Stiff hands? Try these exercises
WE CAUGHT up with Myrna Peete rs, who has found that using a drug-free gel and doing some simple hand exercises has eased pain and stiffness in her hands caused by arthritis and rekindled her passion for knitting. Here’s what she advises:
MAKE A FIST. Hold one hand out with the fingers straight. Bend it into a gentle fist, with your thumb on the outside. Open your hand and straighten your fingers. Repeat ten times on each hand.
FINGER BENDS. With one hand, begin by bending your thumb in towards your palm, holding for a few seconds before stretching back out. Repeat for each finger and then with the second hand.
MAKE AN O. From having your fingers straight, curl them inwards until they touch the thumb and make the shape of an O. Hold, release and repeat.
WRIST STRETCH. Hold out your palm facing down. With your left hand, gently press down on the right hand until you feel a stretch in your wrist and arm. Hold briefly and repeat ten times. Repeat on the other hand.
FINGER RAISES. Place one hand, palm down, on a flat surface. Starting with your thumb, slowly lift each finger off the table one at a time, holding briefly. Repeat on the other hand.
GIVE A GEL A TRY. A gel product sold in pharmacies helps relieve pain and stiffness by helping to lubricate your joints. It’s a unique, drug-free approach supported by clinical evidence and definitely worth a try!