Meet John
John, a 55-year-old handyman and avid DIY enthusiast, has always found peace and satisfaction tinkering in his shed, repairing furniture, and building small projects.
Recently, though, he’s noticed persistent swelling and stiffness in his hands, especially in the mornings. Holding tools has become increasingly painful, and the fine motor tasks he once performed effortlessly now feel awkward and challenging.
Concerned, John visited his doctor and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition causing inflammation in his joints.
While the news has been a blow, John is determined not to give up his cherished time in the shed.
He’s exploring treatment options and adaptive tools to help him manage the condition and continue pursuing his passion.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis...
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What is rheumatoid arthritis?
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and potential joint deformity. Unlike osteoarthritis (OA), which is a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear of the joint cartilage over time, RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining. RA often affects smaller joints, like those in the hands and wrists, symmetrically, and can lead to systemic symptoms like fatigue. At The Upper Hand Clinic, we provide expert care to manage both conditions, helping you regain function and reduce discomfort.
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What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and swelling. While the exact cause is unknown, genetic factors, hormonal changes, smoking, and certain environmental triggers may increase the risk. RA is more common in women and typically develops between the ages of 30 and 60, but it can affect anyone, including children.
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RA is often associated with other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon ruptures, and systemic complications like lung or cardiovascular issues. Diagnosis involves a thorough assessment of symptoms, blood tests to detect markers like rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies, and imaging studies. X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI can be useful in detecting joint damage, inflammation, and early signs of RA to guide effective treatment. At The Upper Hand Clinic, we work closely with you and your medical team to ensure a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis, helping to manage the condition effectively to minimise the impact of this disease on your daily life
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How hand therapists can help rheumatoid arthritis
Hand therapy is a key component in managing rheumatoid arthritis...
Splinting
​A thumb spica splint is often used to stabilise the thumb and reduce stress on the CMC joint.
By immobilising the thumb in a functional position, the splint allows the joint to rest and can reduce pain during daily activities.
Splints can be worn during flare-ups or while performing tasks that aggravate your symptoms.
Activity modification
We work with you to identify activities that put excessive strain on the thumb joint.
Simple changes, such as using larger handles on utensils, adjusting your grip when lifting objects, or using ergonomic tools, can make a significant difference in reducing pain.
Learning proper hand positions and modifying your daily routine can help prevent further damage to the joint.
Exercises to improve mobility and strength
While rest is important, it’s equally important to maintain mobility and strength in the hand. We’ll guide you through a series of stretching and strengthening exercises that can improve flexibility and support the thumb joint.
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Range of motion exercises: These gentle movements help maintain the mobility of the thumb and reduce stiffness.
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Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the thumb joint can help stabilise the joint and reduce stress on the affected area.
Heat and cold therapy
​Heat therapy can be used to relax the muscles and reduce stiffness in the thumb joint, while cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and numb pain.
Your hand therapist may recommend alternating between heat and cold packs, depending on your symptoms.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint manipulation, can help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and relieve pain.
Your hand therapist will use these techniques to promote healing in the surrounding tissues and help you regain function in your thumb.​
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Range of motion exercises: These gentle movements help maintain the mobility of the thumb and reduce stiffness.
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Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the thumb joint can help stabilise the joint and reduce stress on the affected area.
Adaptive equipment and ergonomic tools
​We may suggest using adaptive tools or equipment to make daily tasks easier on your thumb joint.
Devices like jar openers, large-handled pens, or ergonomic kitchen tools can reduce the amount of strain on your thumb and allow you to continue performing daily activities without pain.
Frequently asked questions about rheumatoid arthritis
How do you treat it?
At The Upper Hand Clinic, we take a holistic and individualized approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis in the hand and upper limb. Our treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving function, and preventing joint deformities through tailored splinting, targeted exercises, and joint protection education. We work closely with you to maintain mobility and strength while minimizing stress on affected joints, incorporating assistive devices and activity modifications when needed. Collaboration with your medical team ensures comprehensive care, helping you regain confidence and independence in daily activities. here
What movement should you avoid?
With rheumatoid arthritis, it's important to avoid hand movements that put excessive stress on your joints, such as tight gripping, pinching, or repetitive actions like twisting lids or wringing cloths. These movements can increase inflammation and lead to joint damage over time. Instead, use larger joints or assistive tools to reduce strain, and avoid holding your hands in one position for too long. Learning joint protection techniques and using adaptive equipment can help you perform daily tasks more safely and comfortably.ext here
Can damage to the hand and thumb from Rheumatoid arthritis be reversed?
Whilst the damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis to the hand and thumb joints cannot be reversed, timely intervention can significantly slow progression and preserve function. Through tailored treatments like splinting, exercises, and joint protection strategies, we help manage symptoms and prevent further damage. If deformities or severe joint damage occur, we collaborate with your medical team to explore advanced options, including surgical interventions, to restore as much function as possible. Our goal is to support you in maintaining hand health and improving your quality of life.ext here