13 Over-the-Counter and Natural Treatments for People With Osteoarthritis

From everydayhealth.com

Osteoarthritis is a common cause of joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. With this degenerative joint disease, the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away over time. There's no cure, but if you keep the joints mobile and maintain your overall health, you can live more easily with osteoarthritis and slow the onset of mobility problems. 

Medical intervention can help to manage symptoms of osteoarthritis. In fact, seeing a doctor to get a proper diagnosis is the best first step to take. From there, your doctor will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to reduce joint pain. That plan may include both medical and natural remedies, like physical activity, a healthy diet, and supplements. 

Alamy; Canva; Andriy Popov/Alamy

Here, get a closer look at some nonpharmacological strategies for managing symptoms of osteoarthritis, plus what the research says.

Home and OTC Remedies for Osteoarthritis

Some home and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can support medical treatment for osteoarthritis.

Pain Relief Medication

OTC medication can relieve the pain and discomfort that occurs with osteoarthritis.

According to guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation (ACR/AF), all treatment for osteoarthritis should be personalized by a doctor to each patient's specific case. One common treatment that can be effective for many is using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). This might mean topical gels, such as diclofenac (Voltaren), which are available without a prescription. (Gels containing capsaicin, which is not an NSAID, are another topical option that might relieve some forms of osteoarthritis pain.)

Oral NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen (Advil), are also available OTC and provide temporary pain relief. If they don't help, your doctor can prescribe a stronger version. To decide on the best course of action for your specific osteoarthritis symptoms, speak with a doctor. Some people may have adverse effects, depending on the drug and dose.

Heat and Cold Treatment

Alternating heat and cold applications may bring temporary relief from stiffness and inflammation. A common treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis, heat and cold treatment for knee, hip, and hand osteoarthritis in some cases is supported by ACR/AF guidelines. Heat and cold applications have different effects, but both can be useful.

If you're alternating heat and cold, the Arthritis Foundation recommends applying one for around 20 minutes, then waiting two hours before the next application.

Heat Treatment

Heat relaxes stiff joints and enlarges the blood vessels. This improves circulation and allows more blood and oxygen to reach the joint. 

Some heat application options include using a hot water bottle, taking a warm bath or shower, using an electric heating pad, and dipping your hands or feet in melted paraffin wax. 

Tips: 

• You'll get most of the benefit in the first 20 minutes.
• Always check the heat before you apply to avoid burns.
• Avoid heat if you have a flare or an injury. 

Cool Packs

Cool or cold packs reduce blood flow and decrease swelling and inflammation. Use cold therapy if you have a warm, swollen, or inflamed joint.

To make a cool compress, fill a plastic bag with ice and wrap it in a towel, or buy a cool pack from your pharmacy.

Tips: 

• Never apply ice directly to the skin, as it can burn.
• As with heat, 20 minutes of cold application will give you the best benefits. 

TENS Machine

Some people find that using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine helps them manage osteoarthritis pain, although the current ACR/AF guidelines don't recommend TENS for osteoarthritis treatment.

Some studies support that TENS use helped people with knee osteoarthritis improve muscle strength and reduce pain, but broader, higher-quality research is needed.

A TENS machine is likely safe for most people to use, but it's best to check first with a doctor. It's not recommended for use during pregnancy or if you have epilepsy or a pacemaker.

Weight Management

Current guidelines strongly recommend managing your weight if you have osteoarthritis.

Maintaining a healthy weight can prevent unnecessary strain on your joints. Obesity can also increase the risk of systemic inflammation, which may worsen osteoarthritis.

Diet and exercise are important factors in weight management. Your doctor may prescribe weight loss medication or other treatments if they have particular concerns. The 2026 ACR/AF guideline update specifically added a new conditional recommendation supporting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, alongside diet and exercise, to help eligible people with knee osteoarthritis and obesity reach a healthy weight.

Low-Impact Exercise and Physical Therapy

Physical activity is essential for keeping the joints mobile, maintaining muscle strength, and managing body weight. While osteoarthritis can make exercise seem daunting, continuing to move can help to reduce pain. 

Your doctor can help you decide which exercises are best for you. These usually involve low-impact activities, as high-impact activities — such as running — may worsen symptoms and increase the risk of additional injuries. 

