Condition
Hand and finger osteoarthritis treatment in Azerbaijan
Orthopedic or rheumatologist review, hand therapy, splints and Naftalan courses in Azerbaijan for arthrosis of the fingers and thumb.
Osteoarthritis of the hand is gradual wear of the cartilage in the small joints of the fingers and at the base of the thumb. It usually appears in middle and older age and is more common in women. Typical signs are aching and morning stiffness in the fingers, firm bony lumps near the fingertips known as Heberden's nodes, and pain at the base of the thumb when opening jars or turning keys.
Hand and finger osteoarthritis treatment in Azerbaijan starts with an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist in Baku, who examines the hands, reviews X-rays and may order blood tests to rule out rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Care usually combines hand therapy, splints, exercises and medicines for pain, and outside a flare some patients add a Naftalan course. Surgery is reserved for selected thumb base cases. We review your reports and send a written estimate.
Treatment options in Azerbaijan
Assessment by an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist
The doctor examines the hands, reviews X-rays and may order blood tests to tell osteoarthritis apart from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or gout. Osteoarthritis usually affects the end and middle joints of the fingers and the base of the thumb, while rheumatoid arthritis more often involves the knuckles and wrists.
Rheumatoid arthritisHand therapy, splints and exercises
A therapist teaches gentle exercises to keep the fingers moving and maintain grip, and shows ways to protect the joints in daily tasks. A splint for the base of the thumb, worn during activity or at night, may ease pain. The programme then continues at home.
RehabilitationNaftalan course outside flares
If the resort physician finds no contraindications, Naftalan applications or baths may be given daily for 10 to 14 days. Some patients notice less stiffness and aching in the hands for a while afterwards, but the course does not reverse changes in the joints.
NaftalanSurgery for selected cases at the base of the thumb
When arthrosis at the base of the thumb causes severe pain and weakness despite well-performed conservative care, an orthopedic or hand surgeon may discuss an operation. The type of surgery and the recovery plan are decided by the surgeon after examination.
OrthopedicsWhere treatment takes place
Who it may suit
- Adults with aching, stiff fingers or bony lumps on the finger joints
- People with pain at the base of the thumb when gripping, pinching or opening jars
- Patients who want to know whether their hand pain is osteoarthritis or an inflammatory arthritis
- People with confirmed hand osteoarthritis who would like a hand therapy programme or a Naftalan course
- Patients with advanced arthrosis at the base of the thumb who would like a surgical opinion
When the trip should wait
- A hot, red, swollen finger joint together with fever may mean infection and needs urgent care at home straight away
- Naftalan procedures are not prescribed for cancer, severe heart failure, blood disorders, acute infections or during pregnancy
- New swelling and long morning stiffness in many joints of both hands may point to inflammatory arthritis, which a rheumatologist should assess before any resort course
The final decision is always made by the doctor after reviewing your documents.
Documents for the medical review
Send whatever you already have. If something is missing, the doctor will tell you what else is needed.
- X-rays of both hands with the radiologist's report
- Report from an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist with the diagnosis, if you have one
- Recent blood tests, such as a complete blood count, ESR or CRP, and rheumatoid factor if it was checked
- List of current medicines, including painkillers and blood thinners
- ECG and information about heart or other chronic conditions
- Passport copy for the visa and booking
Frequently asked questions
How is hand and finger osteoarthritis treated?
Treatment usually combines hand exercises, joint protection in daily tasks, splints, warmth and medicines for pain, including gels applied to the skin. In some cases the doctor may suggest an injection, especially at the base of the thumb. These measures do not reverse changes in the joints, but they may ease pain and help keep the hands working. The doctor advises after the examination.
What are Heberden's nodes?
Heberden's nodes are firm bony swellings on the joints closest to the fingertips, and similar lumps on the middle finger joints are called Bouchard's nodes. They are a typical sign of hand osteoarthritis. While forming, the nodes may be painful and red, and the pain often eases over time, although the lumps usually remain. Treatment aims to relieve pain and keep the fingers moving.
What is arthrosis at the base of the thumb?
Arthrosis of the joint where the thumb meets the wrist, sometimes called rhizarthrosis, causes pain when pinching, writing, turning keys or opening jars, and over time the thumb may lose strength. It is often treated with a splint, exercises and medicines, and the doctor may suggest an injection. Surgery is discussed only when severe pain remains despite this care.
Does Naftalan help with arthrosis of the hands?
Naftalan oil has traditionally been used at Azerbaijani resorts for joint diseases, and some patients feel less stiffness and aching in the fingers for a while after a course. Evidence is limited, the oil does not reverse changes in the joints and results vary. The course is planned outside a flare, and the resort physician decides whether it suits you after an examination.
How long should I plan to stay and what will it cost?
An assessment with X-rays and blood tests usually fits into one or two days. A hand therapy or Naftalan course usually lasts 10 to 14 days, and the doctor confirms the plan. The cost depends on what is included and the length of stay, and after reviewing your documents we send a written estimate. An online consultation with a doctor can also be booked before travelling.
Related treatment areas
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