Specialist therapy for finger pain, stiffness, and loss of hand function

Hand Arthritis Treatment Gold Coast

At Evergreen Hand Therapy in Varsity Lakes, we provide personalised, evidence-based treatment for arthritis in the hands and fingers.

Led by Dr Lauren Miller, an Accredited Hand Therapist (AHTA) with over 20 years of clinical experience, care is focused on reducing pain, maintaining movement, and protecting long-term hand function. Whether you are noticing early symptoms or managing ongoing flare-ups, specialist hand therapy can help slow progression and support everyday independence.

Understanding Osteoarthritis in the Hands

Hand osteoarthritis develops when joints become irritated and the cartilage within the joint  gradually wears over time, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced movement. It commonly affects the fingers, thumbs, and wrists and may progress slowly. Contributing factors can include:

  • Natural joint wear with age
  • Previous hand injuries or fractures
  • Repetitive or sustained hand use
  • Family history

Signs of Early Osteoarthritis in the Hands

Early symptoms are often subtle and easy to dismiss. Recognising them early allows therapy to begin before stiffness and weakness increase. Early, targeted management plays an important role in maintaining comfort and function. Common early signs include:

  • Morning stiffness in the fingers
  • Aching or deep joint discomfort
  • Mild swelling around finger joints
  • Reduced grip or pinch strength
  • Difficulty with fine motor tasks

How Hand Therapy helps Arthritis Management

Treatment for hand arthritis focuses on pain relief, joint protection, and preserving movement, not forcing joints through pain. Your therapy plan may include:

  • Joint-specific exercises to maintain mobility and strength
  • Manual techniques to reduce stiffness
  • Education on joint protection and pacing
  • Flare-up management strategies
  • Supportive splinting or taping where helpful

Pain Relief Strategies for Hand Osteoarthritis Many people search for the best pain reliever for arthritis in hands, but long-term relief often comes from reducing joint stress and stabilising with strengthening muscles around joints rather than masking symptoms. Hand therapy supports pain relief by improving joint movement and stability by strengthening your muscles around the joint, reducing unnecessary joint loading, teaching task modification strategies, and supporting joints during repetitive or high-use activities.

Arthritis Gloves and Supportive Products Supportive products can help manage symptoms when selected and used appropriately. These may include hand arthritis gloves for warmth and swelling control, joint protection aids for daily tasks, and custom splints or supports for painful or unstable joints. Dr Miller can guide you on the best products for arthritis in hands, ensuring they support function without causing over-reliance.

How Arthritis in the Hands is Assessed If you’re unsure whether osteoarthritis is contributing to your symptoms, a hand therapy assessment can help clarify the picture. Assessment may include a detailed symptom and activity history, joint movement and strength testing, functional hand use assessment, and a review of imaging reports if available.

Why choose Evergreen Hand Therapy

Evergreen Hand Therapy provides focused, professional care, not general physiotherapy,
for patients seeking expert targeted upper-limb rehabilitation on the Gold Coast

  • Specialist upper-limb focus
  • One-to-one care with a PhD-qualified accredited hand therapist
  • Individualised programs based on function and lifestyle
  • Onsite parking in Varsity Lakes
  • Convenient for Robina, Burleigh, Mermaid and surrounding suburbs
  • No referral required

 Frequently Asked Questions

Persistent stiffness, swelling, reduced grip strength, and pain that worsens with use or cold conditions are common indicators. A hand therapy assessment can help determine whether arthritis is likely contributing.

Early signs often include morning stiffness, aching joints, difficulty fully bending fingers, and subtle swelling around the joints.

Stage 1 arthritis typically involves mild joint changes with minimal or intermittent symptoms. Early management at this stage can help preserve movement and delay progression.

Reducing activity load, modifying tasks, using warmth or support, and following therapist-guided strategies can help settle flare-ups safely.

While arthritis cannot be reversed, progression can often be slowed with joint protection strategies, regular movement, appropriate strengthening, and early flare-up management.


Book your appointment

If hand arthritis is affecting comfort, strength, or independence, early specialist care can make a meaningful difference. Book your consultation with Dr Miller today

YOU CAN CALL US ON 1300 791 870
OR MESSAGE US DIRECTLY at admin@evergreenhandtherapy.com.au

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