Title: Founder, physical therapist
Company: Madden Physical Therapy
Years in Field: 10
Q: What are some common signs of hand arthritis?
A: Joint swelling, stiffness, pain and inflammation are common with arthritis in the hands. Many people will say “my knuckles look big.” This is the joint swelling.
Q: How many people are affected by this condition?
A: It is estimated 20 percent of people living in the United States suffer from arthritis of at least one joint. The exact number of people with arthritis in the hand is not known.
Q: What causes it? Can it be prevented?
A: Arthritis means “joint inflammation.” There are two types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks all joints in the body.
Osteoarthritis attacks one joint at a time. The cartilage (the rubbery stuff at the end of the bone you see when eating a chicken wing) wears away with either condition. This creates inflammation in the joint. Hence, “joint inflammation.”
Recent research promotes that eating a vegetarian diet and minimizing dairy and meat consumption may prevent arthritis. Other preventive measures include regular, low-impact exercise and adequate rest.
Q: What options do people have for treating it?
A: The best treatment for most cases is guidance in simple, safe movements and exercises which help improve the health of the joint. A good physical therapist or occupational therapist can provide this with hands-on treatment and exercise instruction. Other treatment options include medications and injections, which provide relief of the inflammation.
Q: How does physical therapy help?
A: Physical therapists provide hands-on care for arthritis in the hands. This hands-on care is called a mobilization and involves providing safe movement to the joint to improve the health of the cartilage.
While the joint will not grow new cartilage, the health of the joint can be improved to the point where pain is significantly decreased and movement is improved.
Physical therapy can address motion and strength deficits with exercises as well.
Interview conducted via e-mail by Patriot-News staff.