How to Prevent Arthritis in Hands – Symptoms and Prevention

how to prevent arthritis in hands

Arthritis can affect multiple areas of the body and can involve any joint including the hands. Arthritis in the hands can affect any joint like the fingers and wrist. You will feel pain, notice swelling, and stiffness which leads to a limited range of motion. You may experience these symptoms for a few days or even weeks before you can suffer a flare-up. We offer you insights into how to prevent arthritis in hands.

Hand anatomy and arthritis

The hand is unique and complex. The hand and wrist are composed of several joints that all work together to promote motion. Arthritis can affect many areas of the hand and can have more than one cause. If it is not treated over time, the bones that make up hand joint(s) can lose their shape.

How to prevent arthritis in hands

1. Maintaining a healthy weight

To prevent development, you will need to focus on losing weight if you are obese or overweight.

Eating a healthy diet is critical when it comes to preventing arthritis. Anti-oxidants, plant-based and anti-inflammatory foods go a long way. You must also keep away from added sugars and unhealthy fats. These can contribute to being overweight and can also worsen inflammation. Staying away from such foods can prevent several forms of arthritis.

Suggested article: Top 12 Foods to Avoid with Arthritis – The ULTIMATE List

2. Hand exercises

Exercises help in keeping the ligaments and tendons flexible. Move your hands or fingers to increase the function of the synovial fluid. Regular exercises will strengthen the muscles. Simple exercises like bending and flexing the hand, finger touching, and sliding the fingers can help keep the hand and fingers limber.

3. Cease smoking

Quitting or avoiding smoking is key to preventing the development of Rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Injury prevention

Keep your hands away from injury at all times. For jobs that require too much pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy objects, you must take precautions to avoid joint injury. As you participate in recreational activities or play sports that involve the hand, wear protective gear.

5. Maintain a good posture

Especially if your job requires a lot of typing. If necessary, you may need to get yourself a special keyboard, a pad, or a wrist cushion. Keep your hands and fingers from being overworked. Rest as it is appropriate to prevent joint inflammation.

Suggested article: How To Prevent Arthritis – Arthritis Risk Factors and Its Prevention

Rheumatoid Arthritis Hands

Why the hand can be affected by arthritis

The hand can develop arthritis because:

  • It contains a lot of joints. The hand and wrist are formed by several and different bones that connect to create a joint.
  • All the fingers have three joints except the thumb, which has two. One or more may be affected.
  • Ligaments connect and offer the bones support. Tendons also are connective tissues that attach the muscles to bones for movement of the bones.

With hand arthritis, any of these vital parts may be affected additional to:

  • The base of the thumb where it meets the wrist.
  • Knuckles.
  • The top finger joint that is closest to the nails.
  • The middle joints of the fingers.
  • Small bony nodules may form at the top of the fingers or on the middle joint of your fingers.

Common types of arthritis that can affect the hand

Osteoarthritis- In this type of arthritis, the cartilage in the bones breaks down and begins to degrade. With this, the bones rub against each other within the joint to bring about pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis- This type of arthritis results from a body attack initiated by the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the finger joints and wrists. It can cause deformity, and it also makes the use of the hands quite difficult.

Psoriatic arthritis – This is the type that affects the skin and joints. It may involve several fingers, which can swell.

Suggested article: What Are the First Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis? – The Complete Guide

Symptoms of hand arthritis

  • Grip weakness and reduced function.
  • Swelling of the joints, deformity, and stiffness.
  • Finger inability to open and close fully.
  • For some, grinding, cracking, or grating sound when bending the fingers.
  • Pain.
  • Alteration in the shape of your fingers, wrists, and hands.

Suggested article: What Does Arthritis Feel Like?

Final Thoughts

Hand arthritis may affect any part of the hand, but it is most common on the wrist and fingers. Having no cure, any arthritis that can affect the hand must be prevented. We hope you have learned how to prevent arthritis in hands with the tips and methods suggested above.

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