Treatment Options

Differing situations require various levels of treatment. You are advised to seek the advise of a pharmacist, therapist, or physician when any questions of health arise.

	Self Care Avoid or modify activities. Use adaptive devices to make necessary tasks easier. Use anti-inflammatory medication ("over the counter") as recommended by pharmacist. Apply topical (skin surface) analgesics for pain relief. Splint or brace the wrist and thumb. Use ice or heat for 10-15 minutes, 3-6 times per day.
	Therapist Care Provide specific hand splints to support affected areas. Consult in identifying activities that aggravate the condition and suggest alternatives. Conduct massage, ice, heat or other available treatments to ease pain. Apply topical analgesics for pain relief.
	Physician Care Make medically informed diagnosis. Prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medication or cortisone type medication. Supplement treatment with topical analgesics. Prescribe hand therapy, custom prescription splint. Administer cortisone shot. Perform surgery as required.