Your carpometatarpal joint lies at the base of your thumb and is responsible for your thumb's ability to pivot and swivel. Wear and tear from everyday use can result in a weakened pinch, a painful grip and a tingling sensation. Range of motion exercises for the carpometatarpal joint can restore flexibility to the wrist and thumb area, making gripping and holding items less painful and cumbersome. Consult with your doctor first.
Upright Hand Stands
Daily maneuvers that work on improving wrist and thumb flexibility can reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Including some upright handstands in your range-of-motion exercises for carpometatarpal joints can help reduce your symptoms. Stand up with your arms hanging at your sides. Slowly lift your right arm in front of you, straightening your elbow as much as possible. Gently move your hand so your palm faces away from you, as if doing a handstand. Straighten your fingers and separate to increase the stretch. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Repeat this exercise five times, then do the exercise again with your left arm and hand.
Assisted Flexing
You can use range-of-motion exercises for carpometatarpal joints to improve your flexibility after an injury, when your thumb is too weak to move on its own. Use your healthy hand to provide assistance while flexing the recuperating thumb. While either standing or sitting, lift your right hand and place it in front of your body. Gently bend your elbow to a 90-degree angle and turn your wrist so your palm faces your body. Take your left index and second finger and place them on the inside of your right thumb. Place your left thumb onto the outside of your right thumb. Gently stretch and straighten your right thumb. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times. Do the exercise again with your left thumb.
Clothespins
You can turn items that contain springs, such as clothespins or chip clips, into exercise tools to strengthen and stretch the carpometatarpal joints. Start doing some abduction range-of-motion exercises for carpometatarpal joints by putting a clothespin between your right index and thumb fingers. Squeeze the pin together and hold this position for five seconds. Open the clip and return your fingers to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times, then do it again with your left hand.
Rubber Bands
Start including some rubber bands as exercise tools to improve range of motion for carpometatarpal joint function. Do this exercise while either sitting, standing or lying on your sofa. Place a medium-thick rubber band around the first knuckle of each finger, including your thumb. Separate your fingers and stretch the rubber band as far as possible. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat five times, then do the exercise again using your left hand.
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