How to effectively relieve hand arthritis pain

Generally, effective relief of hand arthritis pain can be achieved through local heat or cold compresses, reducing hand weight-bearing activities, appropriate use of analgesic medications, performing hand rehabilitation exercises, and wearing hand supports. The specific method should be selected according to the severity and condition of the pain. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Local Heat or Cold Compress: During acute pain episodes, wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the affected hand area for 15-20 minutes per session, 2-3 times daily, which can constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation; during pain relief periods, soak the hands in warm water around 40°C or apply a warm towel compress for 20 minutes per session, twice daily, to improve hand blood circulation, relax muscles around the joints, and reduce stiffness and pain.

2. Reduce Hand Weight-Bearing Activities: Avoid actions that increase stress on the hand joints, such as carrying heavy objects for prolonged periods, wringing towels, or typing. When doing housework, wear gloves to protect the hands and reduce joint friction. Choose lightweight tools for daily tasks, such as using a cart instead of carrying items by hand, avoiding excessive force with one hand to prevent worsening joint wear and pain.

3. Appropriate Use of Analgesic Medications: When experiencing significant pain, take oral medications under a physician's guidance. Commonly prescribed oral medications include acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and naproxen sodium tablets, as directed by a physician.

4. Perform Hand Rehabilitation Exercises: After pain subsides, perform gentle hand joint movements, such as slowly stretching the fingers, making a fist and then slowly releasing it, and gently rotating the wrists. Repeat each movement 10-15 times for 2-3 sets daily. These exercises help maintain joint mobility, strengthen muscles around the joints, reduce stiffness, and prevent recurrent pain.

5. Wear Hand Supports: Choose appropriate supports based on the affected joint area, such as finger joint sleeves or wrist braces. The supports should fit properly without being too tight to avoid impairing blood circulation. Wearing supports can stabilize the joints, reduce friction and pressure during movement, and particularly when performing daily activities, they can effectively alleviate joint stress and reduce pain.

In daily life, keep the hands warm and avoid contact with cold water or prolonged exposure to cold environments to prevent cold-induced aggravation of joint discomfort. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid excessive fatigue, and include adequate calcium- and protein-rich foods in your diet, such as milk and soy products, to provide nutritional support for joint repair and assist in pain relief.