Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including finger joints, which can cause pain among other symptoms.
Along with finger pain, swelling, and stiffness, patients may notice that their finger joints are warm and tender and possibly even misshapen. They may experience carpal tunnel symptoms such as numbness or tingling. Rheumatoid arthritis finger pain treatment consists of methods that decrease inflammation. The treatment plan for individual patients will vary depending on several different factors.
Most Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Finger Pain Treatment Options
- medications (variety of options)
- rest and exercise
- avoiding foods that can trigger inflammation, while eating foods that help reduce inflammation, such as omega-3 fatty acids (most commonly found in certain fish; also in flax oil)
- stress management
- splints or orthotics that help to take the pressure off the joints
- physical therapy
- regular medical checkups
- if necessary, surgery (when joints are severely damaged)
One of the best ways to manage rheumatoid arthritis pain is through exercise. Regular exercise helps to make joints, including those in the fingers, more flexible. However, if a joint is hurting, the best thing you can do is rest it. Exercise when you are not hurting.
Exercising hands and fingers can be as simple as squeezing a soft foam ball. Squeeze and hold, and then relax. Repeat several times. Do not squeeze a hard ball.
Other simple rheumatoid arthritis finger pain treatment options include applying ice or moist heat to the area. Alternate hot and cold. You could try wrapping a warm, moist towel around your fingers. Do this for 15 minutes, before exercising. Furthermore, applying ice packs helps to reduce swelling. Ice packs should be held to the painful joint for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Speak to your doctor or healthcare professional to figure out which rheumatoid arthritis finger pain treatment is the best for you. You may find that a combination of treatments will help best.
Featured image: natsuk77 via DepositPhotos
