5 Hand Exercising Tips to Ease Arthritis Pain

 

Almost all daily activities require hand usage –from the simplest activities down to the complex ones– making painful and stiff hands caused by arthritis difficult to deal if left untreated. While arthritis treatment can be in the form of medication or surgery, certain hand exercises can help relieve arthritis symptoms. 

When performing your regular hand exercises, remember to do it gently and stop or pause when you feel any pressure or pain. To help revive your joints flexibility and improve its range of motion, here are simple hand exercises you can try. 

Exercise #1: Make an ‘O’
Beginning with your one hand out and fingers straight, slowly curve all your fingers inward until they form the shape of an ‘O’. Hold it for a few seconds, then straighten all your fingers again. Repeat the process a few times and do it daily especially when you feel your hands achy or stiff. 

Exercise #2: Thumb bend
In some cases, the thumb has more problems than the rest of the fingers. While your fingers are straight, bend your thumb across the palm up to your pinky, or go as far as you can in case you can’t reach your pinky. After holding it for about one to two seconds, straight your thumb again and repeat the exercise multiple times.
 

Exercise #3: Finger bends
This hand exercise may be common for arthritis relief in Singapore. Position your hands in front of you and straighten your fingers. Bend your thumb towards the center of your palm and hold for a few seconds, then straighten it back. Do the same exercise to the rest of each finger from each hand.
 

Exercise #4: Table bend
Position your one hand on the table with your thumb pointed up and the other fingers closed. Then slowly straighten your other fingers altogether until they create an “L” shape. Hold it for a few seconds then position it back to its original form. Repeat it for at least 10 times daily in both hands.
 

Exercise #5: Make a fist
Start by getting your one hand out with all your fingers straight, then gently bend your fingers to form a fist. Your thumb should end up on the outside of your hand. Remember not to squeeze it too tightly. After a couple of seconds, straighten your fingers again. Do it again for at least 10 times per hand.  

 

These hand exercises work best when performed daily especially when partnered with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. If symptoms persist, consult a rheumatologist for arthritis treatment that best suits your condition.

Hand arthritis can interfere with your everyday life, so seeking early treatment is important to get back on the things you love to do. Swelling, pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion may be your daily problem which can be controlled if addressed properly. Your rheumatologist may suggest other exercises for you, or prescribe other treatment for arthritis, like medication.

Currently, the exact cause of hand arthritis is unknown. The condition is also progressive which can worsen the problem over time if it is not treated.