10 yanktonmedicalclinic.com Arthritis of the hands can make daily tasks—like opening jars or buttoning a shirt—a challenge. Fortunately, the Arthritis Foundation and other experts offer helpful tips for managing pain, stiffness and swelling. 1. Exercise and stretch your hand. Movement can help keep your hand joints flexible, strong and less achy. Try this finger stretch using a table or other flat, stable surface: ● Put your hand palm down, fingers together. Stabilize your wrist by holding it with your other hand. ● Spread your fingers and thumb. Hold for 5 seconds. ● Close your fingers together again. Repeat five times, then switch hands. Try this finger-touch exercise: ● Hold your hand in front of your face with your palm facing you, fingers straight. ● One at a time, touch each finger to your thumb to form a series of OK signs. 2. Wear a splint. Splints may help with pain relief, especially if your arthritis affects the base of your thumb. Your doctor can help you decide if a splint is right for you. 3. Choose hand-friendly tools. If pain or stiffness interferes with your daily tasks, look for scissors, kitchen utensils, pens, and jar and bottle openers designed for people with hand arthritis. 4. Try heat or ice therapy. Apply heat to your hands by using heat wraps or paraffin wax. Try using a cold pack for cold therapy. Use heat or cold to see which helps the most. 5. Consider topical treatments. Topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain. Most come in a cream that you apply to the skin over the affected area. And creams containing capsaicin or menthol can act as counterirritants, relieving pain. Always let your doctor know about any medicines or supplements you take. If you or a loved one is suffering from joint pain, you won’t know how much better it’s possible to feel if treatment isn’t pursued. Sources: AARP; Arthritis Foundation; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; UpToDate GET A GRIP on arthritis pain Leann Bassing, MD Rheumatology 605-665-1722 Talk to your doctor Leann Bassing, MD, board-certified rheumatologist, is your best resource for any arthritis or other rheumatology healthcare needs. You can schedule with her directly at 605-665-1722.
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