Conservative Therapy for OA in the Fingers: A Literature Review
Filed under Treatments

Beasley, J., Ward, L., Knipper-Fisher, K., Hughes, K., Lunsford, D., & Leiras, C. (2018). Conservative therapeutic interventions for osteoarthritic finger joints: A systematic review. Journal of Hand Therapy, 32. 153-164.
The Skinny – The article reviews the evidence on the effectiveness of conservative treatment for those who experience osteoarthritis in fingers and in their finger joints (osteoarthritis treatment hands).
In the Weeds– Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions reported in the literature review included active range of motion, gentle resistive exercises, joint protection strategies, electromagnetic therapy, paraffin wax, balneotherapy, as well as DIP orthoses.
The results from the review yielded that there is high quality evidence supporting the use of electromagnetic therapy combined with hand exercises to decrease pain and increase overall function. There is moderate to high evidence for the use and wear of a DIP orthosis to decrease pain in the finger joint. Finally, it was reported that there was moderate evidence to support resistive exercises to improve overall grip strength and decrease pain for individual experiencing osteoarthritis in their hands.
Bringing it home – The authors concluded there are a variety of conservative treatments that may be utilized for those experiencing pain and stiffness from hand osteoarthritis (oa hand). Interventions supported are electromagnetic therapy with thera-ex, use of a dip orthosis for painful joints and gentle resistive hand exercises. All should be performed within a pain free range.
Overall, the article is well written and easy to follow. It was difficult to analyze studies due to lack of homogeneity among the studies. The article provides evidence as to what conservative intervention are supported in the literature as well as insight into additional options for therapists.

More To Read
Top-Rated Occupational Therapy CEU Courses to Boost Your Career
What Are Occupational Therapy CEU Courses? Occupational Therapy CEU (Continuing Education Unit) courses are specialized learning modules designed to help occupational therapists maintain, improve, and broaden their professional knowledge and skills. These courses are often mandated by state licensing boards to ensure therapists stay updated on best practices, legal standards, and innovations in therapy. Definition…
Read MoreTHUMB ABDUCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CMC ARTHRITIS? HOW DO YOU MEASURE?
Article Review THUMB ABDUCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CMC ARTHRITIS? HOW DO YOU MEASURE? Corey McGee PhD, OTR/L, CHT , Virginia O’Brien OTD, OTR/L, CHT , Jennifer Skye MS, OTR/L, CHT , Katherine Wall MOT, OTR/L , Thumb Carpometacarpal Palmar and CMC Radial Abduction in Adults with Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Pain: Inter-rater Reliability and Precision of…
Read MoreOutcomes of Rigid Night Splinting and Activity Modification in the Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Shah, C. M., Calfee, R. P., Gelberman, R. H., & Goldfarb, C. A. (2013). Outcomes of rigid night splinting and activity modification in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (night splint for cubital tunnel syndrome). The Journal of Hand Surgery, 38(6), 1125–1130.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.02.039 By: Sophia Grimm The Skinny: The purpose of this study was to…
Read MoreSign-up to Get Updates Straight to Your Inbox!
Sign up with us and we will send you regular blog posts on everything hand therapy, notices every time we upload new videos and tutorials, along with handout, protocols, and other useful information.