Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy
Open Access

The Effectiveness of Physical Treatment in Individuals with Osteoarthritis of the Base of the Thumb

Kyle t. Piole^{* *}Correspondence: Kyle t. Piole, Department of Health Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Email:

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Introduction

Arthritis is a disease that affects any joint in the body, including the 29 bones that make up the wrist, hand, and fingers. Hand arthritis can be excruciatingly painful and hinder you from doing what you want or need. The most common types of arthritis in the hand are osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis (after an accident), and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the smooth cartilage that covers the bone surfaces at joints wears away or is damaged over time. A normal joint consists of two smooth, cartilage-covered bone surfaces that fit well enough to allow the bones to glide when they move. Arthritis develops when the smooth surfaces become worn and no longer fit together. Injury, infection, gout, psoriasis, and other conditions can all lead to hand arthritis. The trapeziometacarpal or basilar joint, where the thumb and wrist connect (the trapeziometacarpal or basilar joint), discomfort at the distal interphalangeal or DIP joint, and pain at the middle joint of a finger are all symptoms [1]. Hand arthritis is characterised by stiffness, edoema, discomfort, and deformity. Osteoarthritis can cause bony nodules in the middle or end of the finger. Osteoarthritis of the basilar joint can cause swelling, a lump, and a deep, throbbing aching near the base of the thumb. A lack of grip and pinch might make it difficult to open a jar or turn a key for those with osteoarthritis. Treatment for osteoarthritis aims to relieve pain and restore function. A little pause, whether in the form of a change of activities or the application of a splint, can be beneficial. Soft, tight sleeves can help support a joint when hard splints are too restrictive. Heat (such as paraffin wax and warm compresses) can aid in pain relief and joint flexibility. It's vital to keep as much finger motion and function as feasible. Hand therapists can teach joint protection exercises and activity adjustment to help protect joints [2]. Anti-inflammatory medicines and steroid injections into the joint can aid with pain relief, but neither of these treatments can cure osteoarthritis. Surgery may be considered if the non-surgical options indicated above have failed. You'll generally inform your doctor when you're ready for surgery. The goal is to help you regain as much function as possible while simultaneously lowering your pain levels. One type of surgery is joint fusion. The worn cartilage is removed, and the bones on each side of the joint are fused together, resulting in an immobile but pain-free joint. Joint reconstruction, which entails removing the rough joint surface and replacing it with your own soft tissue or an implant, is another possibility. The injured joint(s), anatomy, and activity all influence the type of surgery required. A hand surgeon can help you figure out which type of surgery is ideal for your situation. For a few weeks or longer, physical therapy sessions are normally scheduled one to three times each week. Individuals can then continue their physical therapy on their own at home. Low-impact aerobic exercises that are easy on the joints include walking, bicycling, swimming, and using an elliptical machine [3]. Work your way up to 150 minutes of very severe cardiovascular exercise per week, and split it up into 10-minute chunks if it's easier on the joints. Physical therapy can help reduce knee osteoarthritis pain, stiffness, and edoema, as well as enhance knee joint function. The movements of walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and sitting will be simplified. Hand exercises may be suggested by a physical therapist. These exercises can assist arthritic patients improve their range of motion and alleviate their pain. The basic practise of a thumb stretch is to try to touch the tip of your thumb to the pinky finger slightly below it [4].

Conclusion

Many doctors and experts encourage low-impact exercise, such as utilising an elliptical machine or swimming, because it is easier on the joints. "These activities will maintain or even improve your mobility while lowering the chance of further harm." Physical therapy can help patients with osteoporosis improve their bone health, reduce the loss of bone density, and avoid breaking or fracturing bones. Patients can learn specific strategies and exercises from physical therapists to assist them improve their balance and reduce their risk of falling.

References

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