Living with arthritis can be challenging, especially when it affects your hands. Pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in your finger joints, thumb joints, or synovial lining can make everyday tasks difficult. At Eastern Therapy PT, OT, and Speech, we understand these challenges and are here to provide strategies and therapeutic interventions to help you regain control and improve your quality of life.
Understanding Arthritis Pain in the Hands
Arthritis pain in the hands is more than discomfort—it impacts hand function and daily routines like gripping utensils or typing on a computer keyboard. Conditions like hand osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis cause the cushioning material in joints to wear down, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and a loss of strength. Managing hand pain requires targeted interventions to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Benefits of Hand Therapy for Arthritis
Hand therapy for arthritis is a specialized approach that focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and function. A skilled physical therapist can guide you through exercises that target specific areas like the index finger, thumb joints, and pinky finger. These exercises improve hand joints’ mobility while reducing arthritis pain.
Effective Hand Exercises for Arthritis Relief
Incorporating hand exercises into your routine can help improve your range of motion and maintain hand function. Here are a few to try:
1: Gentle Fist Exercise
- Start with your hand flat on a table or other flat surface.
- Slowly bend your fingers to make a fist, keeping the thumb pointing outward.
- Hold the position for a few seconds before returning to the starting position.
2: Finger Lifts
- Place your hand flat on a table, palm facing down.
- Lift one finger slowly, hold for a few seconds, and then lower it.
- Repeat for the other four fingers, following the same sequence.
3: Thumb Presses
- Hold a soft ball in your hand and gently press it with your thumb.
- Perform the exercise slowly to avoid strain.
4: Range of Motion Stretch
- Keep your hand flat on a table, palm facing upward.
- Slowly bend each finger toward the palm, hold briefly, then return to the same position.
5: Pinky Side Stretch
- Place your hand on its pinky side edge, keeping fingers straight.
- Slowly bend your thumb across the palm and return to the starting position.
Additional Therapies and Interventions
For those experiencing active flare-ups or severe pain, options like steroid injections may be necessary to reduce inflammation and disease activity. Our therapists can help you explore adaptive tools, such as gripping utensils or ergonomic keyboards, to maintain hand function during daily activities.
Encouragement and Next Steps
Managing hand arthritis doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Eastern Therapy PT, OT, and Speech, we focus on personalized care, addressing your unique needs. Whether it’s improving your hand’s range of motion, alleviating hand pain, or restoring strength, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Don’t let arthritis hold you back. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward relief and recovery.
