LETS TALK ABOUT HAND OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA)!

   
Can it be predicted, does Rock Climbing or cracking your knuckles cause hand OA? And what can we do to manage OA once we have it? Read on to discover more….

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 How handy would it be if you could actually predict your likelihood of developing hand Arthritis

​​Well now you actually can predict the future using a prediction tool to get an estimation of your likelihood of developing hand OA over the coming 12 years. This tool is still being validated for females, but is thought to be reliable for use by males aged 35-70 years old who don’t currently have OA in their hands. The tool uses your age, weight, height, education, work level, sleep quality, weekly physical activity and general health to determine your probability of developing hand OA in 12 years time.
 
What risk factors did they identify?

As you would expect, greater age as well as heavier work, were found to increase your risk for both sexes. But interestingly this study also found that in men increased BMI (Body mass Index) and poor sleep quality also have a negative effect. Whilst in women the relevant risk factors were increased BMI, and a sedentary lifestyle. To minimise your risk, your doctor could refer males to a sleep specialist or recommend obese clients see a nutritionist. 

The lifestyle factors give us yet another good reason to follow the WHO (World Health Organisation) 2020 guidelines for Physical activity: For adults aged 18-64: WHO recommends at least 150 -300 minutes of moderate activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise per week. For older adults they recommend at least 3 sessions per week of moderate intensity exercise including strength and balance training.

Is there a link between hand OA and rock climbing?

It is generally accepted that rock climbers have thicker pulleys, collateral ligaments and capsules in their finger joints as well as bone adaptations. A 2022 study followed an elite rock climber over 10 years and found that bone thickness and osteophyte size did increase over time. As a result, the climber presented with morning stiffness but no pain.
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Previous research has indicated that 84% of rock climbers present with signs of OA particularly in the middle finger. It is thought that the crimp position used by 90% of climbers contributes to the issue. Although is important to note that findings on Xray do not always correlate with symptoms
So would I recommend to my clients that they avoid rock climbing to prevent osteoarthritis? Probably not. Especially given that their participation is likely to assist them meeting their WHO guidelines for physical activity.

So can cracking your knuckles cause OA?

​Researchers in 1990 reviewed 300 participants over the age of 45. This included 74 regular knuckle crackers and 226 who didn’t. The researchers found no significant difference in rates of OA between the two groups. So that’s good news for the knuckle crackers but not such good news for those of us who have to listen to them cracking their fingers. Ewww!

But I already have hand arthritis?  What can I do to manage it?

Conservative treatments for hand OA include:

• education regarding how to protect your joints -modifying activity, aids and equipment,
•  learning how heat and compression can assist with your symptoms,
• how and when to exercise your hands, as well as
• prescription and fitting of custom splints and braces
• warm paraffin wax bath and hand massage

 
Other interventions your GP may recommend:

• Medications to manage the joint inflammation and pain,
• Injections of steroids into the affected joint
• Refer you to a hand surgeon

 
Please get in touch if you would like a customised management plan for your arthritis.

Many thanks to handyevidence.com for the informative research updates and inspiration