Despite it sounding like a minor condition, Osteoarthritis can actually affect a person in a significant way. For one, even the simplest task, such as writing a short note or carrying a heavy object, can definitely feel painful and uncomfortable.
In such a case, the most viable solution for you would be to manage your hand Osteoarthritis in the most efficient way. Below are just a few tips to help you achieve just that.
1. Exercise Often
If you want to cope with your hand’s Osteoarthritis, it will help if you exercise a few times a week. However, you will not do this just to alleviate your pain – regular exercise can actually reduce the risks of contracting this condition.
2. Use Ice or Heat
When pain comes and goes, you can use ice or heat to counter the pain. When you have just gotten out of the shower, try laying a towel over the affected area and then cover it with a heating pad. You can also use ice packs and cold compresses on your hand.
3. Don’t Hold Your Hand Too Tight
One of the most common mistakes people make is squeezing their hands too tight. This can definitely aggravate the pain. Instead, you need to hold your hand in such a manner that you won’t feel any pain at all.
4. Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods
Consuming anti-inflammatory foods can be a good way to combat your hand’s Osteoarthritis. Food that contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is great for relieving your pain. Fish, nuts, and veggies are just some of the foods you have to depend on.
5. Look for an Effective Pain Killer
Pain can be unbearable, especially when it comes in the form of a hand Osteoarthritis. If you are looking for pain relief, take the time to research an effective pain killer for your condition. Be sure to take the medicine for as long as the doctor recommends.
6. Try Alternative Therapies
While medications should help you deal with the pain, you might also find alternative therapies to be very effective. People who have tried it before have attested to the fact that massages and health consultations can help you feel better.
7. Try Working at the Comfort of Your Own Home
For people suffering from hand Osteoarthritis, working at the office can be very painful for them. If you want to avoid falling into that category, try working from your own home.
8. Put Your Hand in a Cast
If you have already consulted with your doctor and tried all of the tips mentioned above and you still haven’t found a solution to your problem, try getting your hand in a cast. You will have to wear it for a few weeks, but your pain should have lessened significantly once you’re done.
9. Take Longer Breaks
You might not have thought about it, but putting too much stress on your hand can actually slow down the treatment process for your hand’s Osteoarthritis. So, try taking longer breaks to give your hand a break and avoid overstressing it.
Conclusion
Hand Osteoarthritis can be a debilitating condition, as it tends to slow down your pace of living. Fortunately, there are many ways to cope with it. If you have tried all of the tips mentioned above and your hand’s Osteoarthritis is still bugging you, be sure to consult your doctor immediately, as it is always the best thing to do.
If you are looking for specialists who provide hand pain treatments, look no further than our practitioners here at North Florida Hand and Wrist. We are a state-of-the-art surgical facility staffed by a team of dedicated practitioners whose primary goal is to ease any hand or wrist discomfort you may experience. Book an appointment with us today and let us tend to your hand Osteoarthritis in no time.
