Affecting more than 54 million Americans, arthritis is among the leading causes of disability in adults. It is characterized by the wearing down of the cartilage that cushions and protects the joints. As a result, people with arthritis experience swelling and pain.
Although it commonly affects larger joints in the knees, hips, and lower back, some people also experience it in the hands.
You may think that this is a small issue–it is just the hands, after all–but for those suffering from hand arthritis, it can affect their daily activities, making them miss days at work, unable to perform duties and responsibilities at home, and so many others.
Symptoms
How can you know that you have hand arthritis?
The most common symptom for arthritis, whether it is rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, is the stiffness of the bones especially after not being used for a long time.
You will experience this more often in the morning upon waking up. If you notice that it takes a while before you can move your fingers, it is possible that you have hand arthritis.
It’s also important to note that for rheumatoid arthritis, the fingers and toes are the first parts to be affected.
Risk Factors
Women and those who have a history of arthritis in the family also have higher chances of developing this condition. Experts have also linked it to smoking and obesity.
If you want to avoid this disease, you need a healthier lifestyle. Exercise, maintain your weight, and stop smoking. For diet, foods that are rich in omega-3 can help.
Microcurrent Therapy for Arthritis
There’s no known cure for hand arthritis. Much of what we know of today focuses on pain management.
For many experts and patients, microcurrent therapy is the best treatment for hand arthritis.
Microcurrent therapy is founded on non-invasive healing. Its primary goal is to reduce pain, which people with arthritis undoubtedly need, through the use of electrical currents that will promote the production of endorphins. These endorphins will naturally heal and manage pain in patients.
The remarkable effects of microcurrent therapy are not only the reduction of pain and swelling but also minimizing discoloration for some patients.
You can inquire about microcurrent therapy from professionals that offer wellness services for the body.