Hand Exercises for ArthritisThese exercises can help stretch and
strengthen the muscles in your hands and fingers and reduce pain and stiffness.
Before you try any of these exercises, talk to your doctor or physical
therapist. He or she can help design an exercise plan that is best for
you. If you feel pain when you do these exercises, stop. Ask your
doctor or physical therapist if there are other exercises that you can do to
keep your muscles flexible and strong. Tendon glides for handsslide 1 of 2 slide 1 of 2, Tendon glides for hands, This exercise is a gentle way to move the joints and
tendons in your hands. Do these movements until you feel a mild stretch. Never
push to a strong stretch. In this exercise, the steps follow one
another to a make a continuous movement. - Hold your hand straight with your
fingers and thumb pointing up. Your
wrist should be relaxed, following the line of
your fingers and thumb.
- Curl your fingers so
that the top two joints in them are bent, and your fingers
wrap down. Your fingertips should touch or be near the
base of your fingers. Your fingers
will look like a hook.
- Make a fist by bending your
knuckles. Your thumb can gently rest
against your index (pointing) finger.
- Unwind
your fingers slightly so that your
fingertips can touch the base of your palm. Your thumb can
rest against your index finger.
- Move back to
your starting position, with your
fingers and thumb pointing up.
Repeat the series of motions 10 times with each
hand. Alternating finger touch for handsslide 2 of 2 slide 2 of 2, Alternating finger touch for hands, This exercise is a gentle way to move the joints and
tendons in your hands. Do these movements until you feel a mild stretch. Never
push to a strong stretch. - Hold your hand with your
fingers and thumb spread out, facing upward.
Your wrist should be lined up with
your fingers and thumb.
- Holding
your hand in its spread-out position, take
your first finger and thumb, and curl them
until their tips touch. This will look like an "okay" sign,
but try to keep your other fingers straight and pointing
upward as much as you can.
- Repeat the exercise
with your second finger and thumb. Again,
your fingers that aren't being used should point
upward.
- Repeat with your third and fourth
fingers.
Do this exercise 10 times with
each hand. Each exercise includes all fingers. ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerJoan Rigg, PT, OCS - Physical Therapy Current as ofMarch 21, 2017 Current as of:
March 21, 2017 Author:
Healthwise Staff Medical Review:
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Joan Rigg, PT, OCS - Physical Therapy |
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