One of the ways that arthritis in your hands makes life more challenging is by causing stiff finger joints. It’s difficult to use your hands for normal daily activities when you cannot fully bend your fingers because of arthritis.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. However, treatments like physical therapy can help reduce the pain and improve your range of motion. Additionally, there are some changes you can make in your daily life to help make life easier when you have stiff finger joints.
1. Exercise
Exercise is probably the last thing you want to do when you have stiff finger joints, but it may be exactly what your fingers need. Exercising improves the strength and flexibility of your muscles. Stronger and more flexible muscles can provide better support for the joints and help improve your range of motion and grip strength.
2. Wear a brace
It’s difficult to use your fingers when pain and stiffness is spreading throughout your entire hand. Wearing a brace or splint can help reduce some of the pressure off your hand and fingers. This can improve your ability to use your fingers for simple activities.
3. Improve your diet
A poor diet can promote the development of inflammation, which makes joint pain worse. Foods that make inflammation worse include:
- Saturated fats
- Red meat
- White bread and processed grains
- Sugar
A healthier diet contains nutrients that help fight inflammation instead of making it worse. You can improve your diet to help fight inflammation by consuming foods rich in:
- Unsaturated fats
- Lean protein
- Whole grains
- Colorful fruits and vegetables
4. Simplify your life
Do you use a manual can opener in the kitchen? Switch to an electric one instead. Anything you can do like this to simplify your daily life can help you accomplish tasks without straining your finger joints.
Visit SSOR today for stiff finger joint treatment
Are stiff finger joints from arthritis making it difficult to accomplish daily tasks or enjoy your favorite activities? Our team at SSOR can help.
We can examine your fingers and guide you through a treatment routine to help manage the pain and improve your range of motion. Contact our team today for more information about stiff finger joints or to schedule an initial appointment.