Synovial joints contain a layer of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber during movement and activity. Over time, the process of “Osteoarthritis”, commonly referred to as "OA" causes this cartilage to progressively disintegrate, compromising its ability to dissipate stress. (1,2) Progressive degeneration causes pain, stiffness, and impairment in the ability to perform manual tasks, resulting in diminished quality of life. (3,4)
On the whole, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder. (1,5) In fact, people over age 65 universally demonstrate evidence of cartilage damage. (6) Symptomatic hand osteoarthritis is thought to affect 10- 25% of the population. (7) The joints closest to your finger nails are the most frequently affected sites in the hand. (8)
Prevalence
The prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age, and the incidence for developing hand osteoarthritis peaks between the ages of 50 and 60. Hand OA is up to 2.6 times more common in females. (7,10) Like other types of osteoarthritis, hand OA is thought to have a genetic link. (10)
What causes OA?
Repetitive use is often implicated as a cause of osteoarthritis; however, some authors question whether the stress associated with routine activities of daily living is enough to cause degeneration in a healthy joint. (11) Joints that have been previously injured and those that are lax, misaligned or deformed are at higher risk for developing OA. (7,11) Osteoarthritis is more common in occupations that require repetitive movement of the hands, particularly labor and manufacturing jobs. (10) Contrary to popular opinion, knuckle cracking is not associated with osteoarthritis, regardless of duration or frequency. (13)
Risk factors:
Smoking may increase one’s risk for developing osteoarthritis in other parts of the body, but it does not seem to be a contributor to hand osteoarthritis (14,49). Obesity (BMI greater than 30) is a risk factor for both weight bearing and non-weight bearing joints. (15,16) Obesity’s influence on osteoarthritis of non-weight bearing joints, including the hand, is thought to result from a systemic inflammatory process related to excess adipose tissue. (5,10) Osteoarthritis was one thought to be a purely mechanical, non-inflammatory form of arthritis, but newer studies demonstrate a biochemical upregulation of several inflammatory pathways. (17)
Treatment Options:
Treatment goals for hand osteoarthritis include reducing pain while improving strength and range of motion. (29,30)
Pain relief is the primary goal because of its direct correlation with improved function. (31)
The American College of Rheumatology recommends the use of non-drug treatments for hand osteoarthritis. (3)
Interventions may include modalities, soft tissue manipulation, exercise, splints, and ADL advice. (7,30) The long-term use of a nighttime splint for the thumb is a well-recognized and effective treatment for thumb OA. (35-37)
Joint mobilization has been shown to decrease pain
Massage/manual therapy has been shown to help reduce pain in patients with hand osteoarthritis (39)
Topical counterirritant cream, including capsaicin, is recommended for symptomatic hand OA (3,24) Exercise to improve range of motion and strength is a mainstay in the treatment of hand osteoarthritis (40-42)
Surprisingly, ROM exercises demonstrate the most significant gains in strength, while strengthening exercises tend to improve ROM (40-42)
Aerobic, aquatic and resistance exercises may provide benefit. (24)
The benefit of Glucosamine Sulfate or Chondroitin Sulfate is debatable but its use has been advocated for patients with hand osteoarthritis (48).
Supplements and medications, including analgesics and NSAIDs, have not been shown to retard cartilage loss. (4,7)
Topical NSAIDS may be a safer alternative to oral medications for older patients (32)
Analgesic and/or cortisone injections are sometimes used for pain management.
Surgical joint replacement is an alternative for patients with significant pain and loss of function, who are recalcitrant to conservative management.
At Creekside Performance Center, we are highly trained to treat this condition. We are the only inter-disciplinary clinic in Sheboygan county that provides chiropractic, myofascial release, ART (Active Release Technique), massage therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, rehabilitative exercise, nutritional counseling, personal training, and golf performance training under one roof. Utilizing these different services, we can help patients and clients reach the best outcomes and the best versions of themselves.
Evidence Based-Patient Centered-Outcome Focused
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