Low-impact exercises particularly well-poised to benefit your joints without putting too much strain on them include:

• Swimming
• Cycling, including fixed cycling
• Walking
• Aerobic exercise
• Strength training
• Mobility exercises
• Flexibility training
• Balance exercises
• Low-impact and meditative workouts such as yoga, Pilates, and tai chi 

A doctor or a specialized trainer can help you design a plan tailored to your symptoms that you'll also enjoy and feel motivated to stick to.

You can expect to feel a little pain during and after exercise, but you may need to change your plan if you have:

• Pain you would score over 5 on a scale of 0 to 10
• Pain that lasts several hours after exercise
• Swollen joints

If you're experiencing any of those issues, you may need to reduce the number of repetitions or do less strenuous exercises for a while. In the case of exercise-related pain, it's also a smart idea to speak about it with your doctor or a physical therapist.

Physical Therapy

Working with a physical therapist helps to ensure you create a fitness plan that's tailored to your fitness level and osteoarthritis symptoms. For osteoarthritis of the knee, for example, they may recommend exercises to improve strength, mobility, and coordination such as:

• Step-ups
• Standing and sitting from a chair
• Seated exercises to strengthen your thigh muscles

By assessing you first, the physical therapist will be able to help design a plan that includes exercises you will be able to perform safely. However, you should also listen to your body and not continue doing any exercises that feel uncomfortable or cause pain.

Healthy Eating

Dietary choices can make a difference if you have osteoarthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a suitable diet can help:

• Manage weight
• Reduce inflammation
• Protect against various diseases
• Lower blood pressure and protect the heart

What to Eat (and Avoid)

The Mediterranean diet is a particularly healthy option for people with osteoarthritis. This diet focuses on:

• Fish
• Nuts and seeds
• Fruits
• Vegetables, including nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Beans, lentils, and other pulses
• Whole grains

Similar diets, including the DASH diet, are other smart options. To pick the best eating plan for your needs, ask a doctor or nutritionist for guidance.

Though there are healthy diets that can help with osteoarthritis symptoms, other styles of eating are ripe to aggravate inflammation and increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other complications that make living with osteoarthritis more difficult.

Here are some foods to limit or avoid:

• Sugar, including fructose
• Saturated fats present in red meat and dairy products
• Partially hydrogenated oils found in many fast foods and processed foods
• Omega-6 fatty acids present in corn oil and other oils, mayonnaise, and salad dressings
• Refined carbs found in white bread, instant mashed potatoes, and white rice
• Monosodium glutamate, a flavouring added to fast foods, premade soups, and deli meats
• Aspartame, an artificial sweetener
• Alcohol

A doctor or a nutritionist can advise you on dietary tips and, if necessary, a weight loss plan, as weight management is another component of osteoarthritis management for some.

Stress-Reduction Strategies That Help Osteoarthritis

Stress can increase the risk of pain and inflammation, according to scientists. Stress is also associated with depression, fatigue, memory loss, and other problems.

Consider trying one or several of the following strategies to help manage stress:

• Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Breathing exercises
• Meditative exercises, such as yoga and tai chi
• Staying in touch with friends and family
• Maintaining active involvement in your treatment plan 
• Doing relaxing activities, such as taking a warm bath or listening to music
• Making time to do activities you enjoy
• Sharing how you feel with others

The ACR/AF recommends massage therapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis only in some cases.  Regardless, it may help to boost relaxation. The latest ACR/AF guidelines also conditionally recommend acupuncture for knee, hip, and hand osteoarthritis, making it another option worth discussing with a doctor.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of counselling that equips people with the tools to see situations in new ways and find novel solutions to existing challenges. A research review from 2022 found evidence that CBT may help people with knee or hip osteoarthritis manage pain, sleep problems, and depression.

Lifestyle Changes for Osteoarthritis Management

Home adjustments, devices, and good sleep can also improve the quality of life for people with osteoarthritis.

Home Installation Devices

Certain in-home installations, such as railings or ramps, can help to keep you safe and make it easier to continue your regular daily life. 

The type of home adjustments most likely to benefit you will depend on how your osteoarthritis affects you. You may need more adjustments over time.

