Finger and Thumb Joint Osteoarthritis: Prevention

To prevent finger and thumb joint osteoarthritis, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.

Behavioral risk factors

• Physical activity
  • Underloading of the cartilage:
    • Lack of physical activity – since cartilage gets its micronutrients from the synovial fluid, it relies on the joint being moved for cartilage growth
    • Nutritive damage (eg, long rest in a cast).
  • Overloading of the cartilage:
    • Competitive and high-performance sports (e.g., soccer players).
    • Long-lasting heavy physical stress, e.g., in the profession (construction workers, especially floor layers).
• Overweight (BMI ≥ 25; obesity) – leads to overuse of the joints.

* Sports are only healthy as long as joints are not damaged in the process or have no pre-existing conditions.

Prevention factors (protective factors)

• Avoidance of overload as well as sufficient exercise