7 Exercises to Relieve the Pain and Stiffness of Arthritic Hands

Arthritis is a medical condition that causes the cartilage (basically the cushioning between the joints) to wear away, and this causes stiffness, pain, and inflammation.  It can become difficult, if not totally impossible, to successfully complete simple tasks, such as turning a doorknob, writing, typing or grabbing an eating utensil.

There are some options to treat arthritis pain, such as over-the-counter and prescription medications, and surgery.  But, hand exercises have been proven to provide some relief to patients.
Overtime, arthritic hands will lose strength, and will benefit from some of the following hand exercises.  Exercise will help to keep tendons and ligaments flexible, range of motion will improve, and so will the entire function of the hand.  As an added bonus, specialized hand exercises for arthritis and joint pain may increase the production of synovial fluid, and this will have joints working more efficiently with less swelling, stiffness and pain.

Below are seven (7) hand exercises that can reduce the chronic pain and stiffness, associated with arthritis.

1. Make a fist.
Position your hand as if you were going to shake someone’s hand (without extending your arm).  Now, slowly and deliberately create a fist with your thumb outside of your hand.  Do not squeeze your hand tight.  Release the fist, so that your hand is in the starting position.  Do this ten times on each hand.

2. Finger Bends.
This exercise being in the same manner as the previous exercise – with your hand in a position ready to give a handshake.  Now slowly, bring your thumb down toward your palm, while keeping all other fingers as straight as possible.  Hold for five to ten seconds and release.  Repeat with each finger on both hands.

3. Thumb Stretch.
Similar to the finger bends, but this time, your goal would be to bend your thumb toward the base of your pinky finger.  Stretch it as far as comfortably possible – hold – release – repeat. Ten times.

4. The Claw.
In this exercise, the starting position of your hand should be with your fingers spread and pointing upward.  Your palms should be facing away from you (like you are preparing to give/receive a “high five”).  Now, curve your fingers downward until they touch, resulting in an “O” shape of your hand.  Hold for ten seconds and then slowly release.  This exercise should be performed several times a day, and is most effective, when your hands begin to feel stiff and/or sore.

5. Table Bends.
Rest the pinky side of your hand on a table, with your thumb pointing toward the ceiling.  While keeping your thumb stable, slowly try to bend your other fingers toward your wrist.  Repeat ten times with both hands.  The table provides stability for the hand, which is needed for this exercise.

6. Finger Lifts.
Start with your palm on a flat surface and your fingers should be spread apart.  Slowly raise one finger as high as possible, while all other fingers remain flat on the table.  Hold and lower that finger.  Repeat for each finger on both hands.

7. Wrist Stretch.
Your wrist will also be affected by arthritic pain, and it should be stretched on a regular basis to minimize pain.  With your palms facing downward, hold your right arm out.  Using your left hand, gently and slowly press down on your right hand, until you feel a comfortable stretch in your wrist and arms.  Hold this position for three to five seconds.  Repeat this stretch sequence ten times on each arm.

In addition to the above effective hand exercises, that are excellent in keeping your fingers flexible and relieving stiffness in your hands, below are some addition treatments that you can do at home, to aid in relieving chronic pain associated with arthritis.

1. Ice is a known reliever for swelling.  To avoid potential frostbite, it is important that you use cloth as a barrier, between the ice and your skin.

2. Warm Epsom salt baths are a soothing way to relieve minor pains.  Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, and this is known to reduce nerve pain and built-up bone mineralization.

3. Ginger and honey have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and these make a wonderful warm beverage.  If using ginger, boil a small piece of fresh ginger in a cup of water for at least ten minutes, strain and drink (do this several times a day).  For a cinnamon and honey tea, combine a tablespoon of honey with just a half of teaspoon of cinnamon to your regular tea, and enjoy first thing in the morning.

4. A tablespoon of turmeric can be added to a cup of warm milk, or boil a tablespoon of turmeric in a quart of water for ten minutes, and enjoy later as a cool beverage.

References

https://medium.com/@daisygrace/3-powerful-drinks-to-treat-arthritis-and-joint-pain-cb5271a14c9b#.bsq67xm0w

https://www.jointhealthmagazine.com/consuming-soy-protein-can-prevent-osteoporosis.html

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Do Allergies Cause Joint Pain?

