Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that damages the joints, causing pain, stiffness and reduced movement. In the hands, the most common forms are osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that often begins in the small finger joints. Hand arthritis can severely impact daily activities requiring fine motor skills, leading to an immediate drop in quality of life. Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness and, over time, deformity. Management focuses on reducing pain, improving function and slowing disease progression through medication, physical or occupational therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery. Lifestyle measures such as warm and cold compresses, avoiding strain, gentle massage and an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean-style diet also help. Regular hand exercises can further improve flexibility and strength.
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints. It causes pain, stiffness and swelling, and limits the joint’s range of motion. We often speak of arthritis as if it is a single disease, but it encompasses multiple conditions that cause inflammation in the joints and surrounding connective tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common types of arthritis that affect the hands. Rheumatoid arthritis starts in the small finger joints and is autoimmune in nature. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by everyday wear and tear, and primarily affects joints that undergo repetitive motion.
Patients who have arthritis in their hands may also have arthritis in other joints in their body, especially the load-bearing joints like shoulders, knees, hips and ankles. However, for the purpose of this article, we will restrict ourselves to discussing hands. Arthritis in the hands can be particularly painful, because we use our hands for many things that require fine motor control on a daily basis. When the joints in the hands are painful and swollen, it becomes very difficult to perform everyday activities like getting dressed, eating and typing on the computer. When arthritis affects a patient’s hands, the drop in their quality of life is immediate.
The most common symptom of arthritis in the hands is pain in the joints. The pain worsens when they use their hands to perform tasks. The finger joints tend to feel stiff, numb and weak. Patients with arthritis in their hands may have a tough time bending their fingers, and feel a grating or grinding sensation when they move them. The finger joints also tend to swell up, become red and feel tender to the touch. Over time, the finger joints may become deformed, making it even harder to use them. Some patients’ fingers also develop small bony nodules around the finger joints, causing more pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your rheumatologist for further investigation.
Arthritis in the hands can be quite debilitating, and requires proper care and treatment. The treatment program will aim to reduce joint pain and stiffness, while increasing mobility and function of the affected joints. The treatment will also try to stop the progression of the disease.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic diseases without a definitive cure, so the patient will need long-term strategies to cope with their condition. Patients are usually treated with a combination of the following approaches:
Drug Therapies – Patients are prescribed medication to reduce pain and inflammation. This may be in the form of topical creams, ointments, pills or injections.
Physical Therapy – Patients with arthritis in the hands may benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy and aquatic therapy. Your primary physician can recommend the best approach for your case, and suggest a qualified physiotherapist. These therapies can help reduce pain, strengthen surrounding muscles to stabilize the affected joints and provide alternative ways to move fingers to reduce wear and tear on the joints.
Surgical Intervention – Surgical options are usually only considered for arthritis when non-surgical treatments prove to be ineffective. In such cases, the surgeon may discuss surgical approaches with you. Patients are usually recommended procedures to remove the damaged synovial lining of the joints, bone realignment surgery or an arthroplasty (joint replacement).
In addition to medical treatment for arthritis, patients can also incorporate lifestyle changes and home remedies to manage their symptoms:
Warm and Cold Compresses – Warm water relaxes the joints of the hands and reduces stiffness. Patients can start their day by soaking their hands in warm water with Epsom Salts. This helps relieve the stiffness from the night. Cold compresses can also be applied to relieve pain and reduce swelling. It is advisable to alternate between hot and cold therapies. Do not apply either hot or cold compresses for more than 20 minutes at a time.
Avoid Strain on the Hands – If you have arthritic pain in the hands, try avoiding activities that require excessive gripping or twisting with your hands. Avoid any activities that put pressure on your fingers. You can find assistive devices that can help you perform such tasks without pain – For example, can openers, jar openers, button hooks for clothing, adaptive utensils etc. Don’t work through the pain; It will make it worse.
Gentle Massage – Massage helps improve blood circulation in the hands. This can reduce the pain and stiffness the patient experiences.
Joint-friendly Diet – A Mediterranean diet can be beneficial for arthritis patients. The Mediterranean diet contains an abundance of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients. Consuming lean proteins (like salmon), avocado, olive oil, whole grains and vegetables can help you reduce weight, which subsequently reduces stress on the joints. The healthy fats in the Mediterranean diet also help lubricate your joints.
Patients with arthritis in the hands benefit from performing regular exercises. It can improve joint flexibility and range of motion. Here are some exercises you can try at home:
Knuckle Bend – Hold out your hands, with your palms open and fingers straight and touching each other. Slowly bend the middle joints of your fingers while keeping the knuckles straight. Do this movement slowly, and as smoothly as possible. Once closed, slowly open up your finger joints and return the fingers to their original position. Repeat 5 to 10 times on both sides.
Making a Fist – Hold out your hand, with an open palm and outstretched fingers, as if you are about to shake an invisible person’s hand. You can rest your forearm on a flat surface for stability. Now close your fingers and gently make a fist. Do not squeeze too hard; Keep it gentle and controlled. Slowly uncurl your fingers and return to the start position. Repeat 5 to 10 times on both sides.
Finger Tip Touch – Start with your palm open and fingers straight. Now, touch the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb, forming a circle. Slowly let go and return to the start position. Next, touch the tip of your middle finger to the tip of your thumb. Do it slowly, forming a circle each time. Repeat for all fingers on both hands.
Grip Strengthener – For this exercise, you need a hand-exercise ball. Hold the ball in the palm of your hand. Squeeze it as hard as you can for 5 seconds, and then gently release. Repeat 5 times on each side. Avoid this exercise if you have an active arthritis flare-up.
Finger Bends – Hold out your open hand. Your fingers should be straight, and spread out. Start bending your fingers individually, in towards your palm. Hold each bent finger for 2 seconds, making sure the other fingers are straight. Then release. Repeat on both sides.
Finger Lifts – Place your palm flat on a tabletop, facing down. Keep the fingers straight. Now, slowly lift your thumb off the table, making sure the other fingers are still flat on the table. Hold for 2 seconds and then lower the thumb. Repeat for all fingers on both hands.
For expert care and guidance in managing arthritis and maintaining joint health, consult Kauvery Hospital, with branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy. Our rheumatologists and therapists provide personalized treatment plans, physiotherapy support, and lifestyle advice to help you improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your quality of life.
The most common types are osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that often starts in the small finger joints.
Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, difficulty bending fingers, grinding sensations, and tenderness in the finger joints.
Hand arthritis makes everyday tasks like dressing, eating, writing, and typing difficult due to pain, stiffness, and reduced fine motor control.
Treatment may include medications, physical or occupational therapy, aquatic therapy, and in severe cases, surgical procedures such as joint realignment or replacement.
Yes. Warm and cold compresses, avoiding strain, gentle massage, and following an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean-style diet can ease symptoms.
Yes. Regular hand exercises improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion, helping reduce stiffness and maintain joint function.
If pain, swelling, stiffness, or deformity in the fingers persists or worsens, a rheumatologist should be consulted for evaluation and treatment.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Radial Road & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 6111 6111 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
