You’ve most likely heard arthritis being mentioned by people who frequently suffer from sore joints and muscles and may have wondered, “what is arthritis?”. A joint disease that many people will face in their lifetime, arthritis consists of inflammation of one or multiple joints. It is prevalent in both men and women and can affect people of all ages, although it is more common as you get older. There are many kinds of arthritis, the most common ones being rheumatic and osteoarthrosis (degenerative joint disease). 

With today’s constant use of technology, we’re continuously typing on computers, phones, and other digital devices. Those prone to arthritis are seeing early onset. Luckily, there are a number of arthritis treatments available. From medication to natural resources, you are sure to find an option that is suitable to your personal needs. 

Our team at Versa Movement Collective understands how disruptive arthritis can be to sufferers’ daily lives. We have put together some useful tips and exercises to help you manage your arthritis. 

If you have experienced consistent joint pain and noticed that it isn’t improving, you may be wondering if you have arthritis. A few of the common symptoms of arthritis are:

·       Pain

·       Swelling

·       Stiffness

·       Redness

·       Inability to move certain joints

While these are common signs and symptoms, it is always best to contact your healthcare practitioner to know for sure. Once you have visited your doctor, your next step will likely be to see a physiotherapist, where you’ll receive a treatment plan, specific to you. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, particularly in your hands, you can use the following hand exercises for arthritis:

Make a Fist

You can perform this exercise anytime you begin feeling pain in your hands. Start by holding your hand out with your fingers straight. Then gently bring your fingers into a fist with your thumb on the outside, do not squeeze. Then open your hand and straighten your fingers once again. Repeat this exercise 10 times on both hands.

Finger Lifts

You can do the finger lift exercise by placing your hand flat on your desk or table. Once your hand is palm to the table, begin lifting each finger slowly. Hold the finger in place for a few seconds before placing it down again and moving on to the next finger. Repeat this exercise on both hands as much as needed to help ease stiffness or pain.

Thumb & Finger Bends

This exercise begins with you holding your hand palm up in front of you with your fingers extended. Begin with your thumb and bend it towards your inner palm, stretching towards your pinky finger. Hold this position for several seconds, feeling that stretch along your thumb. Then proceed to bend the remaining fingers, one at a time, towards the bottom of your palm. Repeat the exercise on the other hand and continue as needed.

Manage Your Arthritis with Us

Our team of medical and fitness professionals at Versa Movement Clinic is committed to your health. They are knowledgeable and trained in various treatment services for a wide assortment of ailments. We strongly believe that movement is medicine and want to help tailor a treatment plan for each of our client's individual needs. Our aim is to instill the confidence one needs to not only recover from pain or injuries but also to prevent them from happening, in the first place.

To learn more about how we can help you with your arthritis treatment or any other pain management/prevention, please call us at 403-727-0802 or book an appointment through our online booking portal .