Welcome to Hand Arthritis Info Center.  This website will provide you with information on how to prevent the debilitating effects of arthritis on your hands through proper care and use of joints.  Here you can find the Joint Savers Store - a highly specialized online store that carries the most comprehensive line of joint protection devices designed to control arthritis in your hands.  My name is Sergio Espanto, a licensed occupational therapist and board certified hand therapist working at the California Orthopedic Institute in Los Angeles.

       Arthritis is perhaps one of the most common diagnoses that I see in my professional practice.  In my work with people who are suffering from this condition, I am often faced with those who are frustrated with the management of their symptoms.  Most of them take their prescribed medications religiously yet continue to suffer from the attendant hand deformities that are very common in arthritis.  Much of their dilemma stem from lack of awareness of the nature of the disease process and lack of practical knowledge on the use of joint protection techniques to prevent advancement of joint pain and deformities.

        For most patients, the main focus of their treatment was placed solely on medications and it stopped there.  They then think that the latest medication they have on hand is suppose to cure them.  Other patients feel frustrated and jump from one alternative remedy to another.  Much premium is placed on the potential of a drug or remedy to "cure" arthritis and prevent deformities.  Unfortunately, science has yet to discover a cure for arthritis.  Medications that are currently available are used to slow down the disease or control the symptoms of arthritis.  However, they do not cure arthritis. 

       While clinically proven medications are crucial and are of utmost importance in the control of symptoms, equal emphasis should be given on the proper use of joints in the performance of one’s daily activities.  You need to be aware that certain habits of regular hand use can wreak havoc and usher permanent deformities to joints compromised by arthritis.  Swollen joints are weak and unstable.  Medications alone do not ensure prevention of deformities.  Medications combined with a conscientious application of joint protection techniques do.

       Arthritis should not stop you from enjoying your life.  Knowledge of the disease process combined with an informed use of affected joints to your daily activities will empower you to control the disabling symptoms of arthritis.  The most exciting news in the area of arthritis treatment is not in any new dramatic cures (at least not yet), but in the knowledge that there are practical things that you can do on a daily basis to overcome your symptoms.  Spend some time with me here and learn how to save your hands from arthritis -  "Control of arthritis is in your hands!"