Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Osteoarthritis of the Hand
What is osteoarthritis of the hand?
Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints of the body. It involves damage to the cartilage covering the joint surfaces, which leads to reduced smoothness of movement and results in pain and discomfort. Osteoarthritis is particularly common in the hands, often affecting the base of the thumb and the joints of the fingers.
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the management of hand osteoarthritis. Early intervention can help reduce pain, maintain joint mobility, improve hand function, and delay the progression of symptoms.
What can cause osteoarthritis of the hand?
Osteoarthritis may develop as a result of a previous injury to the hand or prolonged overuse of the hands over many years. This type is referred to as secondary osteoarthritis. Other contributing factors include a family history of osteoarthritis and being overweight, both of which can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hand?
Osteoarthritis in the hand can cause stiffness and reduced mobility in the fingers and thumbs. You may also notice the formation of cysts or firm lumps around the joints—these are bony growths known as osteophytes. Joint movement can become painful, making everyday tasks such as writing or buttoning a shirt difficult. Other symptoms may include:
- Swelling around the affected joints
- A grating or grinding sensation with movement (crepitus)
- Decreased grip strength
- Joint tenderness on touch or use
- Changes in joint shape or alignment
What should I do if I have osteoarthritis of the hand?
If your symptoms are interfering with your usual activities, it is important to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis. In some cases—particularly when symptoms are severe—an X-ray may be recommended to assess the extent of damage to the bones and joints. Surgery is generally considered a last resort. Therefore, it is important to explore conservative (non-surgical) treatment options first. Physiotherapy is an effective way to maintain joint strength and mobility in the hands, while also helping to manage and reduce pain.
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the hand.
Your physiotherapy programme will be tailored to help you manage symptoms and maintain hand function. It will include guidance on activity pacing and methods to relieve pain, such as hot and cold therapy and hydrotherapy. Techniques like Megapulse and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) may also be used for pain relief. You may be prescribed strengthening and range of movement exercises to help keep your joints mobile and strong. Your physiotherapist can also advise on home adaptations to help you carry out daily tasks without placing strain on your joints. Splinting may be recommended to support or rest affected joints. Other physiotherapy treatments may include:
- Wax therapy
- Massage
- Proprioceptive Exercise
- Soft Tissue Treatment
What shouldn’t I do if I have osteoarthritis of the hand?
Do not ignore symptoms of osteoarthritis in the hand if they are interfering with your daily activities or causing ongoing pain. It's important to pace your activities—avoid overdoing it, but also stay active to help maintain strength in the muscles that support your joints. A physiotherapist can guide you on how to pace your activities effectively. If your symptoms are severe, weight-bearing exercises may not be suitable, as they can place additional stress on the joints. Activities like running on hard surfaces or participating in competitive sports should generally be avoided.
Can osteoarthritis of the hand have any long-term effects?
If your symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended to relieve your pain. Surgical intervention is most commonly performed at the base of the thumb, where the affected joint may be either replaced (arthroplasty) or fused (arthrodesis) to reduce pain and improve function. To reduce the likelihood of requiring surgery, it is important to maintain joint strength and mobility, which provides added support to the hand. Physiotherapy is a highly effective way to achieve this, helping to delay or even prevent the need for surgical intervention.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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