Here are some examples:

• Home Improvements Grab rails, ramps, night lights, stair lifts, and other devices can help you move around more easily and reduce the risk of falls.
• Accessibility Devices Examples include jar openers, reachers, easy-grip utensils, remote controls for light switches, and raised toilet seats. 
• Mobility Aids Canes, walking frames, shopping trolleys, braces, and mobility scooters can help keep you mobile and independent while preventing falls.

Sleep Hygiene and Osteoarthritis

Around 70 percent of people with osteoarthritis have sleep disturbances. Pain can lead to insomnia, but insomnia may also worsen pain.

Getting enough quality sleep can help reduce pain and boost overall well-being. Prioritizing sleep may also reduce inflammation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most adults need at least seven hours of sleep within each 24-hour cycle, though some individuals may need more.

If you have osteoarthritis, joint pain may have disturbed your sleep. Some evidence suggests inadequate sleep might worsen osteoarthritis.

Some research has found that people with irregular sleep patterns tend to have higher levels of inflammation in their bodies, while others have linked disturbed sleep with osteoarthritis.

Here are some tips for getting a good night's sleep:

• Put away devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime and leave them in another room overnight.
• Avoid large meals and alcohol before bed.
• Consume caffeine only in the morning.
• Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
• As best as you can, go to sleep and get up at the same time every day, including weekends.
• Be physically active during the day.
• If you have trouble sleeping because of insomnia or pain, talk with a doctor about treatment options.

Supplements and Herbal Remedies for Osteoarthritis

Some supplements and home remedies may help with osteoarthritis, but they don't all have strong scientific evidence to support their use. 

Some research suggests the following herbs and spices might benefit people with osteoarthritis because of their anti-inflammatory effects:

• Chamomile 
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Boswellia
• Ashwagandha

A 2025 systematic review and network meta-analysis found that, compared with a placebo intervention, certain turmeric formulations may meaningfully reduce knee osteoarthritis pain. Some turmeric preparations performed comparably to standard pain medications.

In each case, more research is needed to confirm the therapeutic efficacy of the supplement for easing osteoarthritis symptoms, as there are obstacles to treatment. For example, many herbs and spices contain antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, but it's not possible to consume the amount needed to make a difference. In the future, drugs made from these compounds might prove effective for osteoarthritis.

Supplements and Therapies Not Supported by Research

The following remedies don't have significant research to back their effectiveness. Always check with your doctor before you use supplements or other complementary therapies. Some herbal remedies and supplements may have adverse effects or interact with other treatments.

The ACR/AF guidelines specifically do not recommend the following as a treatment for osteoarthritis, due to a lack of evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness:

• Colchicine (Colcrys)
• Fish oil
• Vitamin D therapy
• Chondroitin and glucosamine
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Botox treatment
• Prolotherapy
• Platelet-rich plasma treatment
• Stem cell injections

When to See a Doctor About Osteoarthritis Management

If you have joint pain and stiffness that could be osteoarthritis, speak with a doctor. 

They can assess and diagnose you, and then help you make a plan for both medical and nonmedical remedies, which may include herbal remedies, exercise, and more.

An unsuitable exercise, device, or supplement can exacerbate symptoms or may not work, rendering such options a waste of time and money.

The Takeaway

• Many home and natural remedies can be effective for managing symptoms of osteoarthritis, often in conjunction with prescribed medical interventions. 
• Some natural remedies for osteoarthritis that can be effective for certain people include exercise, home devices, and relaxation techniques.
• Always work with a doctor for your individualized treatment plan, and check with them before adding any new remedies.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatic-conditions/otc-and-natural-osteoarthritis-care/

 

What doctors want patients to know about osteoarthritis

From ama-assn.org

Joint pain and stiffness may signal osteoarthritis. Learn more about the symptoms of osteoarthritis, risk factors and treatments that can help 

AT A GLANCE: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, causing joint pain, stiffness and reduced mobility as cartilage gradually tears down over time. Here are four key things you will learn about osteoarthritis from Alexey Fomin, MD, PhD, a rheumatologist with Hattiesburg Clinic:

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the joints. 

With osteoarthritis, knees, hips, hands and spine are most often affected and can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced range of motion. 

