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Neuropathic Pain in Hand Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Nico Magni1, Jill Collier2, Peter McNair1
1Department of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|October 13, 2021
Summary
Neuropathic pain (NP) affects nearly half of hand osteoarthritis patients, correlating with higher pain intensity. This pain is linked to medication use and body schema changes, but not psychological factors or hand function.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pain Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Symptomatic hand osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating condition.
- Neuropathic pain (NP) is a known factor in OA pain severity and function in other joints.
- The prevalence and impact of NP in hand OA require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of NP in symptomatic hand OA.
- To examine the association of NP with pain intensity, hand function, psychological wellbeing, sleep, body schema, and medication use.
Main Methods:
- 121 participants with hand OA were recruited.
- Diagnosis of NP was established using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) interview.
- Validated questionnaires assessed pain, function, psychological state, sleep, and body schema.
Main Results:
- 42% of participants with hand OA exhibited NP.
- NP was significantly associated with higher worst pain intensity (OR: 10.2).
- Worst pain intensity correlated with medication use and neglect-like symptoms, but not with psychological factors, function, or sleep.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of hand OA patients experience NP.
- NP in hand OA is primarily characterized by increased pain intensity.
- While NP impacts pain and body schema, it does not appear to affect psychological wellbeing, hand function, or sleep in this cohort.
