Performing daily hand exercises may help prevent arthritis from getting in the way of your music.

With every pluck of the guitar string or striking of a piano key, musicians are constantly testing the limits of their fingers' endurance. While practice and repetition are essential for an artist to master their craft, sometimes it's inevitable that this constant usage of hands can worsen symptoms of arthritis.

As nearly one-quarter of adults in the U.S. are currently living with arthritis, it's easy to imagine how many amateur or professional musicians are, or will eventually become, plagued with general characteristics of the inflammatory condition. Instead of retiring from the piano or guitar, here are some various hand exercises suggested by the Mayo Clinic to help keep your fingers nimble for your instruments and prevent symptoms of arthritis along the way.

Thumb bends

First, place your hand up in a relaxed straightened position, as if you're about to give a high-five. Then, take your thumb and bend it across the width of your palm as far as possible, until your thumb is almost touching the bottom of your smallest finger. Even if your thumb doesn't reach the base of your pinkie, the stretching is still beneficial. Repeat this exercise for five reps of five thumb bends, and make sure to exercise both hands.

Clenched fist

An easy exercise that stretches all fingers, start your hand out in a position like you're about to go in for a firm handshake, fingers completely straight and pinned together. Have your hand, wrist and forearm resting on a hard surface, like a desk or table. Begin closing your fingers to form a gentle fist, with your thumb wrapping around the outside of your other fingers. Make sure not to squeeze your fingers or apply too much pressure. Slowly expand and clench them back and forth.

Finger curve

Hold your hand up in the air, with your fingers closed together and completely straight. Beginning with the tips of your fingers and working your way down, curve your fingers into a "C" formation, as if you're about to grasp a bottle. Slowly return your fingers back to their starting position, and try repeating this exercise at least five times with each hand.

Finger wave

With your fingers straight and tight together, begin to bend the tips and middle joints of the fingers while still keeping your knuckles straight. This routine should appear as if you're waving using only the top half of your fingers. Return the fingers to their upright position, and continue doing the exercise in a slow and smooth manner.

Big O

Raise your hand and keep your fingers pointed toward the sky and firmly pressed together. Start forming an "O" shape by touching the tip of your thumb to all the other fingertips, working your way down from one finger to the next. After you've touched your pinkie, work your way back and end with your hand as straight as when you started the exercise.

To learn more about living with arthritis:

Exercising with arthritis
Healthy lifestyle