Hand and Wrist Joint Inflammation: Causes, Exercises and Treatment

• Pain in the joints of the hand (initially dull or burning, appearing with increased activity)
• Over time, the pain also comes at night
• Swelling of the fingers
• Stiffness of small joints or wrists
• Loss of grip strength ^[1]
•  Normal tasks such as opening a bottle become a painful affair. ^[2]

The disease can also reach a stage where the joints damaged by inflammation are visibly deformed ^[3].

What is joint inflammation of the hand and fingers?

There are nearly three dozen joints on the hand that ensure smooth movement of the hand from the wrist to the fingertips. If inflammation affects any of the joints, patients experience pain and are unable to make many normal hand movements. Inflammation can be of infectious or non-infectious origin. ^[4]

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common causes of non-infectious arthritis in the fingers of the hand. This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, in this case the joints in the fingers or wrist. [5] It manifests as swelling, hotness, tenderness to touch, soreness and reduced functionality. After some time, inflammation results in destruction and deformity of the joint.

The risk factors in the development of rheumatoid arthritis are: overweight and obesity, injury, straining of joints by inappropriate repetitive movements.

Other causes of inflammation of the joints of the fingers and wrists are, for example, tendon diseases or injuries. Problems with the mobility of the small joints of the hands may also be related to arthrosis. In this disease, the articular cartilage is damaged. Its gradual wear and tear is usually related to age. ^[6]

The key is to identify the cause and design an appropriate treatment. Several common methods are used in diagnosis. ^[7]:

• Interview with a doctor and physical examination
  The doctor obtains detailed information about the symptoms, duration and intensity of the pain. He or she performs a physical examination during which they examine the joints, palpating them and observing their mobility and sensitivity.
• Blood tests
  They can help identify signs of inflammation in the body. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) indicate the presence of inflammation.
• Image methods
  X-rays are useful for showing the condition of the bones and joint structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides more detailed images of soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments and articular cartilage, and can help identify inflammatory changes.
• Arthroscopy
  A thin tube with a camera inserted into the joint allows the doctor to directly see the internal structure of the joint and perform further diagnostic or treatment procedures.
• Biopsy of the joint
  Tissue samples are taken for laboratory analysis to determine the exact cause of the inflammation.

• Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than in men. Problems may improve during pregnancy, but worsen after childbirth in some women. ^[8]
• Half of all women and a quarter of men experience pain and stiffness in the joints of their hands in old age. ^[9]

Untreated inflammation (arthritis) of the hand and wrist can have a number of serious complications and negatively affect the patient’s life.

• Permanent joint damage: can lead to permanent loss of mobility and limited functionality of the affected hand and wrist.
• Chronic pain: may be constant or return at regular intervals.
• Limited mobility: the ability to perform tasks such as squeezing, pinching, grasping, or manipulating objects may be limited.
• Disability: severe joint deformities can develop and the ability to move independently and carry out basic daily activities can be lost.

Treatment of hand and wrist arthritis is aimed at relieving symptoms, reducing inflammation, restoring mobility and strengthening the affected joint. The exact treatment approach depends on the cause of the inflammation and the severity of the condition. Most treatments focus on a combination of several methods.

Different procedures and methods are used in the treatment.

• Pharmacotherapy – patients take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Corticosteroid injections – relieve pain.
• Immobilizing the affected area with a brace – the brace should not be used too often so that the muscles do not start to weaken.
• Lifestyle modification – limitation of activities that aggravate pain, use of relief positions.
• Hot and cold compresses – each type of compress performs a different function.
• Physiotherapy – exercises are designed specifically for the wrists and fingers.
• Surgery – a surgical solution is used when all conservative methods have failed. ^[10]

Regular exercise is an important part of treating inflammation. Not only can it relieve pain, but it keeps the affected joints as mobile as possible, making various daily activities easier. It is advisable to consult a physiotherapist for specific exercises.

Hand arthritis – What exercises can help patients?

• Get a soft foam ball and squeeze it in the palm of your hand.
• Place your hand on the table, palm down, and spread your fingers. Raise your thumb as high as you can, hold it for a few seconds and place it back on the table. Keep your other fingers still. Take turns lifting all your fingers.
• Place your hand in front of you in the air so that your fingers are together and your thumb is pointing naturally away from them. Shape your fingers into a C shape as if you were holding a bottle. Slowly straighten your fingers again. Repeat the exercise several times as needed. [12]

The home environment can be adapted in many ways to your current joint problems. There are many small aids and ideas to make everyday activities easier. For example:

• Garments with zippers and patches instead of buttons,
• handle extensions for easier door opening,
• touch switches instead of other harder to operate types of switches,
• lightweight crockery and kitchen utensils. ^[13]

Taking frequent breaks from work that involves repetitive, monotonous hand movements is a good way to prevent the pain from worsening.
Adherence to treatment for all chronic diseases and a balanced diet with plenty of anti-inflammatory foods are also important. ^[14]