• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Arthritis: Rheumatoid / 6 Hand Exercises for Relief From Joint Pain

6 Hand Exercises for Relief From Joint Pain

hand exercises

For many people living with rheumatoid arthritis, experiencing the loss of strength and flexibility in their fingers can be extremely challenging. This form of arthritis happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues in the fingers, thumb, and/or wrist.

According to researchers:

  • Hand dexterity, grip strength, and the ability to pinch objects between the thumb and fingers are likely to be affected by RA.
  • Grip strength may be even weaker when RA inflammation levels are high.
  • Problems with hand function tend to be the result of RA joint damage.

Despite this, RA patients may be able to gain relief by trying out a few hand exercises. The great thing about these exercises is that they don’t require any special equipment and are great for those who may not have much time to spend on exercises. Additionally, these exercises are beneficial for stopping any pain and stiffness you may be experiencing as well as improving your joint function.

“It’s a nice way to get a little strengthening going and lets patients sense what their level of activity might be,” explains certified hand therapist Alice Pena, PT, who is a former spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association.

You May Also Like
15 Natural Remedies for Aches and Pains

RELATED: 7 Hand Exercises To Prevent Arthritis & Carpal Tunnel

Hand Exercises for rheumatoid arthritis

Before you get started with the exercises, it is important to follow these tips to avoid injury or further causing yourself pain:

  • If anything hurts, stop. These exercises can be repeated up to five times per session, once or twice a day. However, it is best to consult with your doctor or physical therapist about which number of reps is best for you to avoid strains. If you are experiencing more pain than before, stop and notify your doctor.
  • Moist heat is your friend. Moist heat helps ease the motion of hand exercises for rheumatoid arthritis, which can prevent you from experiencing any discomfort.

Tip: Try soaking your hands in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before you begin. Another option is to treat your hands with a warm paraffin wax bath or wrap them in a towel that has been soaked in hot water. You may also consider making a fist, while taking a warm shower.

1. Increase Flexibility With Flat-Hand Finger Lifts

To start, place your hands flat with your palm facing down on a table or against a wall. Then, starting with your thumb, slowly raise each finger individually off the table. Hold each finger up for one or two seconds, and then gently lower it.

2. Increase Your Range of Motion by Making a Fist

With your fingers straight out, draw them together down into the center of your palm to make a loose fist. (Be sure to keep your thumb across your fingers and not tucked beneath them.) Hold this position for up to one minute, then open your hand slowly and repeat a few times on each hand.

You May Also Like
Bacon and other meats May Increase Your Risk for This Lung Disease

3. Improve Your Grip by Walking Your Fingers

For this particular exercise, all you’ll need is a towel.

Begin by placing a hand towel or kitchen towel flat on a table. With one hand lightly cupped and supported by your

Continue Reading

The Latest In Arthritis: Rheumatoid

arthritic knees

What Shoes Work Best For Arthritic Knees?

Lots of Americans suffer from painful arthritic knees, but a new study finds that wearing the right type of shoe may help ease discomfort. Patients with knee arthritis will achieve greater pain relief by opting for sturdy and supportive shoes read more about What Shoes Work Best For Arthritic Knees?
arthritis

Is Your Phone Triggering Your Arthritis?

With how easily accessible the world can be nowadays, having your phone in the palm of your hand at all times is very normal. Your smartphone has so many functions that you use in your day-to-day life. Besides making phone read more about Is Your Phone Triggering Your Arthritis?
joint pain

Your Feet May Be The Cause Of Your Joint Pain, Here’s why…

Little do you know, your feet are actually a really important body part that you have. Well, yes all of the body parts are extremely important to the development and growth of a person’s temple but the feet play a read more about Your Feet May Be The Cause Of Your Joint Pain, Here’s why…
air pollution

Breathing Dirty Air Could Raise Your Odds for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Long-term exposure to air pollution can wreak havoc on your lungs and heart, but new research suggests another vulnerability: It may increase your risk of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. For the study, the researchers analyzed health information on more than read more about Breathing Dirty Air Could Raise Your Odds for Rheumatoid Arthritis
rheumatoid arthritis

How to Fight Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory joint condition that causes swelling, pain, and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthrits is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to serious fatigue. More than 50% of people with RA experience high levels of mental and physical read more about How to Fight Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue
arthritis

These Important Signs Will Help You Catch Arthritis Early

Your knee feels sore and stiff when you wake up in the morning. After an hour of creaking and groaning, it finally decides to loosen up for the rest of the day. The pattern repeats itself the next day. And read more about These Important Signs Will Help You Catch Arthritis Early

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • Marjorie Harvey: Fit, Fine & 57!Marjorie Harvey: Fit, Fine & 57!
  • LL Cool J & Wife Simone Smith Celebrate 25 Years Married: “We Celebrate Life”LL Cool J & Wife Simone Smith Celebrate 25 Years Married: "We Celebrate Life"
  • Snoop Dogg & Wife: 26 Years And Still Going StrongSnoop Dogg & Wife: 26 Years And Still Going Strong
  • Halle Berry: Over 50 ‘Just Keeps Getting Better With Time’Halle Berry: Over 50 'Just Keeps Getting Better With Time'
  • Queen Latifah Sheds Light on BMI Chart Flaws: “I’m Just Thick”Queen Latifah Sheds Light on BMI Chart Flaws: "I'm Just Thick"

Podcast

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2022, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.