About This Column
Here you'll find advice on how to take a more comprehensive approach toward managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Keep in mind, this column is intended to advise you on how to complement your treatment, not replace it. Please consult your doctor to determine what advice may be right for you.
Featured Article
Warming Up Your Hands for the Holidays
Nov 19, 2008
Wow, can you believe it? The holiday season is almost upon us. And that means lots of shopping, decorating, and cooking to do in the coming weeks. Before you know it, your hands will be working overtime. So to help avoid the pain and stiffness that can result, this week we're going to rehearse some warm-up exercises for your hands. But before we start, remember to check with your rheumatologist to see if these exercises are right for you.
Hand and Finger Stretches
Put both hands out in front of you with your fingers together.
Spread your fingers out as wide as you can.
Gently curl the fingers into a soft fist, but be careful not to squeeze too hard.
Hold for 3 counts.
Slowly uncurl your fists and stretch the fingers out once again.
Repeat this stretch 5 times.
Thumb and Finger Curls
Place your hands out in front of you, and straighten all of your fingers.
Stretch your thumbs away from the other fingers.
Reach the thumb and little finger toward each other, and press them together.
Keep your other fingers as straight as you can, and hold for 3 counts.
Move your thumb back away from the other fingers.
Spread out your fingers as much as possible and hold for 3 counts.
Repeat this same exercise with your thumb and your ring finger, then your thumb and your middle finger, and finally your thumb and your index finger.
Repeat this entire series 3 times.
Meditation Hands
Place your hands out in front of you.
Touch all of the fingertips on your left hand together, and do the same for your right.
Spread all of your fingers open.
Slowly and carefully press the fingers and then palm of your left hand against those of your right. Your hands should resemble a prayer position.
Hold for 3 counts, and then release.
Repeat this stretch 5 times.
If possible, you should try to repeat these exercises 2 or 3 times a day. Just don't forget to pace yourself. If you get in the good habit of stretching now, you'll be well prepared for all that hands-on (pardon the pun) holiday activity.
Managing Pain and Stress
