Around 10 million Britons are currently living with arthritis and other joint problems. The condition can cause joint pain and swelling, while limiting mobility. Although there is currently no cure, there are ways to help lessen symptoms.
One expert explained how movement really is key when it comes to fighting arthritis.
talking exclusively with Express.esKatie Knapton – founder of fast physio online – said: “To keep joints healthy, they need movement, as movement provides lubrication to the joint.
“When someone has a painful joint, the temptation is to avoid any pain and adapt to a lifestyle to avoid using the joint as much as possible.
“This is a natural assumption, but unfortunately it can lead to more problems.
READ MORE: Acholic stools are the “most common” sign of pancreatic cancer in the “early” stages
“But the evidence suggests that some discomfort/pain is acceptable when doing exercise or activity, and after a few weeks, symptoms are likely to improve.
“Working on some pain isn’t actually causing more damage to the joints, but obviously the exercise dose and starting levels need to be relevant to that person.”
He said arthritis of the fingers was a “common” form of the condition and that you can benefit from exercises at home.
“It usually affects the joints near the fingernails or in the middle of the fingers rather than the knuckles,” said Ms Knapton.
DO NOT MISS IT
Ms. Knapton shared seven exercises you can try at home if you suffer from arthritis in your fingers.
Partial cuff/flat cuff
Bend your fingers so that the fingertips touch the palm of the hand. Gently squeeze your palms together and stretch out your fingers as you relax. Repeat as necessary. This exercise will help mobilize stiff finger joints. Hold for two and repeat 10 times, once or twice a day.
Making a thumb fist under
Tuck your thumb in toward the palm of your hand. Wrap your fingers over your thumb. Squeeze towards your palm. Repeat as necessary. This exercise can help improve grip and dexterity. Hold for two and repeat 10 times, once or twice a day.
hook fist
Bend the tips of your fingers as if you were making a hook. Squeeze your fingers and release them. This can help improve mobility for stiff fingers. Hold for five and repeat 10 times, once or twice a day.
ball grip
Squeeze a small ball in your hand. Use this to strengthen your thumb and fingers. You can also use putty, a small towel, or other small items that can be squeezed. Hold for 15 and repeat five times, once or twice a day.
table bending
Place the palm of your hand on a table. Keeping your fingertips on the table, lift your palm up and slide your fingers back along the table. This exercise helps improve the mobility and dexterity of the fingers. Hold for five and repeat five to 10 times, once or twice a day.
active finger abduction
Start with your fingers together. Spread all your fingers wide apart from each other. Use this exercise to stretch your fingers.
Finger/thumb abduction band
Wrap a rubber band around your fingers and thumb. Spread your fingers and thumb against the resistance of the band. This exercise will help you strengthen your joints.
if(typeof utag_data.ads.fb_pixel!==”undefined”&&utag_data.ads.fb_pixel==!0){!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,’script’,’https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js’);fbq(‘init’,’568781449942811′);fbq(‘track’,’PageView’)}
