Finger locking can become very frustrating, uncomfortable and at times worrying. Your hand may feel hard one moment, the next a finger clutters, clicks or doesn't move with ease. This is commonly the case for individuals with arthritis as the pain, stiffness and decreased mobility of the joints make it more difficult for them to move the fingers normally. How to Prevent Finger Locking With Arthritis Exercises? Slow, pain-aware hand movements practice helps to ease hand stiffness and mobility during activity.
Why Fingers Lock With Arthritis
Arthritis is not the only cause of finger locking. It may be associated with tendon irritation or trigger finger sometimes when the tendon is not gliding well. This can be exacerbated by stiffness in the joints around the finger of those suffering from arthritis.
Common triggers include:
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Morning stiffness
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Repeated gripping
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Swollen joints
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Cold weather
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Overuse during chores, typing, or lifting
The purpose of exercising is to not “force” the finger open. That is a mistake. The aim is to ensure that joints and tendons continue to move gently (but not so much that they cause pain!) to keep them as mobile as possible.
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Best Arthritis Exercises to Help Prevent Finger Locking
1. Finger Bends
Keep hands straight. Bend and straighten each finger one at a time slowly towards your palm again.
Repeat 5-10 times on each hand. Move slowly. Avoid extending the finger straight.
2. Gentle Fist Stretch
Place fingers straight together in the beginning. Make a loose fist with the thumb out from the hand. Let it sit for 3-5 seconds, before opening your hand gently.
This promotes finger mobility without strong gripping.
3. Finger Lifts
Rest the palm of your hand on a table. Extend one finger and then slowly lower it.
This is helpful to increase control and to decrease stiffness of a particular finger.
4. Thumb-to-Finger Touches
Bend your thumb to the fingertip of each finger using an “O”, or in circle motion. Slide hand from forefinger to pinky finger and back.
This helps co-ordination and flexibility, particularly with tasks involved in the day to day like buttoning, holding down small objects or writing.
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How Often Should You Do These Exercises?
Start small. Use one use session each day, preferably when hands are warm and relaxed. It is recommended to gradually introduce exercise and steer clear of activities that cause pain the following day.
Here is a good routine:
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5 minutes per day
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Slow, controlled movement
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No forcing through sharp pain
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Stop during major swelling or flare-ups
When Finger Locking Needs Medical Advice
While exercise can be used to ease stiffness, it is important to get a health care professional's opinion if a finger is stunted, if there is swelling or if there is locking, painful clicking and/or a finger that gets stuck in a bent position. If it does not get better, a trigger finger may require splinting, therapy, medication or other treatment.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to prevent finger locking with arthritis exercises is really about consistency rather than intensity. Although a little stretching is good for the fingers, their use may be aggravated by forceful stretching. Choose a slow pace, let your hands talk, and create a basic groove to actually stick with.
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