Age, prior joint injuries, repetitive stress, excess weight and genetics can all increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. 

Treatment of osteoarthritis focuses on managing symptoms and preserving mobility, often through exercise, weight management, physical therapy and pain relief options.

Before joint pain and stiffness begin to interfere with daily activities, osteoarthritis often develops gradually over time. As the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects millions of people and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions joints wears down, making movement more difficult and sometimes painful. While there is no cure, early diagnosis, lifestyle changes and treatment can help people manage symptoms, stay active and maintain their quality of life. 

Osteoarthritis is a common disease

“What I usually explain to my patients is that osteoarthritis is pretty common,” Dr. Fomin said, noting that “one in seven adults in the United States actually has osteoarthritis. It is a common disease and it’s one of the leading causes of disability.”

With osteoarthritis, “we are talking about the regular wear and tear changes in the joints. These changes most often affect weight-bearing joints such as the lower back, hips, knees and feet. The joints in the hands are also frequently affected because we rely on them for daily activities,” Dr. Fomin said.

“We predominantly see women rather than men with osteoarthritis, and it is one of the most common diseases after 45 years old,” he said.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis start with pain

With osteoarthritis, a main symptom is “pain at the beginning of the day. That’s what we call starting pain,” Dr. Fomin said. “When you wake up, you may notice pain and stiffness in the joint. As you begin moving and using the joint, it tends to loosen up and feel better.”

“In the morning and at the start of activity, there is pain,” he said. “But as the day goes on and you continue using the joint, the pain often returns. The more stress you put on the joint, the more discomfort you may experience.”

“Morning stiffness associated with osteoarthritis typically does not last long,” Dr. Fomin said. “It’s usually about 15 to 30 minutes, but it can still be quite painful.”

“Other symptoms may include a reduced range of motion, as well as grinding, clicking or popping sensations in the joint. Some people find that a hot shower or warm water helps loosen up stiff joints and improves movement,” he added.

Genetics can play a role in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis “is not just mechanical damage and degeneration. Sometimes osteoarthritis appears as early as age 40, while some women in their 70s or 80s have no issues and their joints still look great,” Dr. Fomin said. “So, it’s not simply a matter of age or getting older. Rather, it results from a combination of different factors.”

For example, “osteoarthritis is influenced in part by genetics,” he said. “If you have strong cartilage and a favourable genetic makeup, your joints are more likely to stay healthy. But if there is a family history of early osteoarthritis, your risk of developing the condition is higher.”

Your risk for osteoarthritis also depends on use of joints

“Osteoarthritis also depends on how much you use your joints. If your job is not physically demanding and you spend most of your time working in an office, you may be less likely to develop significant arthritis,” Dr. Fomin said. “But in physically demanding jobs, such as construction or factory work, we sometimes see younger people who use their hands extensively and experience joint degeneration.”

“So, osteoarthritis is influenced by how much you use your joints, as well as genetics and other factors,” he said. “Some people who eat a healthy diet and stay physically active have relatively few joint problems, while others who pay less attention to diet and exercise may experience more issues. 

“This is especially true for weight-bearing joints—the more weight those joints have to support, the greater the stress and wear on them,” Dr. Fomin added. 

Erosive osteoarthritis is bad joint destruction

“There is one type of osteoarthritis that behaves differently,” Dr. Fomin said. “It is called erosive osteoarthritis, and it primarily affects the hands, causing significant joint damage.”

“On X-rays, we often see severe cartilage loss and extensive bone erosion,” he explained. “It can resemble autoimmune arthritis, but it is actually a degenerative condition.” 

“Unlike standard wear-and-tear osteoarthritis, it features an inflammatory component that actively breaks down cartilage and leads to central bone erosion. It mainly affects the finger joints,” Dr. Fomin said.

Osteoarthritis requires a clinical diagnosis

“Osteoarthritis is often a clinical diagnosis, which means blood tests and X-rays are not always necessary,” Dr. Fomin said. “In many cases, the diagnosis can be made by listening to the patient’s symptoms and performing a physical examination. Bloodwork may then be used to help rule out other types of arthritis.”

“An X-ray mainly helps us assess the extent of joint damage,” he said. “Patients often report having joint pain for a long time that may have started intermittently, like at the beginning of the day, but gradually became more constant.”

