Did you know that one of the leading causes of joint pain and disability is osteoarthritis? That’s right, more than 50 million American adults suffer from osteoarthritis. Most people believe it is something that only occurs in old age, but it can happen to anyone at any age! The use of occupational therapy or hand therapy to treat arthritis pain is extremely effective and widely recommended!
Arthritis pain can manifest itself in the ankles, knees, elbows, hips, and, most commonly, the hands. It frequently appears as soreness and discomfort in your knuckles or wrists when you try to open a jar or write something down with a pen. You may not realize how much you rely on your hands until you start experiencing joint pain in them on a daily basis.
Hand and occupational therapy are the most effective treatments for arthritis pain. Most people believe that these therapeutic treatments are only appropriate for people who have been injured or have a chronic health condition, but this is simply not true.
Call Hand In Hand Rehabilitation in New York, NY or Carle Place, NY today to make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable therapists to have your arthritis condition evaluated. In no time, we’ll have you feeling more independent and functional.
What are the symptoms of hand osteoarthritis?
Some of the symptoms of hand osteoarthritis include stiffness, pain, and weakness. Hand joints may also experience a deep ache, be tender or warm to the touch, develop swelling, or change in appearance, such as a bump. Hand osteoarthritis can make it difficult to perform activities like gripping or pinching.
What causes hand osteoarthritis?
The human hand has numerous joints. Hand joints form when two or more bones come together. We also have a cushion called cartilage between our joints. Arthritis develops when the cartilage between the bones thins or wears out. This allows the bones to come into contact with one another rather than moving smoothly against one another. Hand arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of function.
Overuse, joint injury, or “wear and tear” on a joint can all lead to osteoarthritis. This may be present in all or only a few hand joints. Age, gender, and family history are all factors that may contribute to hand osteoarthritis.
Occupational and hand therapy can help relieve arthritis pain in these 4 ways:
For those suffering from arthritis pain in their hands, occupational therapy and hand therapy can help to support healthier joint function in a variety of ways.
- It uses specialized treatments to target your pain. Hot and cold therapy, therapeutic massage, and chiropractic care all help to relieve arthritis pain. These techniques are widely used by hand therapists.
- Therapy increases muscle strength, which helps to support your joints. Weakness in the surrounding muscles can put extra strain on your joints, causing joint pain even with minor movements like writing or picking up an object.
- It extends your range of motion. Occupational therapy is an excellent way to increase your range of motion, which promotes optimal joint functionality.
- Occupational therapists are skilled at pinpointing the source of joint pain. An environmental factor may occasionally cause arthritis pain. Working with an experienced occupational therapist can help you figure out what’s causing your pain. Your therapist can assist you in making changes to your environment to reduce your level of discomfort.
Why should I choose therapy as a pain management tool?
Despite the fact that women are more likely than men to experience joint pain, statistics show that nearly two-thirds of people suffering from arthritis are of working age. This means that, regardless of gender, those aged 20 to 65 are at the greatest risk of developing this type of pain.
It is critical to learn how to manage arthritis head on, and while pain medications can help reduce the amount of pain you feel, pills do not solve the problem. This is why occupational and hand therapy are widely regarded as the most effective treatments for arthritis joint pain.
Call Hand In Hand Rehabilitation today for an appointment
The benefit of occupational and hand therapy is that they are both targeted and personalized treatment options tailored to your specific needs. If you have regular joint pain that is interfering with your life, it’s time to seek treatment.
No matter your age, consulting with a hand or occupational therapist is the best way to ensure that your treatment is tailored to your unique situation. Contact Hand In Hand Rehabilitation today for more information on scheduling an appointment with one of our skilled therapists.
Are you ready to resume doing the things you enjoy without the pain of arthritis? Contact our clinics in New York, NY or Carle Place, NY today!
