OA and RA have many symptoms in common.
These include pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness in the hands and finger joints.
Other drugs you may be prescribed includedisease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Verywell / Laura Porter
Verywell / Laura Porter
you could also manage arthritis in the hands with at-home therapies to ease symptoms.
Hand arthritisregardless of the arthritic causeis best managed with a combination of therapies.
Talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new natural remedies for managing arthritis in your hands.
Hand Exercises
The hands have many tiny bones, making them more vulnerable to swelling.
Initially, many participants experienced significant hand pain when they started the hand exercises.
However, hand and joint pain, grip, and function improved as the study progressed.
They can help plan an exercise routine that is safe and most effective for you.
If you experience significant pain while doing hand exercises, stop.
Acupuncture
Acupunctureis a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses thin needles inserted into various body parts.
The needles stimulate specific points in the body to correct imbalances and relieve pain.
The people receivingacupuncture treatmentalso had reductions in the number of swollen and tender joints.
Repeat treatment may be necessary to maintain effective pain relief.
Heat therapy can relax muscles and lubricate joints.
Alternatively, cold therapy reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain from arthritis.
To protect your skin, wrap the cold pack in a thin towel.
Do not apply ice for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Repeat up to 10 times a day.
Splinting
you’re free to wearsplintsto reduce arthritis pain.
Wearing a splint or compression gloves overnight, every night may help improve pain and function.
Reduces Pain
A 2014 study reported in the journalRheumatologyfound benefits of using splints for joint pain.
What Is the DIP Joint?
The DIP joint is the first knuckle located at the top of the finger.
Experiencing DIP pain is a sign of arthritis, including OA or RA.
Increases Function
Splinting has also helped manage hand and wrist function in people with RA.
Compression Gloves
Compression glovesmight be an alternative to splinting.
People typically wear compression gloves at night.
Capsaicin Creams
Capsaicin is the component in chili peppers that gives them their heat.
It blocks pain signals when used in creams, gels, and patches.
In trials, capsaicin cream was applied up to four times a day.
Fish Oil
RA can cause hand and finger pain, swelling, and stiffness.
When hands and fingers become inflamed, joints tend to be warm and tender.
Because RA is a symmetric condition, both hands are often affected.
If taking fish oil capsules, follow the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations.
Studies have found that it may help suppress inflammatory cytokines associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Meditation has many benefits.
Plant-based Diet
When you have arthritis, yourdiet can play a role in the symptoms you experience.
A plant-based diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant-based foods.
Some people might also eat meat and dairy along with plant-based foods.
This diet can provide nutrients that ease inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with arthritis.
Herbal Supplements
Several herbal supplements may help manage OA and RA pain.
These include curcumin, ginger, and boswellia.
Curcumin is anti-inflammatory, and it has been touted for reducing pain and swelling in people with RA.
Ginger
Ginger may reduce inflammation in people with RA and OA.
Ginger supplements are also an option, but check with a healthcare provider about correct dosing and safety.
Unfortunately, that means their effectiveness and safety have not been studied or confirmed by the FDA.
verify you purchase herbal supplements from reputable sources.
A healthcare provider or pharmacist can offer recommendations about high-quality supplements.
Some of these include:
Summary
Some natural and at-home remedies may help manage your hand arthritis.
Talk to a healthcare provider about which options may work well alongside standard medical care.
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National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine.Meditation: In depth.
Arthritis Foundation.Physical therapy for arthritis.
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