“During the physical exam, the joint may appear enlarged because of bone spur growth, which can cause some deformity,” Dr. Fomin said. “You may also notice a decreased range of motion. By combining the patient’s history with the physical findings, you can often make the diagnosis.”

Treatment of osteoarthritis is mainly supportive

“Unfortunately, we do not currently have highly effective medications to treat osteoarthritis, so treatment is primarily supportive,” Dr. Fomin said. “By supportive, I mean that there is no medication available that can slow the progression of the disease or reverse the damage that has already occurred. Our focus is on managing symptoms.”

“For patients with osteoarthritis affecting weight-bearing joints, lifestyle changes are often an important part of treatment,” he said. “We encourage patients to lose weight through physical activity and healthy eating because the more weight a joint has to support, the more damage is likely to occur.”

As a first-line treatment, “we typically start with a pain medication such as acetaminophen,” Dr. Fomin said. “It is available over the counter and patients may use up to 4,000 milligrams per day.”

“If that doesn’t work, we can use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications,” he said. “These medications can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Unfortunately, they can also cause side effects, including stomach irritation, kidney problems and increased blood pressure.”

Dr. Fomin also noted that many supplements marketed for joint health such as glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids, remain popular among patients. 

“Some patients tell us these supplements help and make their joints feel much better,” he said. “But scientifically speaking, multiple studies have not shown strong evidence that they provide significant benefit.”

“Steroid injections into the joint can sometimes help relieve pain as well,” Dr. Fomin said. “We also strongly recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint. Surgery is generally considered a last resort for treating osteoarthritis.”

You can live a normal life with osteoarthritis

“If you compare osteoarthritis with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause severe joint deformities and significantly impair joint function, osteoarthritis is generally less severe,” Dr. Fomin said. “Although it can cause joint problems and discomfort, it tends to progress very slowly, making it easier for many people to live with.”

“Osteoarthritis usually does not cause the same degree of functional impairment seen with other forms of arthritis, so the overall prognosis is often better,” he said. “At the same time, because we do not have treatments that can stop or reverse the disease, it can sometimes lead to permanent disability.”

Prevent osteoarthritis with lifestyle changes

Preventing osteoarthritis “is all about your lifestyle,” Dr. Fomin said. That includes “eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.”

“But if osteoarthritis runs in your family, it can be more difficult to prevent it from developing,” he said. Even so, it is important to “exercise regularly, eat healthy and maintain a healthy body weight.”

With osteoarthritis, listen to your body

“First of all, it’s important to understand what is causing your joint symptoms. If you don’t know what is behind the pain, it can create anxiety,” Dr. Fomin said. “Some patients come into our office worried that they are going to become completely disabled. We have to reassure them that osteoarthritis is a slow-moving process and, for most people, it is not going to have that level of impact.”

“The second thing is that it all comes down to lifestyle,” he said. “Try to stay active, but at the same time avoid overusing your joints. For example, if you have knee pain or hand pain, it may not be a good idea to move heavy furniture or take on physically demanding projects such as home renovations.”

“Sometimes patients tell us their joints are feeling better, so they start running or doing other high-impact activities,” Dr. Fomin said. “But that may not help in the long run. You have to listen to your body. If your pain is increasing, it is probably a sign that you need to rest the joint.”

Visit your doctor if osteoarthritis is interfering with your daily routine

“If osteoarthritis has started to interfere with your daily routine and you’re no longer able to do the things you normally do, it’s a good idea to see your doctor,” Dr. Fomin said. “If it affects your work or your ability to carry out activities at home, you should definitely talk to your doctor about it.”

“Joint swelling is not typically associated with osteoarthritis and may be a sign of inflammatory arthritis, so it should be evaluated by a doctor,” he said. “You should also seek medical attention if you begin experiencing joint pain at night.”

https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/chronic-diseases/what-doctors-want-patients-know-about-osteoarthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis: Hand Strength, Dexterity, and Fine Motor Control

From everydayhealth.com

If you have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you may be familiar with sore fingers, stiff wrists, and the frustration of struggling with formerly simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or chopping vegetables. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that causes painful, swollen joints. It frequently affects the hands.

