How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Hand Osteoarthritis (Stable Management)

Audience: adult

Hand osteoarthritis is a common condition where the joints in your hands become stiff, sore, and sometimes swollen. Managing it well can help you keep using your hands comfortably. A video visit with a healthcare provider can be a helpful way to discuss your symptoms, treatment options, and daily care without needing to travel. Before your video visit, it’s good to prepare by noting your symptoms, any medicines or treatments you use, and questions you want to ask. During the visit, your provider may ask you to show your hands on camera to check for swelling or movement. Telemedicine works well for stable hand osteoarthritis to review your care plan and adjust treatments. However, if you have sudden severe pain, redness, or loss of hand function, you may need in-person care. This guide helps you get ready for your video visit and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for your hand osteoarthritis.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe hand pain or swelling — seek urgent medical care.
• Redness, warmth, or fever with hand symptoms — possible infection, get in-person evaluation.
• Loss of hand movement or function — needs prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing stable hand osteoarthritis symptoms.
• Discussing treatment options and adjustments.
• Demonstrating hand movements for functional assessment.
• Providing education on exercises and joint care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing new or worsening joint infections.
• Performing physical procedures or imaging tests.
• Managing sudden severe symptoms needing emergency care.
• Assessing complex hand injuries or deformities requiring hands-on exam.

What is Hand Osteoarthritis?

Hand osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage that cushions your hand joints wears down over time. This can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving your fingers or thumb. It often develops slowly and may affect one or more joints in your hands.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows you to talk with your healthcare provider from home. They can review your symptoms, check your hand movements on camera, and discuss treatments like medications, exercises, or splints. Telemedicine is useful for managing stable symptoms and making small changes to your care plan.

When You Might Need In-Person Care

If you experience sudden worsening of symptoms, such as intense pain, redness, warmth, fever, or inability to move your hand, you should seek in-person medical care. These could be signs of infection or other urgent problems that need a physical exam and possibly tests.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your visit, write down your current symptoms, any medicines or treatments you use, and questions you want to ask. Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Have your hands ready to show on camera if asked. Make sure your device is charged and you know how to use the video platform.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your provider will ask about your symptoms and daily activities. They may ask you to move your fingers and thumbs on camera to assess your hand function. Together, you will discuss ways to manage your symptoms, such as exercises, pain relief, or lifestyle changes. They may also decide if you need further tests or in-person care.

After Your Video Visit

Follow the care plan your provider recommends. This may include exercises, medications, or using splints. If your symptoms change or worsen, contact your healthcare provider. Keep track of your symptoms and any side effects from treatments.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your current hand symptoms and when they occur.
• List all medications, supplements, and treatments you use for your hands.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet for your video visit.
• Charge your device and test the video platform beforehand.
• Have your hands free and visible for the provider to see during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan discussed during your visit.
• Perform recommended hand exercises regularly.
• Use pain relief methods as advised, such as medication or splints.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new issues arise.
• Schedule follow-up visits as recommended.

FAQs

Can my healthcare provider diagnose hand osteoarthritis over a video visit?

Telemedicine can help discuss your symptoms and review your condition, but a formal diagnosis often requires a physical exam and sometimes imaging tests, which may need an in-person visit.

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

If you experience sudden severe pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or fever, seek in-person medical care promptly as these may be signs of infection or other urgent problems.

Are there exercises I can do at home to help my hand osteoarthritis?

Yes, your provider can guide you on gentle hand exercises during your video visit to improve movement and reduce stiffness. Regular practice often helps manage symptoms.

Can telemedicine replace all my hand osteoarthritis care?

Telemedicine is useful for stable management and follow-up but cannot replace all in-person care, especially for new, worsening, or complex symptoms that require physical examination or tests.

How can I make the most of my video visit?

Prepare by noting your symptoms and questions, ensure good lighting and internet connection, and have your hands ready to show on camera. This helps your provider assess your condition better.

Sources

1. Hand Osteoarthritis — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Osteoarthritis of the Hand — Mayo Clinic.
3. Osteoarthritis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and Treatment — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent or worsening symptoms, please seek prompt medical attention from a healthcare professional.