Osteoarthritis (OS-tee-oh-are-THRY-tis) (OA), or degenerative joint disease, is one of the oldest and most common types of arthritis. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint. Cartilage is the cushion at the end of the bones where they meet to form a joint. Cartilage breakdown causes bones to rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement.
Most commonly affecting middle-aged and older people, OA can range from mild to very severe. It affects hands and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, feet and the back. Although age is a risk factor, OA is not an inevitable part of aging. Obesity may lead to osteoarthritis of the knees. In addition, people with joint injuries due to sports, work-related activity or accidents may be at increased risk of developing OA.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of OA is pain in the affected joint(s) after use. Pain is usually worse later in the day. There can be swelling, warmth, and creaking in the joints. Pain and stiffness may occur after long periods of inactivity, for example, after a long drive. In severe osteoarthritis, complete loss of cartilage causes friction between bones, causing pain at rest or pain with limited motion.
The basal joint of the thumb (the CMC joint) is the most common site for arthritis in the hands. Pain is commonly felt when holding or pinching objects. CMC joint arthritis is typically age related and is more common in women.
The small joints of the fingers may develop bony enlargement or nodules over time. If the enlargement is at the DIP joint (small knuckle at the end of the fingers) they are called Heberden’s nodes. If the PIP joints (middle joint of the fingers) are enlarged, the nodes are called Bouchard’s nodes.
Video about finger arthritis, Heberden's nodes and Bouchard's nodes:
How a 3-Point Splint Can Help
Splints help to protect joints from strain and stress. Strong muscles are important to support affected joints. 3-Point Products can help with both. For arthritis of the thumb there are several excellent splints to choose from. For CMC (basal) joint arthritis, choose the 3pp ThumSling, 3pp ThumSaver MP or 3pp Ultra MP for daytime wear. To rest the thumb at night,the 3pp Ultra Spica and 3pp ThumSaver Long provide rest for the thumb and wrist.
For wrist pain, the 3pp Wrist Wrap, Cindy Splint and Wrist Control are excellent choices.
For painful fingers and those in the early stages of developing nodes and joint enlargement, Oval-8 Finger Splints can provide protection and gentle corrective force to possibly lessen the formation of nodes.
Maintaining good hand strength with Reflex Putty or a soft Hand Exerciser XL is important. Consult your physician or therapist before beginning a strengthening program so they may guide you in the proper level of exercise to perform.
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