Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. Holding your thumb in the same position, bend the other four fingers inward until … Slide your index finger toward your thumb without bending it. You may find it helps to warm your hands in a tub of warm water to ease stiff joints … See additional information. The inflammation in the small joints of your fingers may make flexing and bending difficult at times. Do your fingers get painful and stiff very often? These eight hand exercises can alleviate symptoms like swelling in the finger joints, pain when moving the hands, and loss of dexterity, coordination, and grip strength. Simple stretches and exercises can help reduce stiffness. Gently lift one finger at a time off of the table and then lower it. A couple of specific hand exercises that can increase tendon flexibility in your hands and fingers include gently forming a fist with your affected hand and flexing your fingers so their tips touch the base of your palm. Oftentimes, PsA also causes hand stiffness. Different types of splints or casts may be used to stretch the tight joints and regain more motion (Figures 1 and 2). A common complaint of patients is loss of mobility and motion of the fingers. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Catherine Backman, PhD, FCAOT, professor and head of the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC. Your fingers and thumb will be pointing straight up. This exercise can make it easier to open door knobs and hold things without dropping them. Exercising the fingers increase blood circulation in the affected area and decreases fluid retention. Place your hand flat, palm down, on a table or other surface. Wrap a rubber band around your hand at the base of your finger joints. PsA can be controlled through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular exercise. Pinching Clothespins with Each Finger To gently improve finger strength, take a clothespin and practice pinching it with different fingers. If your tendon stiffness … Repeat 10 to 15 times with both hands. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. All rights reserved. Begin with your palm facing up and your fingers extended (straightened) fully. These exercises can help to get you moving normally, and safely, if you've a muscle or joint problem affecting your hand, finger or wrist. Just move your finger as far as possible. Begin by bending your fingers down and back up. With the palm facing up, bring the fingers straight up. There can be several reasons why you need a cast or splint on your wrist- … Remember to work slowly and smoothly. Surgery may be needed if other treatments are not working or if the pain is affecting hand … Bend your fingertips down to touch the base of each finger joint. When you’ve finished return your fingers to the starting position. Using your thumb, index finger and middle finger … View our slideshows to learn more about your health. Don't do this exercise if your thumb joint is damaged. Repeat with both hands at least four times. This exercise helps increase the range of motion in your thumbs, which helps with activities like picking up your toothbrush, fork and spoon, and pens when you write. Here are 7 reasons to book an…, Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: The Words You Should Know. Your doctor or physical therapist will give you an exercise regimen tailored to you. Extend your thumb away from your other fingers as far as you can. Gently bend the tip of your thumb down toward the base of your index finger. Continue to touch the rest of your fingers in succession. Place your hand palm-down on a table or other flat surface. Pinch a soft foam ball or some putty between the tips of your fingers and your thumb. Valdes, K. Journal of Hand Therapy, May 2012. Then, there’s a possibility that your finger tendon is inflamed. Start with your thumb and index finger, then move onto your thumb and middle finger, ring finger, then pinky. Put your hand flat on a table. Repeat 10 to 15 times on both hands. Try these two stretches for your thumb joints: If your hands and fingers feel painful and stiff, try warming them up before you exercise. According to the AAOS, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help ease some of the stiffness associated with trigger finger. It’s also a great way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. The plan should focus on range of motion, strength, and endurance. How often should I practice hand and finger exercises? Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. 10 Questions Your Rheumatologist Wants You to Ask About Psoriatic Arthritis, Taking Biologics and Regaining Control of Your Psoriatic Arthritis, Understanding PsA: Why Managing Your Pain Isn’t the Same as Managing Your Disease, Doctor Discussion Guide: The Top Questions to Ask Each PsA Doctor, Signs You Have Psoriatic Arthritis: Myths and Facts, The Effects of Psoriatic Arthritis on the Body, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, How Your Energy Levels Are Connected to Psoriatic Arthritis, 7 Unexpected Reasons You Should See Your Rheumatologist When You Have PsA. Repeat at least four times with both thumbs. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles of your fingers and thumb. Try warming your hands before beginning. Release and repeat four times. Continued. You shouldn't feel pain. If your fingers and hand feel stiff or painful, take time to warm them before you start the exercises. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and release. 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