Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflamed inner linings of your joints. The condition usually begins in middle age and can be chronic and disabling. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, exercises might help some of your symptoms, but talk to your doctor first to make sure exercise is safe for your situation.
Benefits
According to MayoClinic.com, arthritis exercises can help improve your strength and the range of motion of your joints. Exercises for rheumatoid arthritis also can help reduce stiffness and lessen some of the pain you experience.
Sample Exercises
Try making a fist, then slowly opening your hand until your fingers are spread wide. Repeat this exercise with both hands. You also can straighten your fingers, then slowly touch your thumb to the finger pad just below your pinkie. This will help strengthen your hand and the joints in your thumb. To work on all your joints, straighten your fingers, then bend the end and middle joints while keeping your wrist and knuckles straight.
Considerations
MayoClinic.com recommends doing hand exercises for arthritis every day. Try doing the exercises several times a day, if possible. If you find the exercises difficult, it might help you to do them with your hand submerged in warm water.
Safety
In order to exercise safely, move your hands and fingers slowly. You should not experience any pain while exercising your hands with rheumatoid arthritis, so stop moving your hand at the point of discomfort and try again later.
Recommendations
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you might want to talk to your doctor or physical therapist about the best ways to strengthen your joints without any added stress. If you are in a lot of pain, your doctor might recommend medication or surgery.
