5 Simple Hand Exercises for Arthritis Pain

Arthritis in your hands can cause aching, swelling, and weakness, making daily tasks painful or impossible. Typing on keyboards or carrying groceries can become challenging as cartilage deteriorates between your joints. While there isn’t a cure for arthritis, there are simple things you can do to mitigate arthritis pain and maintain mobility.

Performing gentle hand exercises can improve flexibility, moderate arthritis pain, and enhance your quality of life.

Check out these five hand exercises you can perform to relieve arthritis pain.

*Before beginning any new exercise or stretching regimen, consult your physician to ensure you’re healthy enough for the new activity and that it fits into your existing treatment plan.

Hand Exercise 1: Make a Loose Fist

• Extend your hand and fingers while resting your forearm on a table.
• Slowly close your fingers into a loose fist with your thumb resting on the outside. Be careful not to squeeze your fist too tightly.
• Slowly release your fingers and return to the starting resting position.
• Repeat this exercise multiple times and switch to your opposite hand.

Hand Exercise 2: Touch Your Fingertips

• Hold your fingers straight and close together.
• Starting with your index finger, slowly touch your thumb to each fingertip to form an “O” shape.
• Return each finger to the starting position before moving to make an “O” with the next finger.
• Repeat this exercise with your other hand.

Hand Exercise 3: Spread Your Fingers 

• Place one hand on a table, palm down, and fingers together. Use the other hand to grab your wrist as a stabilizer.
• Slowly spread all your fingers apart as far as you can reach. Hold for 5-10 seconds.
• Slowly close your fingers to the starting position.
• Repeat this exercise with your other hand.

Hand Exercise 4: Lift Your Fingers

• Place your hand on a table, palm down, and fingers spread slightly apart.
• Starting with your pinky, lift each finger slowly and hold for 3-5 seconds. Slowly lower it back to the starting position.
• Repeat this exercise multiple times and switch to your opposite hand.

Hand Exercise 5: Stretch Your Thumb

• Begin with your hand relaxed and fingers and thumb straightened.
• Slowly bend your thumb across your open palm, with the goal of touching your thumb to the base of your pinky finger.
• If your thumb cannot reach, stretch it as far as it can comfortably go.
• Slowly return your thumb to the starting position.
• Repeat this exercise multiple times and switch to your opposite hand.

What Other Treatments Are Available for Arthritis?

Depending on your symptoms, the best treatment for arthritis will vary from patient to patient. Some patients experience severe hand pain and may find relief with a cortisone injection, while others may find relief with a brace or splint. In other circumstances, surgery can be a choice to relieve pain and other symptoms.

How Can OrthoGeorgia Help with Arthritis Pain?

OrthoGeorgia helps our patients stay active and healthy while managing arthritis pain in their hands. 

When you visit our Hand Center, you can expect expert and individualized care. We will evaluate your condition, listen to your concerns, and create a customized treatment plan to help you enjoy the best quality of life.

OrthoGeorgia boasts a strong history of innovative hand treatments, as we were one of the first subspecialty hand surgery practices in the Southeastern United States. In addition to arthritis treatments, our Hand Center is also well-versed in treating conditions such as:

• Boutonnière Deformity
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
• Dupuytren’s Disease
• Fractures
• Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist and Hand
• Joint Reconstruction
• Mallet Finger
• Nerve Injuries
• Tendon Injuries
• Trigger Finger
• Wrist Sprains

Choose the Hand and Osteoarthritis Pros. Call Us at (478) 745-4206 Today!

Disclaimer: The information contained within this material is intended for informational purposes only. No material in this content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider with questions regarding your medical conditions and treatment options.