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05 Nov 2024
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Are you experiencing stiffness and discomfort in your hands? Early arthritis in fingers can be challenging, affecting your daily activities and quality of life. However, with the right approach, you can manage your symptoms and maintain hand function effectively!
In this guide, you'll find essential hand exercises for arthritis relief and learn about effective tools and gadgets for managing hand arthritis, including adaptive cutlery and other helpful aids to make your daily tasks easier. We'll also explore lifestyle changes and additional treatments to prevent arthritis in fingers and alleviate symptoms.
Understanding early arthritis in fingers
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Early arthritis in fingers can be a challenging condition that affects your daily activities and quality of life. Recognising the signs and symptoms is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment.
The most common symptoms of early arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. You might experience a dull, burning sensation in your fingers after a busy day of hand use. The pain may become sharper and more constant as the condition progresses, even at rest.
Joint stiffness is especially common in the morning or after periods of inactivity. You may also notice swelling, making your fingers appear puffier than usual.
Early detection and treatment of arthritis in fingers is crucial. If detected and treated in its early stages, the effects of inflammatory arthritis can be minimised, and the condition may even resolve itself completely. There's a 'window of opportunity' during which the disease can be treated before irreversible joint erosions develop. This window usually opens 3 to 6 months after the onset of the disease.
Essential hand exercises for arthritis in hands and fingers
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Regular hand exercises can be a game-changer when managing early arthritis in fingers. These exercises help reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling while improving joint flexibility. The key is to do them consistently, developing a routine that works for you.
Remember, let pain be your guide. If any exercise hurts, stop immediately. The goal is to gradually build your tolerance to motion and light strengthening, not to force anything. With consistent practice, these exercises can help you manage arthritis symptoms and maintain hand function.
Finger stretches
Start with gentle finger stretches to warm up your hands. Try the hand clench exercise: straighten your fingers, slowly bend your hand into a fist (keeping your thumb on the outside), hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat this ten times once a day.
Another effective stretch involves placing your hands on a table, palm down, and lifting each finger off the table one at a time, holding for five seconds.
Thumb exercises
Thumb exercises are crucial for maintaining mobility. One simple exercise involves bending your thumb across your palm and touching the base of your small finger. If this is difficult, just stretch as far as possible. Repeat multiple times with each hand.
You can also try the thumb-finger touch exercise, where you bring the tip of your thumb together with the tip of each finger one by one.
Wrist exercises
Don't forget about your wrists! Try the side-to-side wrist bend: place your forearm flat on a table, palms down. Bend your wrist as far as possible to the left, hold for 2 seconds, then return to the centre. Repeat this movement to the right.
Do ten sets twice a day on each hand.
Effective tools & gadgets for managing hand arthritis
Managing early arthritis in fingers can be tough, but various tools and gadgets are designed to make daily tasks easier and less painful. These aids can help you maintain independence and improve your quality of life.
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Grip strengthenersGrip strengtheners are essential for maintaining hand strength and flexibility. The Marsden MG-4800 Hand Grip Dynamometer, for example, helps gradually build muscle and grip and can be used with either the right or left hand. For a gentler option, consider using stress balls or hand therapy balls. These can help improve grip strength while providing a soothing sensory experience. |
Adaptive utensilsAdaptive utensils like angled cutlery and thicker-handled options are game-changers for anyone with early arthritis in their fingers and hands. These handy tools make gripping easier and add comfort during meals. With these utensils, you can enjoy your favourite foods without stressing your joints, making dining much more enjoyable. Plus, they help you maintain your independence and make every meal feel like less of a challenge! |
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Food & drink preparation aidsCooking can be tricky with early arthritis, but tools like jar and bottle openers, specialised cutting boards, and easy-tip kettles are always helpful. They take the strain out of food preparation, so you can make delicious meals without feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable. These aids make cooking simpler and help you enjoy the process, keeping your love for food alive and well. |
Dressing aidsDressing aids, like long-handled brushes, button hooks, and dressing sticks, are perfect for making getting dressed easy when you have early arthritis. These tools help you tackle everyday tasks so you don’t have to struggle or ask for help whenever you dress. They’re designed to boost your independence and make self-care much easier. |
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Easy reachersEasy reachers are a lifesaver for anyone managing early arthritis. They allow you to reach and get a better grip on small items, making everyday tasks much easier. Whether picking up items from the floor or grabbing something off a high shelf, these tools help you stay independent and active. |
Personal grooming toolsBathing can feel daunting with early arthritis, but bathing aids like long-handled sponges, bottom-wipers, and stocking aids make it much simpler. These tools help you maintain personal hygiene comfortably so you can wash hard-to-reach areas without straining your joints. They make bathing easier and give you the confidence to take care of yourself. |
Lifestyle changes & treatments for osteoarthritis in fingers
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Managing early arthritis in fingers involves more than just exercises and tools. Lifestyle changes and additional treatments can play a crucial role in alleviating symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Diet & nutrition
While no specific diet can cure arthritis, certain foods may help reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. For example, a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fish, pulses, nuts, olive oil, and plenty of fruits and vegetables can be beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish like salmon and sardines, may help reduce inflammation associated with some forms of arthritis.
Medications & supplements
Your doctor may recommend various medications to manage early arthritis in your fingers. These can include pain relievers like acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and in some cases, corticosteroids.
Some people find relief with supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, although evidence of their effectiveness is limited. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication or supplement regimen.
Professional therapies
Working with healthcare professionals can significantly improve your arthritis management. Physiotherapists can develop specific exercise programmes to improve muscle strength and joint mobility, and occupational therapists can show you ways to make daily activities easier and reduce joint stress.
Hand therapists can provide targeted treatment for upper limb conditions for more specialised care, or in some cases, your doctor might refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss surgical options if conservative treatments aren't providing adequate relief.
Shop adaptive tools for arthritic hands online at Active Mobility
At Active Mobility, we understand the challenges of living with early arthritis in the fingers. That's why we offer various arthritis aids to make your daily tasks more manageable. Our collection includes adaptive kitchen and dining tools to simplify meal preparation and eating, like jar openers with non-slip grips, adaptive cutting boards, and ergonomic utensils that require less gripping force.
We also offer a variety of tools for hobbies, dressing, and other everyday tasks. Our easy-grip scissors, tap turners, and key turners are perfect for those with limited wrist movement or weak grip. Button hooks, shoe horns, and dressing sticks can really help simplify your morning routine.
When selecting these tools, consider their ease of use, comfort, and durability. Our in-house occupational therapists can help you find the right products for your needs and can collaborate with other medical professionals to offer tailored advice.
With Active Mobility, you can find the support you need to manage your arthritis symptoms and maintain your independence. Contact us for product recommendations and advice, or shop online today!
