Hand Arthritis

Dealing with Osteoarthritis

Being active

Being active can help to manage pain and fatigue caused by arthritis. There is no set approach that has been shown to be the best so feel free to try different types of exercise and activity.  Be guided by what you enjoy and what you feel able to start. It can be any type of activity and not specific to the hand/wrist to still get pain relieving benefits. An example may be a brisk walk, a bike ride or an aqua-aerobics class.  General exercise is positively encouraged as this is a natural painkiller. 

If you are local to Sheffield and you would like support to increase your physical activity, then you can:

• Self-refer to Sheffield Physical Activity Referral scheme to access expert and discounted support in physical activity including select gyms across the city.
• Find sport, leisure and activity groups in your local area.
• Visit our page on physical activity under the wider health section of the website for further guidance and support to increase your activity.

Exercise

Specific Exercise to keep the joints healthy and stimulate the natural lubricating fluid. The health of the joints is maintained through regular relaxed movement and maintaining the strength of the muscles around it. Exercise should form the core part of your treatment. See the exercise section for some ideas.

Try to continue, where you can, your normal daily activities including social, work-related and hobbies.

Heat or Ice treatment for pain

Heat packs

You may find that applying heat to the sore area helps relieve your pain and any associated muscular tightness or spasm. Use a microwaveable wheat bag or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Keep it on for 15 – 20 minutes, checking your skin regularly to minimise the risk of suffering burn. Repeat 2-3 times per day. Do not place heat on a swollen body part. Alternatively try soaking in warm water or consider wax baths. 

Ice treatment

This can help to temporarily numb pain. Apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) to the area for up to 10 minutes, 2-3 times per day.

Pain medication

Pain medication may help to manage the pain, allowing you to keep mobile. Speak to a pharmacist or your GP for further advice.

Steroid injections

In some cases when pain is severe, a steroid injection into the joint can be beneficial, to provide short term pain relief. This might help by reducing inflammation within the joint allowing you to regain the mobility of the joint, without pain being a barrier.  It is worth noting that steroid injections are not a long term management option as they can make the tissue less healthy in the long term.

Surgery

A very small proportion of people with osteoarthritis may be suitable for surgery, however this type of surgery comes with risks and fortunately most people benefit from conservative treatment. Your health care professional can guide you with this option.

See NICE guidelines for Osteoarthritis for further information