Abstract

The hand is a common site of peripheral osteoarthritis (OA). The most common sites for hand OA are distal and proximal interphalangeal joints and the base of the thumb. Because the natural history of hand OA is poorly understood and there is no preventive treatment or cure after the onset of development, the goal of OA treatment is the management and alleviation of pain as well as the maintenance and improvement of functional capacity. Many non-pharmacological treatments, including patient education, assistive technology, splinting, therapeutic exercises and physical therapies, has been used to treat patients with hand OA. This presentation will provide an overview the principles of these treatment methods and the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these treatments in relieving pain and improving function.