What is osteoarthritis of the hands?
Osteoarthritis is a common disease, since most people aged 70 or over suffer from it in at least one of their joints.
This is a common form of arthritis. Generally speaking rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease.. It mainly affects the hands, feet and wrists.
Osteoarthritis is the abnormal wear and tear of cartilage and joints. This premature erosion affects flexibility and makes movement very painful. Patients experience inflammatory crises causing painful flare-ups that can last several days. At such times, it's not just the cartilage and ligaments that are sensitive, but the whole joint, including bones and muscles.
Carrying a load, even a relatively light one, becomes an ordeal. Fastening shirt buttons, tying shoelaces, zipping up zippers - gestures that are so simple to perform turn into real challenges.
The inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis can lead to destruction of bone and cartilageIt also causes severe joint deformities.
Rheumatoid arthritis needs to be diagnosed as early as possible to monitor its progression and provide appropriate solutions.
What causes osteoarthritis of the hands?
Causes and factors
Osteoarthritis is not inevitable. With age, joints wear out, but they shouldn't be characterized by excessive degeneration. Yet many factors contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis.
The mechanical factor is one of the main causes. Repeated movements and microtrauma throughout your life can cause abnormal wear. Similarly, fractures or poorly treated injuries are conducive to the onset of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is often a hereditary disease, genetic factors can be a risk factor.
The symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by the following symptoms:
- joint pain on several parts of the body between the hand, fingers and wrists.
- pain that occurs at night, morning stiffness and numbness for several minutes
- a condition that has persisted since more than 6 weeks
Specific symptoms can be distinguished for different parts of the hand:
- arthrosis of the fingers:
Characterized by painful flare-ups and deformation of the fingers. Osteoarthritis generally affects the last phalanges. Pain appears in the interphalangeal joints. More intense pain and prolonged inflammation are the main signals.
Cysts may also occur.
- osteoarthritis of the thumb
Pain at the root of the thumb, usually caused by squeezing and pinching. Thumb deformity can be very debilitating on a daily basis, which is why treatment must be initiated as soon as possible to find solutions quickly.
Natural relief for osteoarthritis of the hands
To begin with, remember to take it easy on your aching joints, but don't put them at complete rest: activity helps slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. Regular strengthening exercises will help you regain fluidity in your movements. At the same time, opt for natural solutions to relieve pain. These include
● Harpagophytum
Also known as devil's claw, this desert plant has highly effective anti-inflammatory properties. Widely used to relieve joint pain, harpagophytum can be taken in capsule form or as an infusion.
● Gaultheria essential oil
A natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic, wintergreen essential oil calms inflammation while promoting blood circulation. Apply a few drops of essential oil of wintergreen to the painful joint, then massage gently, repeating as needed.
Physiotherapy sessions will help you to gradually regain mobility, with massages, hot and cold applications and various exercises designed to stimulate the affected joints.
● Stimcare infrared patches
They are designed to relieve pain and inflammation, particularly that associated with osteoarthritis. A natural, non-medicated solution, the patches reflect the infrared light naturally emitted by the body during the inflammation process. This concentration helps drain accumulated toxins, reduce pain and promote blood microcirculation. Relief is fast and lasting for up to 10 days. Stimcare patches can be cut to fit the affected joint.
This pathology requires regular medical monitoring. At the first symptoms, contact your GP or a specialist.
Osteoarthritis of the hands is a widespread chronic disease, affecting a large proportion of the population. This inflammatory condition can be relatively disabling in everyday life. Stimcare patches provide fast, lasting pain relief. You can regain comfort independently and at your own pace. Rediscover the pleasure of doing the simplest things yourself.
