Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and inflammation in any of the joints of your body, including your hand. There is a variety of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis hand pain available to reduce symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis hand pain includes pain in the wrist, hand, and fingers. It can cause carpal tunnel and fatigue.
Common Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Hand Pain
Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on the severity of your pain, you can either get this type of treatment over the counter or prescribed by a doctor.
Splints/Braces
Splints and braces can help to relieve pressure off of joints, which can reduce the amount of pain you feel.
Physical Therapy/Exercise
Physical therapy can help to increase the strength of your hand, making it easier to move.
Certain exercises can also help to strengthen the joints and muscles. However, you should talk with a doctor before you pick an exercise or therapy as your treatment of rheumatoid arthritis hand pain.
Avoid Inflammation
Avoid anything that could increase the amount of inflammation that occurs around the joint. This includes avoiding foods that cause inflammation or reducing the amount of physical and mental stress you put on yourself.
Alternating between heating and cooling the area of the joint may also provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Surgery
If your rheumatoid arthritis has become too severe and other medications and treatments no longer work, then surgery may be the only option for you.
It is important to discuss all your treatment options with a doctor. Together, you can determine which treatment would work best for you and your case of rheumatoid arthritis in the hands.
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