exercises for arthritis

Arthritis

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arthritis, arthritis in hands

Is there a cure for Arthritis ?

Arthritis can affect people of all ages and is a condition that is characterised by joint pain and inflammation. At present there is no cure for arthritis.

Arthritis – Benefits of Exercise

Many people do not feel like exercising due to the pain caused by arthritis, however, exercise can help to ease pain and improve joint mobility which can:-

  • increase muscle strength and
  • reduce stiffness.

If you are overweight, combining regular exercise with a healthy and balanced diet will help with weight loss. This will result in less strain being placed on the joints in the hips, knees, ankles and feet.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends the following exercises:

  • Try some deep, belly breathing for between 30 to 60 seconds to help relax and relieve pain and stiffness.
  • 30 second seated straight leg raises are good for pain in the knee joints.
  • To strengthen muscles in the hips and thighs, march on the spot for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • By moving your arms on a table top as if you are swimming the breast stroke for 60 seconds could improve the movement in the upper body.

arthritis, arthritis in handsIf you find you have arthritic pains in your hands and fingers try the following:-

Fist clenching

Beginning with your hands and fingers spread out, slowly clench your hand into a fist. Keep your thumb on the outside of the fist, being careful not to squeeze your hand too much.

Slowly unclench your fist into its original position. Repeat these 10 times, and then swap hands.

Knuckle bending

Keeping your fingers straight, bend your knuckles as far as comfortable, apply a stretch and straighten your fingers fully.

Thumb bending

Using one of your hands, hold the base of the other hand’s thumb.

Without moving the base of the thumb, bend the top half of the thumb, until you feel the stretch. Return the thumb tip to its original position, and repeat.

Finger lifting

Rest the palm of your hand on a table, with all of your fingers spread apart. One by one, slowly lift each finger off the table.

Hold the finger in the air for a few seconds, before slowly lowering it.

Make an ‘O’

This stretch will help relieve achy or stiff pains in the hands.

Start with your left hand out and fingers straight, then, curve all of your fingers inward until they touch.

Your fingers should form the shape of an ‘O’. Hold this position for a few seconds.

Then straighten your fingers again. Repeat this exercise a few times a day on each hand.

Play with clay

Playing with clay is a great way to increase the range of motion in your fingers and strengthen your hands at the same time — and it won’t even feel like exercise.

If you think you may be suffering from Arthritis you should consult your GP for advice. If you would like to talk to us about your pain, please do feel free to contact us.

Source ANI

Article from The Express Newspaper