Fitness Tips: Your Hands & Arthritis

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

21 Nov 2006 11:35 AM

Since exercise is an integral part of any natural remedy for arthritis, you should explore the wealth of activities that are available. Hand exercises, for example, are not limited to just strength but also flexibility and range of motion. By stretching and flexing the joints, muscles and overall hand structure, a person affected by arthritis can reduce inflammation through increased circulation and support affected areas by increased muscular strength.

Repetitions of range of motion and stretching exercises should be performed a minimum of five times a week or daily if possible. Range of motion exercises are designed to restore or maintain normal joint motion and relieve stiffness. Exercise is the simplest natural remedy for arthritis because it affects more than just the localized joint.

Full body exercise can:

• Decrease pain
• Strengthen muscles
• Strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis (thin bones)
• Maintain and increase joint movement
• Increase heart and lung fitness
• Improve posture
• Control weight and reduce body fat
• Relieve muscle tension
• Decrease stress levels
• Enhance body shape
• Improve sleep patterns
• Create a feeling of well - being
• Develop a positive attitude and healthier lifestyle.

Some exercises that promote both range of motion and stretching for the hands are the finger stretch and tuck. Hold one hand up pointing to the ceiling, fingers and knuckles straight. Bend fingers, and tuck the tips down. Keep knuckles straight, making sure they don't move. Stretch fingers back up to their original position. Change sides. Another is called thumb stretching that involves stretching the thumb as far as possible away from the fingers. The finger touch requires making an 'o' with the fingers of one hand by lightly touching each finger to the tip of the thumb.

Because stiffness and inflammation are commonly associated with arthritis and may impose some discomfort on these types of exercises. You can employ other natural remedies for arthritis in conjunction with these types of exercises. You should always seek the advice of a physician before starting a new program of arthritis maintenance. However, natural remedies for arthritis are the most commonly sought after treatment because of fewer side effects and more pleasant results. Exercise increases muscle strength, flexibility and joint motion.

Have you ever used exercise to help combat arthritis?

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