Arthritis In Fingers: Treatment Options That Are Available

Arthritis in fingers is known as osteoarthritis, it is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage of the joints wears away, this eventually leads to the bones being exposed causing inflammation and pain.

The joints that are the most affected are usually finger tips, and knuckles. The pain that arthritis in fingers can cause are easily managed with pain relief such as paracetemol, or ibuprofen.

Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the fingers, this is a more aggressive form of arthritis it can cause other problems and the soft tissue around the joints may even become inflamed. This form of arthritis usually affects the bottom of the fingers.

Signs of arthritis in fingers are;

- Pain in the joints
- Swelling around the joints
- Periods of stiffness
- Movement difficulties

Arthritis in fingers can cause bone like lumps on the knuckles, these lumps can sometimes swell and feel stiff for long periods of time. Those with rheumatoid arthritis can suffer with more severe bone deformities this in turn can cause extreme pain.

If arthritis in fingers is diagnosed early, treatments can be given almost immediately this can prevent the need for surgery in the future.

These treatments can include;

- Anti inflammatory medication
- Massage
- Pain relief such as paracetemol, or ibuprofen or a stronger painkiller like codeine
- Supplements which aid cartilage growth/repair
- Complimentary therapy such as heat and ice treatment
- Supportive splints may be needed in some cases of arthritis in fingers

If all of the treatments are tried and no particular one is effective, surgery may be the only option. If surgery is the answer the surgery could be;

- Removing the bone deformities
- Fusing the joint to allow no more movement
- Straighten deformities

If you have arthritis in fingers and you are not able to cope with the symptoms any longer speak with your doctor he will be able to recommend an appropriate course of action. It may be that you require stronger medication, this is easily dealt with.

Red pepper, has many pain relieving properties. It aids the circulatory system when applied to the affected area, relieving the aches and pains that you may be feeling.

Cayenne pepper, you can apply this externally as mentioned above alternatively you can consume this with food. This acts as a stimulant aiding the heart, it can strengthen the arteries and act as natural pain relief.

Ginger, this is present in many foods. This has anti-inflammatory like properties and may significantly reduce the pains and swelling of arthritis.

Garlic, aids blood flow in the body, and possibly reduces inflammation.

If these foods are incorporated in your daily diet you may start to notice positive results after 1 week. There has been no evidence to suggest that these foods can help, although other arthritis sufferers have confirmed that they did notice a positive change.

Arthritis in fingers has been known to be extremely painful, a daily hand massage with scented lotion will not only promote a sense of well being, it may improve blood flow through the fingers, reducing inflammation.