8 Simple Tips to Reduce Arthritis Hand Pain
Arthritis can cause the joints in your hands to become stiff and painful, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis. If you’re feeling pain in your hands or wrists, here are eight simple tips to reduce arthritis hand pain and make your life easier!
1) Use an Ice Pack
If you have arthritis, you know that the pain can be debilitating. The inflammation and stiffness can make it difficult to even complete everyday tasks. One way to help ease the pain is by using an ice pack. Applying ice can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth so that it doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin. Apply the ice pack for about 15-20 minutes at a time. You can do this several times a day as needed. In addition to using an ice pack, there are several other things you can do to help ease arthritis hand pain.
2) Consider Surgery
If you’re considering surgery for your arthritis hand pain, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you consult with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery. Second, be sure to get a second opinion. Third, understand the risks and benefits of the surgery. Fourth, ask about alternatives to surgery. Fifth, be sure you have a good support system in place. Sixth, be prepared for a long recovery process. Seventh, know that there is no guarantee that surgery will completely eliminate your pain.
3) Wear Fingerless Gloves
If you have arthritis, you know that hand pain can be one of the most debilitating symptoms. Even simple tasks like opening a door or using a computer can become impossible. But there are some simple things you can do to ease the pain. One of the most effective is to wear fingerless gloves.
Most people associate fingerless gloves with athletes and rock stars, but they’re also a great way to protect your hands from pain. If you suffer from arthritis, wearing them can give you some relief. Try them at night when you go to bed or during cold weather. You may find that it makes a big difference in how much hand pain you experience each day. You can even buy special fingerless gloves designed for arthritis pain relief. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider if they have any recommendations or suggestions before you purchase any gloves. And don’t forget that there are lots of other ways to reduce hand pain caused by arthritis, so be sure and check out some of these helpful tips here: How To Treat Finger Pain From Arthritis Naturally
4) Use Heat Packs
If you have arthritis, you know that the pain can be debilitating. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are things you can do to ease the pain. One simple remedy is to use heat packs. Heat packs can help increase blood flow to the area, which can reduce pain and inflammation. Plus, the warmth can be soothing and help relax your muscles. Here are eight tips for using heat packs to ease arthritis hand pain
5) Stretch Your Wrists and Hands
If you have arthritis, taking medicine is important. Medicines can help reduce pain and inflammation. They can also help prevent or slow down joint damage. You and your doctor will work together to find the best medicine or medicines for you.
But taking medicine is only part of keeping your hands pain-free. You also need to keep your hands and wrists flexible. Your joints will move more easily if you stretch out on a regular basis. Flexing and extending each finger can help keep your fingers, wrist, and hand flexible. If your knuckles ache when you flex or extend each finger, use a pain relief cream instead of stretching those fingers. A good time to stretch is when you first get up in the morning before putting on gloves or mittens, because there is less likelihood that your knuckles will hurt from these activities (though they still may).
Before bedtime is another good time for hand stretches since it’s an activity that doesn’t interfere with sleep or other daily activities.
6) Keep Your Hands Warm
- When the weather gets colder, our bodies tend to tense up and our muscles ache more. This is also true for our hands. To help reduce pain, keep your hands warm. Wear gloves when you go outside, and try using a heating pad or warm compress on your hands for 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Another way to keep your hands warm is to make sure you’re getting enough blood flow to them. Exercise is a great way to increase blood flow, so try to do some simple hand exercises every day. Just be sure not to overdo it, as this can actually aggravate the pain.
- Another way to increase blood flow is by massaging your hands.
7) Visit a Chiropractor
If you’re dealing with hand pain from arthritis, there are a few things you can do to help ease the discomfort. One is to visit a chiropractor. A chiropractor can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints, as well as improve range of motion and function. They may also recommend exercises or stretches that can be done at home to help reduce pain and stiffness. If you’re not sure where to find a good chiropractor, ask your doctor for a recommendation.
8) Take Medicine
- If you have arthritis, you know how much hand pain can interfere with your daily life.
- While there is no cure for arthritis, there are treatments that can help reduce the pain and inflammation.
- One of the most effective treatments is medication.
- There are many different types of arthritis medication available, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about which one is right for you.
- In general, arthritis medications fall into two categories: those that relieve symptoms and those that slow the progression of the disease.
- Some common symptom-relieving medications include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.