Tyler Metroff, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist,
Delta Health Outpatient Therapies and Sports Performance
It is that time of year again when temperatures drop and joint pain starts to increase. Cold temperatures can cause increased pain, reduce our circulation, and impact our joints due to the change in pressure. So what should we do about it?
Hand arthritis pain itself has a very common misconception that it, “just is what it is,” and is, “simply part of the aging process.” While this may be true, there are many things we can do to manage this pain and even potentially slow the arthritic process.
At the Delta Health Sports Performance and Outpatient Therapies Clinic it is very common to see patients with extremely stiff fingers because they are fearful that stretching may worsen their symptoms. In fact, not stretching is one of the worst things we can do for our joints. Stiffness in arthritic joints is actually the shortening of stabilizing structures (one of many reasons). By stretching our fingers, we are able to reduce the amount of tension that is being applied to them, which in return reduces pain. Not moving or stretching will only create further stiffness that can lead to the lack of overall use of your hands.
Things we can do to reduce the arthritic pain
Compression
Most arthritic joints are seeking compression. As stated above, change in weather and pressure in general increases our pain. A quick way to manage symptoms is to try wearing compression gloves.
Joint protection
One of the most common phrases I hear is, “it hurts when I use my hands like this”. And sometimes the most common solution is to not use your hands like “that” (to put it bluntly). Change your way of using your body by incorporating more of your larger joints (e.g. carrying bags of groceries on your arm vs hanging them from your fingers).
Moist heat
This has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce arthritic pain. Microwavable rice bags and paraffin wax are both great methods of providing moist heat to our joints.
Stretching
If you have been to any of the Delta Health outpatient clinics you have more than likely heard the phrase: “Motion is lotion.” Believe it or not, your therapist is not trying to torture you! There is no shortage of research that supports the fact that increased pliability in your joints (with the exception of some medical conditions), can greatly reduce your overall pain.
Here is one very effective exercise for maintaining finger motion and pliability:
Splinting
One joint that can be tricky to reduce pain with is the base of our thumb. Our first line of defense to address basal joint pain is to provide support through splinting to reduce the force on your joint. Most insurances will cover the cost of these splints, however, you will need to request a script to see Occupational Therapy in order to have a trained therapist size and fit your hand for the most appropriate splint.
As winter fast approaches, remember to keep moving and follow the tips above to minimize arthritic pain that can occur.
For more information on services available at Delta Health Outpatient Therapies and Sports Performance, visit deltahealthco.org/rehabilitation-therapy/. There are clinic locations in Delta, Paonia and Cedaredge.
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Tyler Metroff is a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) that specializes in hand therapy. He has a strong background working on injuries and complex post-surgical care of elbows and shoulders. As a licensed therapist, Metroff enjoys the full spectrum of Occupational Therapy working with injured or physically impaired patients to improve activities of daily life.