Do you struggle with arthritis pain in hands? It’s unsurprising, really, given how much work these two small body parts do throughout our lives. Arthritis.org notes that by the time the average person hits 80 years of age, 50% of women and 25% of men have the stiffness, pain and gnarled hands and fingers associated with wear and tear. It hurts!
What Exactly Causes Arthritic Pain?
Pain is the body’s warning sign, shouting “Stop! Something is wrong!” Chemicals are released and the nervous system fires. Their job? To grab your immediate attention and reduce the chance of further injury.
This may work perfectly well for an acute, short-term issue. You place your hand on a hot cooker and immediately, automatically withdraw it. Further damage is averted. However, sometimes, like with arthritis pain in hands, chronic pain continues beyond what is helpful. There are a number of factors that contribute to the latter type of torment.
Arthritis translates into joint inflammation and this, in part, triggers pain. Fingers so swollen that they look like sausages, joints that feel stiff and tender, and may —depending on the type of arthritis — feel warm, too.
Then there’s the underlying tissue damage. As the protective cartilage wears away, the bones can rub together and develop cysts and spurs. The resultant lack of free motion and flexibility can exacerbate symptoms.
The surrounding muscles also fatigue. The small, finely tuned muscular tissue becomes overworked as it tries in vain to flex, extend and move some of the littlest joints in the body. Just like any exhausted muscle, toxins and pain can increase.
The unfortunate combination of inflammation, tissue damage, and fatigue increase arthritis pain in hands. Plus…
Because this condition involves discomfort and dysfunction, the emotional toll can be high. It’s well accepted that how we feel psychologically impacts on our experience of pain, with each able to elevate the other. What a vicious cycle!
How Can Arthritis Pain in Hands Interfere With Daily Activities?
We rely on our hands for almost every daily task. Preparing food, making the bed, self-care, working, even pouring a therapeutic cup of tea. But as we move arthritic joints, pain can result. Stiffness can interfere with function.
The unpredictability of symptoms also makes it difficult to cope. The good and bad days can come with little rhyme or reason, making planning and leading a normal life difficult.
Need to ease your arthritis hand pain? >>
Pain Relief for Arthritis in Hands: Ways to Calm Your Discomfort With Nature’s Help
There is a range of approaches that help to calm arthritis pain in hands, naturally and effectively. Here are three evidence-based options…
1. Move gently and often
While movement can cause pain to arthritic hands, it is also part of its therapy. According to the report Arthritis By The Numbers exercise reduces pain and increases function by 40%. Performing hand exercises is important, as is pacing so you don’t overdo any physical activity. The article Hand Exercises to Relieve Arthritis Pain shows you how.
2. Take advantage of natural supplements and whole food
Naturopaths believe that food can be your medicine. If you are suffering from pain, you can alter your diet and take supplements to support your health.
For instance, turmeric and ginger contain compounds that tantalize the taste buds and can help boost your immune system with vital antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals, as noted in the journal Inflammation.
3. Topical agents for arthritis pain in hands
Many people with arthritis pain in hands find that a topical pain relieving cream or ointment can offer much needed temporary relief. CBDMEDIC™’s Arthritis Hand Cream contains the effective pain-relieving compound, menthol.
A study by Pramod Johar and his team of researchers found that a topical menthol-based analgesic was able to lower the perception of pain. The divine cool sensation that follows application occurs as a result of thermosensitive neuron sensitization which triggers analgesia and ease.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Pain relief for arthritis in hands is possible, in a safe and impactful way. Research shows that harnessing the power of nature to reduce inflammation, increase your antioxidant capacity, and find relief works and works well.
Want to learn more? Check out our page on arthritis pain relief!
