My fingers on each hand are starting to curve towards each other & I’m worried it’ll get worse. Please help!

Q: MY first and second fingers on each hand are starting to curve towards each other from the top knuckle upwards.

Although this is painless at the moment, the knuckles are hard and swollen.

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Is this something that will get worse in the future and will I have to just live with it?

I am a 65-year-old male.

A: Thank you for sending the image.

I can see that, in addition to the curving, the index and middle fingers of your right hand have hard lumps over the finger joints closest to the fingernail.

These bony swellings are called Heberden’s nodes and they are a common feature of hand osteoarthritis.

Many people with osteoarthritis of these joints have very little pain.

But, as in your case, it can cause restricted movement or deformity of the joints.

This, in turn, can affect the function of the hands.

It does tend to progress over time, so my advice would be to find out if you can see a physiotherapist who can advise you with regard to exercises.

The main goals are to maintain or improve joint movement, strength and overall hand use, while also managing pain and stiffness if present.

In some cases, surgery is considered.

TIP: WITH a taste of summer this week, it’s important to remember to stay hydrated.

Older adults may be more prone to dehydration due to changes in thirst sensation and kidney function.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day and consume hydrating foods, such as fruits and vegetables.