Tips for Managing MCP Joint Pain
MCP joint pain can lead to pain, loss of motion, and swelling in the area. These changes often come on gradually and may not be noticed right away. These symptoms may feel worse when gripping or grasping, such as when turning a key or opening a jar. To help manage these issues, try the following tips.
10 Things to Do
1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or rheumatologist: Changes in grip strength are a common symptom of osteoarthritis, but these changes may also signal more serious conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Ice It
During episodes of pain, apply an ice pack to your joint. This can help decrease inflammation, which may reduce or eliminate discomfort. To make an ice pack, use a plastic bag and fill it with water. Or you can make a special ice pack by freezing water in a gel-filled ice pack wrap. While using an ice pack is helpful as a part of your treatment plan, keep in mind that icing doesn’t heal arthritis and won’t relieve pain completely.
Use Heat
Applying heat to your wrist can help relieve pain. Try a warm, moist towel or heating pad for about 20 minutes at a time, four times a day. Keep in mind that overusing heat may worsen your symptoms by irritating your skin and increasing swelling. If you still have trouble sleeping after trying these tips, talk to your doctor about other options to treat your pain and swelling.
Stretch That Hand
Stretching your hands and fingers regularly can help relieve stiffness, which will make it easier to perform tasks like turning a key or opening a jar. To stretch your fingers and hands, reach both arms above your head. Clasp one hand with another. Stretch as far as you can without straining and hold that position for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat on each side five times. This can be done two or three times daily with two or three days between sessions to give your muscles adequate time to rest and recover.
See a Doctor
The earlier you seek treatment, the easier it is to manage and prevent future joint pain. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms: MCP joint pain that happens suddenly or worsens over time Redness, swelling, or warmth in your hands and fingers (in some cases) Changes in how well you can grip and hold things
Take Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., Advil), naproxen (e.g., Aleve), and celecoxib (e.g., Celebrex). If you have been taking NSAIDs regularly, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommended schedule of dosing, so that you do not take too much of these medications or go too long without taking them at all.
Try Massage Therapy
People with arthritis in their hands may find relief from massage therapy. But, before you go out and book an appointment, there are some things you should know. You should make sure your massage therapist is licensed. Also, if any joint or tissue feels particularly sore during a massage, it’s best to let your therapist know right away.
Use Braces If Needed
Using a thumb splint or hand brace during morning activities and through active use throughout the day may help decrease pain. Splints can be custom-made at your doctor’s office or purchased over-the-counter. However, you should not wear a splint all night to treat arthritis pain in your thumb joint. Your thumb needs to move while you sleep so that it is flexible when you use it during waking hours.
Don’t Force It
The MCP joint Pain, which connects your middle finger to your wrist, is a common site of arthritis pain. It is often most noticeable when turning a key or opening a jar. When faced with these tasks, try not to force it—it may be more comfortable to grip objects lightly and use your other hand for leverage. But don’t shy away from activities because of discomfort; there are ways to manage and treat MCP joint pain.
Rest That Hand if Possible
If you don’t need to use your hands, rest them on a table or your lap. Don’t assume that simply because an activity is easy it doesn’t put stress on your joints. If you have symptoms of MCP joint Pain arthritis, get treatment from a doctor or physical therapist. He or she may suggest splinting and exercises to keep your joints flexible and pain-free. You can also learn ways to change activities or improve daily tasks so they won’t cause pain.
Know About Recovery Time/Healing Time
The MCP joint Pain is what is known as a hinge joint. It connects your finger and thumb bones to allow them to bend and straighten like they do when you use your hands. Because it’s a joint that opens and closes repeatedly, it can become inflamed or injured more easily than some other joints in your body. When you injure an MCP joint Pain, especially from arthritis or overuse, it may take several weeks or months for recovery.
You can also read –
