Musculoskeletal Hand Symptoms and Functional Limitation in Community-Dwelling Adults Aged 50 Years and Over: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Hand pain and problems are common in community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and over. As the population ages, the absolute number of people with these issues is likely to increase. Debilitating hand problems affect at least 12% of the older population in the United Kingdom, but fewer than 1 in 30 people with this degree of disability consult an occupational therapist. Method: This paper describes a new analysis of a population study using data from surveys and a nested clinical cohort. Demographic characteristics, and the nature, severity, and frequency of symptoms and functional limitation in 1,811 adults aged 50 years and over with disabling hand problems are described, and the potential need for healthcare estimated. Findings: Moderate or severe functional limitation within the previous week was commonly reported. Irrespective of age and gender, weakness was the most frequently reported severe symptom (n = 470, 27%). Most problems occurred in activities requiring strength (such as opening a jar: n = 945, 52%). More females reported difficulty with tasks requiring strength (such as opening a jar: f: 59%; m: 38%), and more males reported difficulty with dexterous activities (such as picking up coins: m: 24%; f: 17%). Conclusion: The results from this study have implications for current and future management of hand problems in the community, highlighting a potential role for occupational therapy.