How to Treat, Prevent Hand Pain

Arthritis of the hand often comes with aging. But there are steps you can take to regain function and ease discomfort.

0
Arthritis of the hand can be a source of great frustration. As swelling, pain, and stiffness worsen, tasks like tying a shoelace or buttoning a shirt, which once involved a few seconds, can now take a lot longer. Some tasks, such as unscrewing a tight-fitting lid or threading a needle, can be nearly impossible. "Hand arthritis is a common problem that comes with aging," says Jeffrey Lawton, M.D., a hand surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, "and it can be accelerated by hand-intensive hobbies and occupations." The good news is that joint-protection measures combined with hand exercises can improve grip strength and hand function.
To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in

Subscribe to Arthritis Advisor

Get the next year of Arthritis Advisor for just $20. And access all of our online content - over 1,000 articles - free of charge.
Subscribe today and save 36%. It's like getting 4 months FREE!
Already Subscribed?
Click Here to Sign In | Forgot your password? | Activate Web Access