Stiff fingers are often associated with age; the older you get, the more likely you are to suffer from stiff hands. While this is true, it is also likely because older people tend to develop arthritis hands because of joint degeneration.
Some people feel pain, which can be a dull ache or severe pain, depending on the severity of the inflammation. Even if you’re not in pain, stiff fingers can be very uncomfortable when left untreated, especially since you’ll have to stop what you’re doing until it passes and your fingers become flexible again.
Unfortunately, you can get stiff fingers at any time, often without any notice. You may be gripping something and suddenly your fingers go stiff. You will lose your grip and this may be more than stiff hands to you. It may mean you lose time, sleep, or your favorite cup. After all, your hands are “not working”, or they have taken an abnormal shape.
Here are some of the measures you can take to find relief quickly.
Use heat to boost blood circulation
You can do this by immersing your hands in warm or slightly hot water. As long as you can comfortably withstand the temperature, the higher the faster your fingers will be restored. You can also wrap your hands with a warm towel or apply a heating pad.
Exercise your joints regularly
If you get stiff hands in the morning, have a stretching routine to get ahead of the stiffness. For example, if you get stiff fingers when you start working, you can stretch your hands and fingers every morning. Observe if this helps reduce the frequency of stiff fingers and its intensity.
Apply topical creams
Ask your doctor for hand creams that will help control stiffness, especially in the morning or at night.
Stress control
Sometimes stress makes stiff hands more intense, so if you can control stress levels, the better. You can practice yoga, deep breathing, and meditation to reduce stress or keep it under control.
Use Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
You may need your doctor to prescribe the best for arthritic hands, but you can also get over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen.
Take supplements that target stiff joints
Fish oil, borage, black currant oils, and evening primrose are examples of supplements that ease stiff hands. Before buying any supplement, discuss it with your doctor, especially if you are on other medications.
These remedies are only applicable if you suspect you have arthritis in the hands or your fingers are getting stiff due to repetitive movements. Rest your hands and observe if the stiffness stops. If it continues, you should get tested to find the cause and get the best treatment for it.
If you’ve suffered a hand injury, such as a fracture, sprain, or dislocation, you shouldn’t attempt to stretch your joints because they may worsen your situation. Instead, you should get a splint to support the fingers as you go to the hospital to seek specialized care. Ask your doctor if you can exercise your fingers and if not, how long you should wait to do so. For more detailed guidance you may visit Hand Therapy Associates.