Most people with arthritis pain understand how debilitating the discomfort can be if it reaches your hands.

Most people with arthritis pain understand how debilitating the discomfort can be, especially if the pain reaches your hands. Joint inflammation and swelling could make even the simplest of tasks – such as typing, or picking up an object and gripping it – challenging.

If you're suffering from pain in the hands, wrists or fingers due to your arthritic condition, then it may be wise to do some exercises that will not only help you maintain your manual dexterity, but also keep your hands strong. Here is a short list of exercises that you can do to regain strength in your hands if they are weakened:

1. Finger flexes: Because arthritis primarily attacks the joints, the pain will often cause people to keep their hands still in a way that gives them a sense of relief. However, this can lead to stiffness and make it hard for hands to move and react normally. The Ultimate Grip Strength website suggests a simple exercise of extending your hands and slowly opening and closing them to make a fist. This will help keep finger joints flexible, possibly mitigating some pain.
2. Finger lifts: Healthline offers this easy-to-do exercise that also promotes finger movement and general strengthening of the digits. Place your hands flat on a table, palms down, and then beginning with your thumb, raise each finger slowly and hold it there for two seconds. Repeat until you've moved both your thumbs and all of the fingers on each hand.
3. Using your opposite hand: This may be both difficult and awkward for some people. We're primarily used to doing things with our dominant hand. However, Ultimate Grip Strength says that trying to write using your other hand, or even picking things up by using only your fingers and not your thumb can be great ways to improve dexterity while promoting circulation.
4. Stretching your wrists: Most people suffering from arthritis will experience hand pain primarily in the finger regions. However, Healthline writes that your wrists may also be affected. The website suggests standing with your arm extended and the palm facing toward your body. Then, using your opposite hand, grab your fingers and press downward, stretching the muscles and joints in your wrist. This movement should be repeated at least 10 times before switching hands and stretching the opposite wrist.

For more on hand arthritis:

About Hand Arthritis
Hand Exercises for Musicians with Arthritis
Strengthen Your Hands with These Exercises