When PsA impacts your hands, this can reduce strength, dexterity, and fine motor skills, all of which can interfere with your daily life.

“In severe cases, it may be almost impossible to open and close the hand or make a fist,” says Norman Gaylis, MD, a rheumatologist and board member of the American College of Rheumatology in Miami. “This drastically reduces the quality of life when people are unable to complete household chores, pursue hobbies they enjoy, or take care of their daily hygiene needs because they are unable to use their hands.”

How PsA Takes a Toll on Hand Function

In the most basic terms, psoriatic arthritis affects hand function through chronic inflammation. This can degrade cartilage and bone over time.

These are the ways that PsA can change your hands:

• Reduced Strength and Muscle Atrophy When your hands are painful, swollen, or stiff, you might use them less. This can lead to a loss of strength and muscle mass.
• Stiffness Inflammation from psoriatic arthritis can make your hands feel stiff. This is due to synovitis (inflammation of the joint capsule) and enthesitis (inflammation where your tendons and ligaments attach to your bones).
• Difficulty Gripping Grip strength decreases as the severity of psoriatic arthritis increases. This affects the ability to both grasp an object with your whole hand, like when you pick up a water bottle, and pick up small items with your thumb and index finger.
• Swelling Psoriatic arthritis can cause severe swelling in the fingers, called dactylitis. You might also hear this called “sausage fingers.”
• Nail Changes Up to 80 percent of people with PsA experience changes in their fingernails. “With some patients, nails start to look broken, become brittle, and even separate from the nail bed,” says Dr. Gaylis. Not only can this feel embarrassing but it can be painful and make it difficult to use the tips of your fingers (like you do when typing on a computer or phone).
• Deformities Actual deformities in the hands are rare these days, thanks to better treatment. However, they can still develop if psoriatic arthritis isn’t treated. “In the most severe cases, arthritis mutilans develops and dissolves tissue and bones in the fingers,” says Gaylis. This occurs in about 5 percent of psoriatic arthritis cases.
• Loss of Fine Motor Skills Hand swelling, pain, and stiffness can all make it challenging to perform tasks that require precision, dexterity, and coordination. You might find it increasingly difficult to manipulate small objects like zippers or buttons.

All these symptoms add up to real difficulty completing functional tasks in your everyday life.

Who Can Help Restore Hand Function

There are a few health professionals you can reach out to if psoriatic arthritis is affecting your hands. The primary ones are rheumatologists and certified hand therapists (CHTs).

Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases that affect the joints, bones, and muscles. If you’re diagnosed with PsA, you’ve most likely already seen a rheumatologist.

“Fortunately, rheumatologists can treat psoriatic arthritis with many new biologics and medicines that are very effective,” says Gaylis. These medications help manage inflammation and swelling from psoriatic arthritis, which can noticeably improve hand function.

CHTs are also an essential part of the team for anyone with psoriatic arthritis affecting their hands. These health professionals can either be occupational therapists or physical therapists who’ve gone through extra training to specialize in treating hand conditions like psoriatic arthritis.

A CHT will assess your mobility and function and give you tailored treatment that might include splints, exercises, and assistive devices. You can ask your doctor to refer you to a CHT, or depending on your health insurance, you may be able to make your own appointment.

Strategies to Improve Strength and Control

We use our hands constantly, from turning on the tap at a sink to sliding a credit card out of a wallet. Bringing back strength and control to your hands can improve your quality of life.

Therapeutic Exercises

Therapeutic exercises can reduce pain and improve coordination, strength, and function. Common exercises for PsA include the following:

• Isometric Exercises These are static exercises during which your muscles stay the same length. “Isometric exercises are safer for the arthritic hand to perform because the joints are not moving,” says Kristin Valdes, a certified hand therapist and professor at Touro University Nevada, in Henderson, Nevada. In this type of exercise, you squeeze an immovable object, and your joints are supported by the object you’re holding. Valdes suggests squeezing a firm racquetball or tennis ball to improve grip strength.
• Passive Range of Motion With psoriatic arthritis, the fingers can flex (or “claw” inward) over time as the skin contracts. Anyone experiencing this “should use the other hand or pull their fingertips over the edge of the table to try to straighten out the fingers daily,” says Valdes.
• Tendon Gliding This set of exercises encourages smooth movement of your finger tendons within their sheath.

