HANDS DOWN

actor portrayal of woman tying a kayak on the roof of the car while a man holds a kayak and little girl holds a paddle

Doing these hand exercises to the best of your ability may help with dexterity, range of motion and hand function. Try soaking your hands in warm water or wrap them in a warm towel before starting, to loosen and relax your fingers and joints.^*†

JOINT/FINGER STRETCH

_{Hold your hands out in front of you, and point your fingers upward. Slowly bend and curl your fingers toward you into a fist. Then slowly reverse the stretch until the fingers are all straight. Repeat 8-10 times.}

WRIST ROTATION

_{Extend your arms out in front of you. Gently grip your right forearm with your left hand to avoid rotating your elbow. Slowly rotate your right hand at the wrist inward and then outwards. Repeat 8-10 times. Then switch arms and repeat.}

BACK OF THE HAND STRETCH

_{Make a “stop” gesture by stretching your arms in front of you, palms up, facing outward. Slowly bend your palms back toward your body to give the back of your hands a gentle stretch. Then lower your palms to give the front of your hands a stretch. Go back and forth 8-10 times.}

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^*Remember to talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program to make sure the exercises are safe for you, especially if you are experiencing a flare.
^†Not advised if experiencing joint flaring; speak to your doctor before applying heat.

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