Hand Pain Due to Arthritis

If you think about it, you probably spend between three and ten hours every day on a computer, cell phone or other communications device. You may be using both hands or just both thumbs, but they are constantly used. As you get older, this may slow down…arthritis can set it in and it makes life frustrating and difficult.

While not all cases of arthritis can be prevented, but a few tips could help in that score. Once it sets in, there are home remedies that may loosen the joints up again and let you continue to use your hands.

Prevention tips

1) Take a break: At least once an hour, stop typing or mousing. Do gentle exercises such as clinching and unclinching your fists, rotate the hand at the wrist and other movements. This may help prevent carpal tunnel as well.

2) Go ergonomic: Using an ergonomic mouse, mouse pad and keyboard can help prevent both carpal tunnel and osteoarthritis. Avoid using mouse pads or keyboards that have you rest your hands at an angle on a hard surface or lie flat on the bad.

3) Look at wrist supports: Ask your doctor about using a wrist brace to make sure your wrists have proper support and don’t stay locked in an unnatural position. It might take some trial and error to find the right support for your office, but it’s worth it.

Arthritis home remedies

There isn’t a cure for arthritis, but there are things that you can do at home to make the condition less painful and allow you to do more. It’s best if you consult your doctor before starting any new remedy to make sure it is right for your condition.

1) Ice/heat. Both of these can be beneficial at different times. Heat can help relax the muscles and joints, making it easier to move and thus easier to continue typing/texting. At the end of the day, ice can help reduce the inflammation that can develop through use during the day.

2) Anti-inflammatory medications. Several types of medications can be used, both prescription and over the counter. Ibuprofen, naproxen and tylenol may be recommended by your doctor. Aspirin is another possibility, though it may cause other problems.

3) Herbal remedies. Willow bark, gotu kola and comfrey can be beneficial. Comfrey should never be ingested and may cause damage to the liver and kidneys, even if used topically so keep that in mind. Willow should not be used if you are allergic to aspirin, are on an aspirin regimen or have gout.

4) Topical pain relievers: Capsaicin can help shut off the pain signal to your brain. It is a counter irritant and fairly strong, so test it on a small area before spreading it on thickly. Camphor could also be beneficial.

Hand pain due to arthritis doesn’t have to sidetrack your career or your communications if proper care is taken. If you have concern that you are at risk for arthritis or carpal tunnel in your wrists and hands, consult your doctor to find the best remedies.

By: Mary Bodel

About the Author:

.