Early, Mild Osteoarthritis of the Hands: What to Do if It Affects You!

Osteoarthritis is caused by breakdown of cartilage, resulting in the loss of joint cartilage. When cartilage degenerates, inflammation in the neighboring bone can lead to the formation of bone spurs known as a "spur."

An early sign of osteoarthritis is a bony deformity at the smallest joint of the fingers called Heberden’s node. Another deformity, known as Bouchard’s node, occurs at the middle joint of the fingers. These nodes may limit joint movement and aid in diagnosing osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis, affecting over 20 million people in the United States. It occurs more frequently as we age, with men being more affected before age 45 and women after age 55. Common symptoms include local pain, stiffness, tenderness, and occasional swelling.

"If I have minimal or no symptoms with early signs of osteoarthritis, what should I do?"

Consulting a general family doctor can help determine the cause and type of arthritis. A rheumatologist might be consulted if the diagnosis or treatment plan is unclear. Diagnosis of node formation can often be made based solely on examination, but additional tests may be helpful for better understanding the extent of arthritis or to exclude other conditions.

Treatment may not be necessary if symptoms are minimal or nonexistent. For troublesome symptoms, pain and anti-inflammatory medications, along with food supplements such as glucosamine and/or chondroitin, may provide relief. Heat/cold applications and topical pain creams can also be beneficial.

As an initial step, over-the-counter supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can be tried. These supplements have been shown to relieve pain and stiffness in some patients. Fish oils, increasing dietary fish intake, or omega-3 capsules may also reduce inflammation.

Weight reduction is recommended for overweight individuals with early signs of osteoarthritis of the hands to prevent knee osteoarthritis. Pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be effective for mild osteoarthritis, followed by over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs if needed. Dipping hands in hot wax, warm water soaks, and nighttime cotton gloves can provide relief. Pain-relieving creams applied to the affected joints and local ice application may also be helpful. Occupational therapists can assist with techniques for daily activities.

QUESTION

"What about surgery for my early osteoarthritis?"

Surgery is not recommended for the treatment of early osteoarthritis.

Arthritis quackery

Caution should be exercised when considering heavily marketed "cure-all" treatments for chronic arthritis. These treatments often make false claims of great benefits.

Conclusion

When arthritis symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek guidance from a doctor for proper management. Prescription medications are available for patients with chronic symptoms. Osteoarthritis does not cause internal organ damage or abnormal blood test results. Monitor for joint problems in other areas of the body and consult a doctor if persistent, unexplained symptoms occur.

Source: Klippel, John H., et al., eds. Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. 13th ed. New York: Springer and Arthritis Foundation, 2008.