Osteoarthritis, a painful condition in which the tissue between bones wears down, frequently affects people in old age and a new study finds that as many as 4 in 10 people may develop the condition in their hands. Among women, researchers found the lifetime risk was 47 percent while for men it was about 25 percent. Obese people also had an 11 percent higher lifetime risk than those who were not obese.
While arthritis is a degenerative disease, it is certainly manageable. Here are a few tips for helping manage arthritis in the hands.
- Pain management. It’s hard to get anything done if your hands hurt. Talk to your doctor about painkiller pills or shots, immobilizing devices, and hand therapy.
- Hand Exercises: Ask about exercises to strengthen your hands as well as relieve pain.
- Assistive Devices: Special pens, kitchen utensils, and other tools with big grips may be easier to use.
To learn more about hand care with arthritis please join us on Facebook Live on May 18 at 3 pm as our partner Kimberly Freborg OTR/L, Occupational Therapist from Western Reserve Hospital shares her knowledge of “hand”ling this issue! Click on any Danbury Senior Living Facebook page or contact me to learn more!
