Is numbness in your hands and fingers hindering your ability to complete everyday activities? You don’t have to simply accept recurring arthritis pain as a way of life. You will not be able to completely eliminate them, but you may be able to reduce hand arthritis symptoms.
When you live with arthritis, you need to stay active in order to alleviate pain and maintain dexterity. Even if you can’t make it to your physical therapy sessions, there are many exercises you can do at home.
5 Exercises that can Help Reduce Hand Arthritis Symptoms
1. Make Fists
Gently make a fist with your left hand and hold it for 30 seconds. Straighten your fingers and open them up wide. Then make the fist again and repeat this 10 times for each hand. Do not squeeze your fist closed.
2. Bend Fingers and Thumbs
Spread your fingers, and then bend your thumb toward the palm of your hand. Hold it there for a couple of seconds, and then release it. Repeat the motion with each of your fingers to the best of your ability.
3. Finger Lifts
Place your hand palm down on a table, and then lift one finger at a time and hold the lift for a couple of seconds.
4. Thumb to Pinky
With your palm up, try to touch your pinky with your thumb but don’t move the pinky. It’s ok if you can’t reach it; don’t force it. Instead, hold your thumb where you feel comfortable for several seconds, release, and repeat. Some days you may be able to touch your pinky, but on other days you might not.
5. Make an O or C Shape
Curve your fingers and thumbs into an “O” shape or “C” shape, like you’re holding a baseball. Hold the pose for a few seconds, release, and repeat.
Contact Dr. Arora’s Office for Additional Details
At-home physical therapy is only one way to reduce hand arthritis symptoms, but it can be especially effective when used with a combination of other remedies, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications. The best part is that you can do these exercises anywhere at any time. Just remember to stop if you feel pain, as you don’t want to injure yourself.
Consult with our hand surgeon before you begin this or any exercise routine. Call us at (248) 220-7747 if you want to know more!