Be cautious when starting hand exercises with psoriatic arthritis. “If treatment is too aggressive, it can increase hand pain and cause skin breakdown,” says Valdes.

Consider seeing a CHT for a personalized program of exercises, since everyone’s psoriatic arthritis is different.

Assistive Tools

When your wrist is sore, twisting open a jar can be very painful. And when your fingers are stiff, it can feel near impossible to pick up small items. Assistive devices can help you achieve these everyday tasks with less effort and therefore less pain.

Assistive devices for psoriatic arthritis include these examples:

• Wide-grip pens or utensils
• Electronic jar or can openers
• Ergonomic kitchen tools
• Button hooks
• Elastic shoelaces
• Electric toothbrushes
• Gripping materials (to hold a mixing bowl in place, for example, or grip a lid)
• Tap turners or lever handles (to avoid twisting)
• Tongs
• Adaptive cutting boards
• Motion sensor dish soap or shampoo dispensers

Orthoses

For those seeing a hand therapist for treatment, “The therapist can also fabricate a custom orthosis to rest the joints,” says Valdes. This might look like a ring to keep your finger joint straight or a brace that wraps around your thumb.

You can also get premade orthoses like wrist splints online or in pharmacies, but talk to your hand therapist or doctor first to ensure that you’re getting the right one.

Joint Protection and Skin Protection

Joint protection techniques, which are usually taught by a CHT, are ways to perform daily tasks so that less stress is applied to your joints. The following techniques are common:

• Practice the large joint rule. Use larger and stronger joints for tasks instead of smaller ones. Valdes gives the examples of pushing instead of pulling, carrying bags with your forearm instead of hands, and using a shoulder bag rather than a handbag.
• Limit repetitive hand movements. For example, use an electric can opener instead of a hand-operated one. You can still knit or do hobbies involving your hands, but Valdes recommends limiting these to no more than 30 minutes at a time.
• Use a light grip. “Try not to grip so forcefully that the hand fatigues easily,” says Valdes. One way to achieve this is to bulk up the handles of tools or utensils. For example, when cooking, wrap a potholder around a pot handle to make it larger; that reduces the pressure on your hand.
• Don’t forget skin protection. Applying cream to tight skin can help protect both the skin and joints.

Heat and Cold Therapy: Using Paraffin Baths for Stiffness vs. Ice for Acute Inflammation

If your fingers are swollen, try cold therapy with a cold cloth or ice pack. This can help reduce inflammation in the affected joints.

Heat therapy can’t bring down acute inflammation, but it can provide pain relief. If your hands are stiff or painful, consider applying a warm cloth or heating pad.

Warm paraffin, or wax, baths, which a CHT can perform, can also be soothing. A hand therapist might do this to loosen up your joints before exercising them. However, you’ll want to avoid paraffin baths if you have any open cuts or inflamed skin on your hands.

Lifestyle and Daily Habits

Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can help you conserve energy and manage pain. Be sure to take frequent breaks to rest your hands. “For example, when making a meal, break up cutting or chopping tasks throughout the day,” says Valdes.

You’ll also want to make a daily habit out of your therapeutic exercises, particularly stretching and range of motion exercises. However, avoid strengthening exercises when your hands are painful, says Valdes.

Overall, do your best to maintain an active lifestyle and keep up with the activities that bring you joy and meaning. You can also try new hobbies that don’t tax your hands as much, such as singing, line dancing, learning a language, or hiking.

If you’re struggling with hand pain or stiffness, talk to your rheumatologist or CHT. Your rheumatologist may adjust your medication, and your CHT can strategize personalized solutions, whether that’s a new hand splint or exercise program.

The Takeaway

• A rheumatologist can help you manage psoriatic arthritis hand symptoms with newer biologics and medications that control inflammation.
• Certified hand therapists can tailor exercises to your specific hand symptoms, recommend assistive tools, and educate you on joint protection to preserve and restore hand function.
• Therapeutic hand exercises can help enhance grip strength, dexterity, and control for performing daily tasks.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatic-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis-hand-strength-and-dexterity/