Dealing With Joint Stiffness in Your Hands
By Stephen R. Farris
Our hands are among the most important body parts we have. We use our hands for a variety of things, such as tying our shoes, holding our utensils for eating with, typing, picking up a telephone and grasping the steering wheel while driving -- to name a few.
Sometimes we may feel pain in our hands. It could be from an injury, or may very well be the early signs of a developing arthritis condition, especially if you feel stiffness in your hands or wrists. Usually we end up taking some over-the-counter medication that may provide temporary relief, but doing so too much can cause harm to internal organs, such as your liver.
Steroid injections or surgery could be other options if the joints in your hands may be damaged. However, if arthritis has set in, chances are you're feeling joint stiffness on a regular basis. Doing simple tasks becomes an obstacle, but there are things you can do to help keep them loosened up and functioning better.
Make a Fist
This was simple when we were younger, but as we grow older and joint stiffness becomes more of a daily challenge, making a fist is not always as easy to do as it was back then. Start out slow by bending your fingers and thumb, closing them against the palm of your hand. Be gentle and try not to squeeze. Repeat the process at least 10 times or until you begin to feel the joints loosen up. Make sure you do the same exercise for your other hand as well.
Bend Your Fingers
Hold your hand out in a flat position. Bend one finger at a time back toward the palm of your hand. Hold the position for a few seconds, then switch to the next finger. Repeat the process several times for each finger, and don't leave out your thumb either. Switch hands and repeat. This will help to loosen up the joints in your fingers.
Finger lift
Place your hand on a flat surface and simply begin with one finger, lifting it back and hold for a couple of seconds. Repeat the process for each finger on your hand, then switch to the other hand and follow the same procedure.
Talk with your local chiropractor, such as the ones found at The Joint Chiropractic. The Joint Chiropractic has over 500 nationwide locations and no appointment is necessary. At The Joint Chiropractic, you can discuss your joint pain with one of their chiropractors and find out what treatment options are available to help get the relief you need.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Atlanta, Ga.