OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE SHOULDER, ELBOW AND HANDS
Osteoarthritis can in principle affect any joint. In the upper limbs, meaning shoulder, elbow and hands, it is particularly common and has a strong effect on everyday movements: getting dressed, gripping, carrying, working at the computer or sport.
It is important to know:
Osteoarthritis does not mean that you should rest and move as little as possible. On the contrary: targeted movement is the most effective measure to reduce pain, keep mobility and slow its progression.
What forms of osteoarthritis are there in the arms?
Shoulder osteoarthritis (glenohumeral osteoarthritis)
Glenohumeral osteoarthritis affects the joint between the shoulder blade and the head of the upper arm bone. It usually develops slowly and is often only noticed when mobility is already clearly limited.
Typical signs:
- Pain with overhead movements
- Limited arm raising and rotation
- Grinding or rubbing in the joint
- Night pain, especially when lying on the affected side
Elbow osteoarthritis
Elbow osteoarthritis often arises with age, but also occurs more frequently after fractures, operations or years of one-sided load.
Typical are:
- Pain on bending and straightening
- Limited rotation of the forearm
- Morning stiffness
- Loss of strength in the hand and arm
Hand osteoarthritis (fingers and thumb)
In the hand, the following are particularly often affected:
- Thumb base joint (thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis)
- End joints of the fingers (Heberden's nodes)
- Middle joints of the fingers (Bouchard's nodes)
This form limits everyday life particularly strongly.
Typical symptoms:
- Pain when gripping and holding
- Stiff fingers in the morning
- Visible thickening of the joints
- Loss of strength and reduced fine motor skills
Typical symptoms of osteoarthritis in the arms
Regardless of the joint, similar symptoms often appear:
- Pain on exertion with certain movements
- Morning stiffness
- A feeling of “immobility”
- Grinding or clicking in the joint
- Sensitivity to the weather
- Increasing limitation in everyday life
The intensity ranges from occasional discomfort to constant pain.
What can you do yourself about osteoarthritis in the shoulder, elbow and hands?
Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but it can be influenced very well.
Consciously reduce overhead movements
Especially with shoulder and elbow osteoarthritis:
- Store frequently used objects at grip height
- Avoid overhead work or split it up
- Use aids such as a step stool
- Learn alternative ways of moving
Relieve hands and fingers in a targeted way
- Spread loads across several bags
- Use thickened grips or ergonomic aids
- Grip with the whole hand rather than just the fingers
- Take regular breaks during handwork
Heat and cold applications
- Cold for acute irritation
- Heat for stiffness and chronic symptoms
- Paraffin or warm hand baths for finger osteoarthritis
- Contrast baths to promote blood flow
Suitable exercise and sport
Movement is essential, but the choice matters.
Suitable:
- Swimming, water exercise
- Cycling
- Nordic walking (adjusted pole height)
- Gentle yoga or Pilates
Unfavourable:
- Tennis, badminton, volleyball (jerky overhead movements)
- Golf (high load on shoulder and elbow)
- Sports with high pressure load on the hands
Strength training and joint protection education
Regular, short training is very effective:
- Strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
- Gentle arm strengthening
- Hand and finger exercises for mobility
- Posture training to take load off the joints
Important: train often, briefly and with little pain.
How does KINEO Physiotherapie help you with osteoarthritis of the shoulder, elbow and hands?
If self-help measures are not enough, we support you with a structured, active therapy concept.
Our holistic approach
Our main goals:
- Reduce pain
- Improve mobility
- Stabilise joints through muscles
In doing so, we look at not just the joint, but at your whole musculoskeletal system.
Manual therapy and mobilisation
- Joint mobilisation of the shoulder, elbow and hand
- Release of soft tissue tension
- Myofascial techniques
- Targeted stretching
Special treatment methods (if needed)
- Trigger point treatment
- Dry needling
- Shockwave therapy for accompanying tendon problems
- Kinesio taping for functional support
Active training as the core of therapy
The most important building block is training:
- Rotator cuff for shoulder osteoarthritis
- Coordination and movement quality
- Hand and finger strength for hand osteoarthritis
- Improving posture and thoracic spine mobility
Posture education and integration into everyday life
- Ergonomic advice for the workplace and everyday life
- Joint-friendly movement strategies
- Practical tips for daily activities
Your individual home exercise programme
For therapy to work, it has to be continued in everyday life.
You receive a tailored exercise programme that is adjusted regularly.
FAQ on osteoarthritis of the shoulder, elbow and hands
Should I rest the joint?
No. Targeted movement is crucial.
Why am I so stiff in the morning?
Overnight, less joint fluid is moved, and movement “lubricates” the joint again.
Does strength training really help with osteoarthritis?
Yes. Strong muscles demonstrably take load off the joint.
Are grinding noises bad?
Not necessarily. What matters is the pain and the function.
Does osteoarthritis always get worse?
Not necessarily. With training and adjustments, the course can be slowed down significantly.
Is heat or cold better?
Cold for acute irritation, heat for stiffness.
Conclusion: you are the most important factor in osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder, elbow or hands can limit everyday life, but it doesn't have to.
With the right combination of knowledge, movement, training and physiotherapy support, you can:
- Reduce pain
- Keep mobility
- Increase function
- Improve your quality of life significantly
The earlier you become active, the better the course can be influenced.
Book your appointment at KINEO Physiotherapie now and start an active, joint-friendly life.
