8 Hand Exercises to Ease Arthritis Pain

Arthritis can be an extremely dangerous disease with adverse effects on the synovial lining of your joints and cartilage. These tissues serve as the cushion between all of the bones in the human body. It can be especially painful when it strikes the joints of your hands, as it causes numbness and pain.

 

The pain of arthritis increases with continued use of the hands. For example, when working in the kitchen or typing, you may experience sharp pains. Many will even lose strength in their hands and over time, it can make it almost impossible to perform simple daily tasks like opening a tube of toothpaste.

Ease Arthritis Pain in the Hands

The options are numerous for those who need to arthritis in the hands. There are oral medications as well as injections with steroids to help eliminate the swelling that occurs in the joints. Some prefer splinting as support and protection for their hands. However, it is unfortunate that many of these treatments don’t provide any positive effects and people often resort to surgery to ease the hand pain.

You should know that when it comes to natural home remedies, there are several hand exercises designed to improve the flexibility of the hands, improve the range of motion, and ease pain. These exercises are simple and helpful.

1.Making a fist

This is a very easy exercise that can be done anywhere and just whenever you start to fill hand stiffness. Start by keeping your hand straight, turn your hand into a fist and keep your thumb outside of the fist. Keep your hand relaxed and don’t squeeze it tight. Open your hand slowly, until all of your fingers are straight. Do this about ten repetitions. After you have done the fist exercise with your one hand, alternate and do the same thing with your left hand.

2.Thumb bending

To start, hold your hand in a straight position and then bend the thumb inward toward the palm. Start stretching where you try to put your pinky finger next to your thumb. If you are unable to reach your pinky finger, don’t stress about it. Just keep stretching the thumb as far as you can. Remain in this position for a couple of seconds, then place your thumb back in the normal position. Repeat this ten times, then alternate to do the exercise in the other hand.

3.Finger bending

Use the same position as in exercise number one, but this time straighten your hand. Bend the thumb toward the palm and hold for a few seconds. Bring your thumb to its starting position. Next, bend your index finger in the same direction. Wait for a few seconds and straighten it. Do this with every finger on your hand. When you are done with one hand, repeat on the other.

4.Create an O Motion

Straighten your hand, then move all your fingers inward so they can touch so it looks like they are forming an “O.” Remain in this position for a few seconds, then straighten the fingers back out. Do this at least three times a day with both hands.  This is an awesome stretch for aching and stiff fingers.

5.Table bending

Get near a desk or table and put your pinky finger on it. Make sure your thumb is pointing upwards. Bend the other fingers inward to make an L formation, being sure to keep the thumb in the same position. Hold this position for a few seconds. Next, straighten out all of the fingers and return to the starting position. Repeat this 10 times and then do it again with the other hand.

6.Finger lifts

Place your hand palm down and flat on a table. Carefully starting with the thumb, lift each finger off the table. Hold this position for 2 seconds and carefully lower it. Do the same thing with all of your fingers, then do the same with your other hand.

7.Fan and fist

Let your hand lay in a natural position, trying to keep your knuckles straightened. Gently and gradually spread your fingers apart as much as possible similar to a fan that is opening. Keep in this position for about five seconds. Repeat this procedure two times a day on both hands.

8.Wrist Stretches

Don’t forget to exercise your wrists too. This can lessen pain and stiffness. Keep your left arm out with your palm facing downward. Use your right hand to put some pressure on your left hand gently until you get good stretch in your arm and wrist. Stay in this position a few seconds. Do this ten times and then repeat using the other hand and arm.