- Hand osteoarthritis is a condition that can cause joint pain and swelling, making it harder for people to go about their daily lives.
- Research is ongoing about how to best treat hand osteoarthritis.
- Data from a recent study found that methotrexate—a common treatment for other arthritis types—may help treat hand osteoarthritis and inflammation of the synovial membrane.
People use their hands daily to accomplish tasks and go about their lives. When the joints in the hand become stiff and rigid to move, it can be debilitating and hard to function. This can be the case for people who have hand osteoarthritis. Researchers are interested in understanding the most effective treatment options for people with hand osteoarthritis.
A recent
The study found that participants who received methotrexate over six months had moderate pain improvement.
The results indicate that methotrexate, which is helpful in treating other types of arthritis such as psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis, may benefit people with hand osteoarthritis and inflammation.
Dr.Fiona E. Watt, a reader in rheumatology, honorary consultant rheumatologist, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, and part of the Osteoarthritis Research Group, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, who was not involved in the study, explained to Medical News Today:
“Hand osteoarthritis is the [most common] form of arthritis affecting the hands—it is usually associated with some inflammation of the lining of the joint, also known as synovial inflammation (synovitis) although this may not be present all the…
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