Many scholars and researchers have explained allergy as a reaction in the bodies defend system popularly known as the immune system. It is normally caused many substances which are harmless and they include dust from a house or along the road, some food and pollen. The medical researchers believe that these allergens are not harmful to a person’s immune system, however; it produces a response that is not appropriate. There are several signs and symptoms that are evident during allergy season which includes stuffiness, neck, joint, and joint pains, sneezing and sometimes difficulty in breathing and blocked nose. Allergy can cause severe pains in the joints but cannot be directly attributed to it only.

Painful and Swelling Joints
When a person feels some pain while moving and joints starts swelling, these could be some symptoms but not necessarily caused by allergy. This could be an underlying medical condition that needs urgent medical attention especially if it is prolonged pain. People with such pains should check their diet because it could be one of the causes of allergy which is manifested in the joints in the form of pains. The food intakes of different people vary greatly because to some it can cause discomfort and to others has no negative effect on their bodies. The discomfort could be because of the allergy which may interfere with the immune system of a person.

Allergies cause a lot of discomfort and uneasiness in the eyes, throat, skin, mouth and skin which is common in many people, it can also cause the joints to ache and pain. Though this may not common, one need to know whether he or she has other conditions apart from the signs and symptoms of allergy.

Allergic Complications
Allergy only cannot cause joint pains but other signs and symptoms such respiratory complications, headaches and being in a congested place.  Researchers in the medical field attribute that the signs and symptoms of joint pain are because of running nose, continuous sneezing, itching throat, mouth and eyes but not a stuffy nose, sore throat and stiff coughing which are the signs of allergy. Most people believe that any general join pain, stomach-ache, and headaches are caused by the foods they eat which react negatively hence; affecting the immune system.

Other Causes
Other signs and symptoms include severe fever which is believed to be caused by cold and not allergies. As the body immune system tries to fight the harmful substances, it increases the pain and inflammation in the body which is caused by the combination of allergy and cold. This will eventually be felt in the joints of the body which is usually very severe. If seasonal allergies overlap with cold weather conditions, they can also cause joint pains. This means that joint pains are caused by the combination or overlapping of many factors. Medics believe that allergies cannot cause severe joint pains on its own and cannot directly be linked to being the main cause. This is because even people certain allergic conditions can have the signs and symptoms of severe joint pains.

Weather Influence
Some indications of joint pain can be caused by frequent changes in weather conditions such as temperature and rain, especially in America. It is during this spring season in the United States of America that most allergies are experienced and reported which may cause some allergies. Medical researchers carried out the researcher and found out that there are specific allergens which are active and infectious during this season.

Diet
Causes of allergies differ with different people because there are those caused by changes in weather conditions while others by the type of food they eat. Some food taken can cause allergy and subsequently causes joint pain. This food and food supplement include refined grains, hydrogenated fats and oils, processed sugar, peanuts, and soy sauce. Some of the foods that can help in containing the severe pains include highly fatty fish, turmeric or supplements such as omega 3 which can be taken per day in small quantities or doses.

According to some joint pain product reviews, it is important to use any products meant for treating joint pain under a doctor’s prescriptions. The medications that can offer relief include aspirin, ointments and creams such as analgesia can help in relieving the pains that people go through. The muscle and back pains can be so severe but antidepressant and relaxants medications prescribed can be of help.

Conclusion
In conclusion, allergy can be one of the major signals of joint pain but t it does not necessarily mean that the soreness is caused by allergens. However, allergy is one of the many causes and of joint pains. Therefore, allergies can cause joint pains but not on its own because other factors and causes can lead to joint pains.

References

http://community.healthywomen.org/profiles/blogs/is-there-a-link-between-food-allergy-and-joint-pain

http://www.examiner.com/article/can-allergies-cause-joint-pain

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Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Causes and Treatment

Have you ever experience lower back pain that seems to radiate to your groin area, legs, or upper back? Chronic pain experienced this way is mostly caused by damage or inflammation on the SI joint (Sacroiliac joint). These joints are located on your lower back, on each side of your vertebrae. The SI joint pain can be caused by a variety of reasons including different types of arthritis. The pain also varies from one person to another. Others may have more pain upon waking up in the morning while others may experience more discomfort after engaging into activities.

