Can telemedicine treat Hand Osteoarthritis (Stable Management)?

Audience: pediatric

Hand osteoarthritis is a condition where the joints in the hand become sore and stiff over time. It usually happens slowly and can make it hard to do everyday activities. Telemedicine means using video calls or phone to talk with a doctor or nurse without going to a clinic. For children with stable hand osteoarthritis, telemedicine can help by providing advice on how to manage pain, keep hands moving, and use treatments safely at home. It can also help check how well treatments are working and suggest changes if needed. However, telemedicine cannot do physical exams or tests that might sometimes be needed. If symptoms get worse or new problems happen, an in-person visit is important. Telemedicine is a helpful tool but does not replace seeing a doctor face-to-face when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe hand pain or swelling — seek immediate in-person medical care.
• Loss of hand or finger movement or strength — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, fever — get urgent evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing stable symptoms and treatment effectiveness
• Providing education on hand exercises and pain management
• Advising on medication use and side effects
• Supporting self-care and lifestyle adjustments

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical joint examinations
• Ordering or interpreting imaging and lab tests
• Managing sudden worsening symptoms or complications
• Diagnosing new or complex conditions

What is Hand Osteoarthritis?

Hand osteoarthritis is a common joint problem where the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the fingers and thumb joints. It can make gripping or using the hands harder. Although more common in adults, children with certain conditions may also have joint issues that need care.

How Can Telemedicine Help?

Telemedicine lets you talk with healthcare providers using video or phone from home. For stable hand osteoarthritis, telemedicine can help by:

This can reduce the need for travel and make it easier to get regular support.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

There are limits to what telemedicine can do for hand osteoarthritis:

If these are needed, an in-person visit is important.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Contact a healthcare provider in person if you notice:

These may require physical examination and tests.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from a telemedicine visit:

This helps the provider understand your situation better.

After the Telemedicine Visit

After your visit, you may be advised to:

Keep in touch with your healthcare team as needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List current symptoms and any recent changes
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss
• Have medications and treatments available to review
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection
• Have a caregiver or family member present if assistance is needed

After your tele-visit

• Follow recommended exercises and pain management strategies
• Monitor symptoms and note any changes
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised
• Seek urgent care if red flags or worsening symptoms occur

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose hand osteoarthritis?

Telemedicine can help discuss symptoms and guide care but cannot perform physical exams or imaging needed for a definitive diagnosis. An in-person visit may be necessary for diagnosis.

Are exercises important for managing hand osteoarthritis?

Yes, exercises can help keep joints flexible and reduce stiffness. A healthcare provider can recommend safe exercises during a telemedicine visit.

What should I do if my child's hand pain suddenly gets worse?

If pain or swelling suddenly worsens, or if there are signs of infection or loss of movement, seek prompt in-person medical care.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for hand osteoarthritis?

Telemedicine is useful for stable management and education but cannot replace all in-person visits, especially when physical exams or tests are needed.

Sources

1. Hand Osteoarthritis — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Osteoarthritis: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Osteoarthritis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your health or your child's health, especially if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, please seek evaluation from a healthcare provider in person.