Tips for Managing Osteoarthritis in the Hands
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hands is a common health ailment that many seniors over the age of 85 live with. It is a degenerative disease that affects the tissues of the joints, causing them to break down so that bones begin to rub against each other and cause pain. It affects women more than men and can affect all the joints in the hand or only affect a few. Either way, it can make using the hands for day-to-day activities painful and sometimes even impossible. Having someone come to the home to provide occupational therapy services can provide your loved one with tips and techniques to manage the environment they live in.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Hands
Occupational Therapy Plymouth MI – Tips for Managing Osteoarthritis in the Hands
Pain. In the early stages, the pain may come and go, increasing with physical activity. As the condition worsens, the pain becomes more constant and may be strong enough to wake your loved one from sleep.
Stiffness. Your loved one may lose range of motion as it becomes more and more difficult to open and close the hands. Stiffness is usually worse right away in the morning or after a nap.
Tenderness. The constant irritation may cause the area to swell and become tender to the touch.
Grinding and clicking. As the bones rub against each other, your loved one may feel and hear the joints rubbing against each other.
Deformity. Bone lumps and nodules as well as the loss of cartilage may make the hands and fingers misshapen.
Weakness. Your loved one may not be able to grip or have any strength for pulling, lifting, or straining their hands.
How to Live with Osteoarthritis
Your loved one will need some help to live with her condition and remain independent. Some tasks may become too difficult for her to manage. The stress of living with a chronic condition that provides constant pain and soreness can make each day feel overwhelming.
With some good self-care practices, your loved one can learn how to manage her disease and thrive despite the obstacles it presents.
Here are a few simple ways to ease symptoms.
Eat foods that promote better health and relieve osteoarthritis symptoms. Foods rich in vitamin C and Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce arthritic symptoms such as pain and swelling. Adding foods that are high in these nutrients, as well as eating an overall healthy diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as whole grains and lean meats can help the body manage symptoms better.
Stay active. While moving seems counter-intuitive, learning how to move the affected areas can help reduce pain and stiffness.
Use over-the-counter remedies like pain relievers, ice packs, and creams to manage symptoms when they are at their worst.
Meet with an occupational therapist. An occupational therapy professional will review what areas give your loved one the most struggles and help her find solutions to those problem areas. The occupational therapy provider may suggest exercises, assistive devices, or support groups to your loved one that will help her live with her osteoarthritis but not have it consume her every thought and movement.
Learning to listen to her body and apply the above tips when needed can help your loved one continue to live independently with her osteoarthritis.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Occupational Therapy Services in Plymouth MI, please contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Health, LLC today. 734-259-4200
Connecting Families with Compassionate & Quality Home Health Care In Wayne, Oakland, Livingston & Washtenaw.
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