Hand Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Importance of Hand Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis hand exercises are crucial for managing and alleviating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. These exercises are designed to maintain and improve the flexibility and strength of the finger joints, which are often affected by the condition. By regularly engaging in these exercises, individuals can enhance their range of motion and reduce stiffness, making daily tasks more manageable. For instance, keeping the fingers straight and performing a thumb stretch can prevent the fingers from becoming overly bent or deformed over time.

A physical therapist typically guides these exercises, ensuring that movements such as slowly bending the fingers or forming a loose fist are performed correctly to avoid further joint damage. The starting position for many exercises involves placing the hand on a flat surface, allowing for controlled and precise movements. Exercises like the finger lift place emphasize lifting each finger individually, starting with the index finger, to enhance dexterity and strength.

6 Eeercises to ease arthritis symptoms

Engaging in regular exercise can significantly help relieve symptoms and reduce pain associated with arthritis. These exercises aim to improve the range of motion and strengthen the muscles around affected joints, thus enhancing overall hand function. Here are six simple exercises you can demonstrate to your patients to help them ease arthritis symptoms:

Grip strengthener

To perform the grip strengthener, one should squeeze a hand-exercise ball as hard as possible and hold for 5 seconds before releasing. However, if the patient is experiencing an acute or active flare in their hands, they should avoid squeezing movements like this one, as it may exacerbate symptoms. This exercise targets the thumb joints and improves overall hand strength.

Gentle fist

Start by holding the hand out with fingers straight and palm down. Slowly bend the hand into a loose fist, making sure not to squeeze, with the thumb on the outside. Re-open the hand, stretching the fingers straight, and repeat this movement 10 times before switching hands. This exercise helps maintain the range of motion and flexibility in the finger joints.

Finger rolls

To do finger rolls, bend the joints at the middle and ends (proximal interphalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints) of the fingers, followed by bending the joints at the base of the fingers (metacarpophalangeal joints) to make a fist. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then extend the finger joints in reverse order. Repeat this sequence 5 times and switch hands. This exercise improves dexterity and reduces stiffness in the finger joints.

Finger bends

Hold the hand sideways with fingers straight and thumb pointing upward. Bend the thumb toward the palm and hold for two seconds, then straighten it. Repeat this action with each finger individually 5 times before switching hands. Finger bends enhance the flexibility of both the thumb joints and finger joints, improving overall hand function.

Hand O-shape

To form a hand O-shape, hold the hand with fingers straight and palm down. Curve the fingers inward until the thumb and fingers touch, forming an “O” shape. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then repeat 5 times before switching hands. This exercise helps relieve symptoms by maintaining the flexibility and strength of the hand muscles.

Finger lift

Place the hand flat on a table with the palm down and fingers straight. Slowly lift the thumb off the table, hold for 2 seconds, then lower it. Repeat this motion with each finger individually 5 times, then switch hands. The finger lift exercise improves the range of motion and strength in the fingers, aiding in the reduction of hand arthritis symptoms.

How to use our Hand Exercise for Arthritis Handout

Using Carepatron's Hand Exercise for Arthritis Handout can be an effective way to guide patients through their arthritis management journey. This handout is designed to be user-friendly and comprehensive, ensuring that both medical professionals and patients can easily understand and follow the recommended hand exercises for arthritis.

Access and download the handout

First, healthcare practitioners should access and download the Hand Exercise for Arthritis Handout from the Carepatron platform. You can get the handout from Carepatron's Resource Library.

Review the handout content

Before introducing the handout to patients, medical professionals should thoroughly review its content. This includes understanding the various exercises and any specific instructions related to each movement. Familiarity with the handout allows practitioners to confidently explain each exercise and address any questions or concerns the patient may have.

Introduce and educate the patient with the handout

When meeting with the patient, introduce the Hand Exercise for Arthritis Handout and explain its purpose. Take the time to educate the patient on how each exercise can help improve hand function, relieve pain, and alleviate symptoms of hand arthritis.

Use the exercise handout for patient's improvement and monitoring

Incorporate the handout into the patient’s treatment plan by regularly reviewing their progress and adjusting exercises as needed. Encourage patients to perform the exercises daily and to note any improvements or difficulties they experience. Monitoring the patient's adherence to the exercises and their impact on proximal interphalangeal joints and thumb joints can provide valuable insights into their progress and help in tailoring future treatments.

How do professionals benefit from using this handout?

Medical professionals benefit greatly from using Carepatron's Hand Exercise for Arthritis Handout as it provides a structured and evidence-based approach to managing hand arthritis. This comprehensive tool enhances patient education by clearly outlining exercises that target key areas such as the index finger joints and thumb joints.

It saves time for practitioners by offering ready-to-use instructions, ensuring consistency and accuracy in patient care. Additionally, the handout aids in tracking patient progress and adherence, allowing for more effective monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans.