4 Pain Relief Remedies You Can Do At Home For Arthritis In Your Hands

What To Do For Aching Hands

By the age of 60, about 60% of all adults will have some form of arthritis. By age 75, that number jumps to 80-90%. Arthritis can affect nearly any joint in the body. Inflammation, cartilage breakdown, and weakening tissue can all lead to painful arthritis. When arthritis hits the wrist and hands, people can do a few pain relief remedies at home. Consider these 4 options.

1. Hot and cold therapy

Applying ice to a joint can reduce inflammation. Applying heat relaxes muscles and improves circulation. Many people benefit from alternating 10-15 minutes of both hot and cold therapy a few times a day. Use ice packs, heating pads, or even paraffin wax to find pain relief. Remember that applying ice packs or heating pads directly to the skin can be harmful, so cover ice packs and heating pads in a small towel instead of applying them directly to the skin.

2. Gentle stretches

Some simple hand exercises are among the best remedies for arthritis pain relief. To start, place the palm face down on a flat surface, such as a table or desk. One by one, slowly lift each finger from the surface. Hold the finger as high as possible for 3-5 seconds. Try to repeat a few times a week for stretching and strengthening. Many people also benefit from working with a physical therapist. This specialist provides personalized stretches and exercises to help with pain relief.

3. Anti-inflammatory medications

Because arthritis pain stems from inflammation, some people may benefit from taking anti-inflammatory medications. Over-the-counter options include many types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some people benefit from taking these drugs every four hours, especially during times when activity is unavoidable.

4. Rests and splints

Sometimes, the best way to find pain relief is to take a few days to rest and refrain from the activity. Additionally, some people may use splints that keep the wrist and hand in a stable position. Splints look similar to fingerless gloves and have a type of brace that keeps the wrist in place. People may get splints from a doctor or a drugstore. In particular, some people may benefit from splinting at night when sleep leads to difficulty controlling hand and wrist position.

Finding permanent relief

When at-home remedies don’t work, people may benefit from working with a pain management specialist. These healthcare providers can offer medical pain management options such as steroid injections, prescription medications, or physical therapy. In some cases, patients may benefit from orthopedic surgery. For more information, speak with a healthcare provider.