finger osteoarthritis is not only symptom relief, but also to improve quality of life by promoting a more active lifestyle. Consult a specialized physiotherapist for a tailor-made treatment plan and follow the advice and exercises for a healthier lifestyle. For more information about physiotherapy for osteoarthritis, please Move without Pain and ReumaCare Netherlands consult.