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Hand osteoarthritis reduces a person's ability to perform work activities and return to their occupation. We investigated the effects of a finger exercise program on hand grip strength, pain, physical function, and stiffness in automobile manufacturing workers with hand osteoarthritis. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 29 subjects. Fifteen experimental subjects received a finger exercise program with paraffin baths, while 14 control subjects received only paraffin baths. Hand grip strength, pain, physical function, and stiffness were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks later. In the experimental group, hand grip strength (P 0.001) and Australian/Canadian osteoarthritis hand index (AUSCAN) scores (pain, P 0.001; stiffness, P 0.001; physical function, P 0.001) were significantly improved by 3.52 ± 2.03, 21.6 ± 8.3 (pain), 16.8 ± 10.21 (stiffness), and 13.86 ± 4.54 (physical function) compared with preintervention values. In the control group, hand grip strength (P = 0.004) and AUSCAN scores (pain, P 0.001; stiffness, P = 0.019; physical function, P 0.001) were significantly improved by 0.57 ± 0.62, 7.85 ± 5.46 (pain) 11.42 ± 7.18 (stiffness), and 10.28 ± 14.41 (physical function) compared with preintervention values. Significant differences between groups were found for postintervention hand grip strength (P = 0.015) and AUSCAN index subscale scores (pain, P 0.001; physical function, P = 0.020). A combined finger exercise and paraffin bath program is effective in reducing pain, improving physical function, and increasing hand grip strength in workers with hand osteoarthritis.

To compare treating patients with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis (OA) with paraffin baths only (PO) (100% wax) or paraffin baths 80% wax with 20% topical analgesic (PTA).Subjects met criteria of the American College of Rheumatology for classifying symptomatic hand OA and had a Dreiser's index score5 points. Current and average pain at rest and with movement was assessed with visual analogue scales. Hand function was assessed by the functional index for hand OA (FIHOA).Both groups had a significant reduction in their 'current' pain 15 min after the first and twelfth treatments compared to pre-treatment but there was no difference between groups (t = 0.10, p0.05). The PTA group had greater improvement over the 12 treatment sessions for their pain at rest (t = 2.92, p0.05) and with movement (t = 4.73, p0.05) than the PO group. The PTA group also showed greater improvement in their FIHOA following 12 treatments than the PO group (t = 3.52, p0.05).Our results indicate that the addition of a topical analgesic to paraffin produced significantly greater pain relief at rest and during movement than paraffin baths alone after 12 treatments. Additionally, the PTA group experienced greater improved hand function.

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Destruction of a basket of tissues because of excessive heat due to failure of the tissue processor's built-in thermostatic controls has been experienced by many laboratories. An accessory external unit to reduce this risk has been developed. If the internal thermostat is accidentally set at an abnormally high temperature or if it fails to control temperature rising above 60°C in the “on” mode, the accessory unit will automatically provide instant remedial action. The solid-state control unit will maintain the proper temperature in the paraffin bath and negate risk of tissue damage.

In cases of rheumatic disease special attention should be given to the patient's hands. They are readily examined for manifestations of the disease, and their usefulness is seriously impaired by the resultant deformity. Medical measures include use of salicylates, phenylbutazone, and the steroids for their anti-inflammatory effect. Physical measures include diathermy, paraffin baths, whirlpool baths, ultrasonic treatment, massage, and exercise. Both passive and active exercises for the hand can be performed in a basin of heated water. If a patient is willing to cooperate by spending one or two periods each day in self-treatment he can carry out some of these forms of physical therapy in his own home with considerable benefit.