Here are the various causes of Sacroiliac Joint Pain:
Osteoarthritis – This is the most commonly occurring form of arthritis. It affects the cartilages in the body causing irreversible degradation. Cartilages are protective cushions of the joints and they allow smooth and flexible movements. When cartilages are damaged, the joints also experience significant damage that can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the joints on the knees, spine, hand, hip area. When the hip area is involved, the main damage is on the sacroiliac joint thereby causing back pain that radiates to lower leg or groin area. Joint pain treatments for osteoarthritis may include physical therapy, taking nutritional supplements, regular exercise, and dietary modification.

Psoriatic arthritis – This is a type of arthritis that affects people who have Psoriasis. Inflammation of the joints is similar with the disease process since they are both chronic, have flare-ups, and relapse period. It can cause various joint pain types like foot pain, inflamed fingers and toes, and back pain. The sacroiliac joint is commonly affected when back pain is present. The SI joint can become inflamed and swollen thereby causing stiffness, pain, and severe discomfort. Like Osteoarthritis, there is no permanent treatment for Psoriatic arthritis, the management is focused on relieving joint pain. It may include physical therapy, nutritional supplements, hot and cold therapy, and analgesics.

Gouty Arthritis – Although it commonly affects the joints of the distal appendages, some studies shows that it can also affect the joints of the spine and hip, particularly the SI joint. Gout has a more rapid onset compared to other types of arthritis. It is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the synovial lining of the joints. Unlike other types of arthritis, gout is treatable. Joint pain treatments include dietary modification, physical therapy, NSAIDs, ice therapy, and resting the affected joints.

Ankylosing spondylitis – It is a form of arthritis affecting the vertebrae. It can result to the fusion of the vertebrae resulting to a rigid spine that can cause pain, limitation in movement, and even disability if not treated properly. This type of arthritis is systemic thus it can also involve other parts of the body. Treatment may include, exercise, physical therapy, rest, NSAIDs, and sometimes surgery is necessary.

Rheumatoid arthritis - It is a systemic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints but can also affect the heart, lungs, and other organs of the body.  As the disease progress, it can cause various types of joint pain including sacroiliac joint pain. Joint pain treatments may include NSAIDs, relaxation techniques, physical therapy, application of warm or cold compress, and regular exercise.

Pregnancy – This can also cause sacroiliac joint pain due to the weight of the growing fetus inside the uterus. The hormones released during pregnancy also further contribute to various joint pains.

Hypomobility or Hypermobility – Either too much decrease or increase in physical mobility can also cause sacroiliac joint pain and other types of joint pain. Be sure to have an active lifestyle but have enough time for rest and relaxation

Joint pain treatments involving the sacroiliac joints basically involve the following:
Regular exercise – It helps stimulate blood flow and increase oxygenation on the affected joints. It also enhances mobility and flexibility of the joints.

Dietary Modification – Eliminating oily, processed products and foods high in purine (for patients with gout) can reduce the incidence of joint pain and inflammation. Instead consume foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce the inflammatory process in the body. Also include antioxidants in your diet like fruits, vegetables, and nuts to help reduce the damage on the joints caused by free radicals.

Physical Therapy – This can greatly help reduce joint pain and other symptoms associated with joint damage. It enhances flexibility, mobility, and corrects habits that were formed due to sacroiliac joint pain.

Relaxation Techniques – It helps rejuvenate the cells in the joints and cartilages. Having enough rest periods allows more time for the natural repair process of the body.

Nutritional supplements – These products are readily available in the market and contain various ingredients that help minimize various types of joint pain. They also protect the joints and cartilages from further damage.

Analgesics – The most commonly used analgesics for sacroiliac pain and other types of joint pain are NSAIDs. It offers effective pain relief and at the same time reduces inflammation on the affected joints.

Prevention – Seek medical attention if you constantly experience joint pain specifically in the sacroiliac area because it might be a symptom of something more serious.

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