Arthritis in your hands can make even the simplest tasks challenging. Stiffness, soreness, and lack of mobility can take a toll on your daily life, but there are practical ways to manage pain and improve your hand function. Here are some expert-backed tips to help you find relief and maintain your independence.
1. Add Heat to Relieve Stiffness
Warmth is a simple but powerful way to ease stiffness and pain in your hands. Start your morning with a warm shower to relax your muscles and boost blood flow—it’s like a little wake-up call for your joints! For extra relief, try soaking your hands in warm water after applying some oil. Just pop on a pair of rubber gloves to handle the heat, and let the soothing warmth melt your discomfort away.
2. Wear Compression Gloves or Braces
Compression gloves provide comforting support and can help ease pain, whether you wear them during activities or overnight for extra relief. For more intense pain, a rigid splint or brace can keep your thumb and hand joints stable, letting you move with confidence. Need help finding the perfect fit? An occupational therapist can guide you to the best option for your needs!
3. Use Assistive Devices
Too often, we immediately go to, "How do I make the pain stop," and we don't also think about, "How do I carry on with arthritis?" So far, there is no cure for arthritis, only remedies for pain relief. Which means that unfortunately, we've got to find ways to live with arthritis. You have to say, "Alright, I've got this baggage, so how do I make my situation better?" Take care of your hands with tools that reduce strain on your joints. From key extenders and book rests to ergonomic kitchen gadgets and gardening tools, these clever devices make everyday tasks easier and more comfortable. Luckily, there’s a lot out there for just about every need you can imagine.
4. Pace Yourself
Give your hands a break! Overworking them can make discomfort worse, so try breaking activities into smaller chunks. Love gardening? Spend 30 minutes tending to your plants, then take a breather. Enjoy hobbies like knitting or painting? Set a timer to remind yourself to pause and stretch. Mix up your tasks to avoid repetitive strain and keep those hands feeling their best! This isn't one of those, "work through the pain," kind of things. Working through the pain is only going to make the pain worse.
5. Engage Bigger Joints
One of our team members here at Lune was big into martial arts in his younger years, and he made a point to us that is very relevant here: "In a fight, you have more than your fists," meaning that you have other body parts you can use to get something done. It's actually quite applicable to those dealing with arthritis.
Save your hands by enlisting other parts of your body for support.
Close doors or drawers with a simple bump of your hip. Swap out heavy handbags for a stylish crossbody bag to keep your hands free. When it comes to heavy lifting, think smarter—push or pull instead! A wheeled grocery cart beats lugging around heavy bags any day. It’ll take time, but adjusting your habits/ behaviors in how you use your body can make a world of difference.
6. Exercises for Arthritis
Everyone knows that exercising is good for you, but it’s vital when you have arthritis. Staying stationary, & avoiding using your joints/ muscles only stiffens them further. Now when we say “exercises for arthritis,” we don’t mean intense workouts for the athletically obsessed. We’re talking about simple, manageable, easy to do at home exercises that are simply focused on movement & blood flow.
Keep your joints moving and stay flexible with simple range-of-motion exercises! Try spreading your fingers wide, making a fist, or bending your wrist—it’s easy and effective. Doing these regularly can boost your mobility and keep you feeling great. For a personalized plan, connect with an occupational therapist who can give you expert advice. However, as we said before, this is not one of those "work through the pain," situations. If your pain increases, stop!
7. Explore OTC Pain Relief Remedies
Many arthritis patients find relief using over-the-counter creams, gels, or patches designed to ease pain and reduce inflammation. These products often contain active ingredients like menthol, capsaicin, or salicylates, which can provide a soothing effect when applied directly to the affected area. Finding the right product may take some trial and error, as everyone responds differently to various formulations. To narrow down your options, consider reading reviews online or asking fellow arthritis sufferers about specific products they’ve had success with. It’s also a good idea to consult with your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations tailored to your needs.
Living with arthritis in your hands may not be easy, but it’s manageable. With a combination of these techniques, you can protect your joints, reduce pain, and retain your ability to perform daily tasks. And remember, as Ilene Cohen-Ackerman says, “You name an activity, there’s a solution for it.”
If one method doesn't work for you, don’t give up—you have plenty of options to find the relief you deserve.
