Splinting finger joints at night 'can help osteoarthritis patients'

People with osteoarthritis affecting their finger joints could benefit from the use of splints overnight as they sleep, according to a new study.

Researchers at the Arthritis Research UK Centre for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis at the

of Oxford have conducted an investigation into this treatment technique to see what advantages it can offer to hand osteoarthritis sufferers.

Arthritis affecting the distal interphalangeal joints (DIPs) - the joints of the fingers - can be painful and debilitating, sometimes leading to deformity that causes both functional and cosmetic issues. Currently, there are few cost-effective, evidence-based therapy options available.

For the new study, 26 subjects with painful, deforming hand osteoarthritis were treated with custom DIP joint splints worn nightly for three months, with clinical and radiological assessments carried out at baseline, three and six months.

Results published in the medical journal Rheumatology revealed that the average and worst levels of recorded pain in the joints were significantly lower at three and six months compared with baseline among those using the splints.

Meanwhile, the splints also showed benefits in preventing deformity among the patients involved in the trial, suggesting this technique could potentially prove beneficial to sufferers of this particular form of the disease.

The researchers concluded: "Short-term night-time DIP joint splinting is a safe, simple treatment modality that reduces DIP joint pain and improves extension of the digit, and does not appear to give rise to non-compliance, increased stiffness or joint restriction."

A spokesman for Arthritis Research UK said osteoarthritis of the hand was a painful, disabling condition, which significantly restricted daily activities such as dressing and bathing. The charity has carried out research which has shown that a joint protection programme delivered by occupational therapists can also help people with osteoarthritis in their hands.

It is also funding a pilot study looking at the effectiveness of splints for people whose osteoarthritis affects their thumbs. - See more at: www.arthritisresearchuk.org/news/general-news/2014/february/splinting-finger-joints-at-night-can-help-osteoarthritis-patients.aspx