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Ways to Deal With Hand Arthritis

In general, the joints of the hands are most frequently affected by arthritis. From writing a grocery list to opening the pantry door, the pain and limited mobility caused by arthritis in the hands can prevent us from accomplishing even the simplest of daily tasks. However, we offer a variety of innovative treatments to residents in and around Jacksonville, Florida. For example, a platelet-rich Plasma injection (PRP)can be used to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be relieved with physical therapy.

If you have arthritis, use the exercises below to ease your pain now and then contact Southeast Orthopedic Specialists at (904) 634-0640 or via our online form to make an appointment with an experienced orthopedic doctor.

7 Hand Exercises for Individuals with Arthritis

1. Finger Lift

  • With your palm facing down, put your hand on a table.
  • Slowly lift one of your fingers as high above the table as you can (keeping your palm flat).
  • Gently lower your finger.
  • Perform this exercise for each finger on each hand.

Repeat at least 8 times per hand.

2. Make a Fist

  • Slowly close your fingers into a fist.
  • Wrap your thumb around your fingers.
  • Hold this for at least 30 seconds.
  • Open your hand.
  • Stretch your fingers out.

Perform this exercise 4 times for each hand.

3. Thumb Bend

  • Bend your thumb toward your palm.
  • Try and touch your pinky with your thumb.
  • Hold this position for a few seconds.

Perform this exercise 10 times for each hand.

4. Pinch Strengthener

This exercise helps develop your thumb and finger muscles, making it easier for you to tear packages open, turn keys and pull on a car-door handle. Keep in mind that you should only perform this particular exercise a few times a week (with 48 hours between your sessions). Furthermore, individuals who have damage to their thumb joint, need to skip this exercise altogether.

  • Pinch a soft, foam ball between your fingertips and your thumb.
  • Hold this for at least 30 seconds and then release.

Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times for each hand.

5. Finger Stretch

  • Place your hand with your palm facing down on a flat surface. Your hand should be relaxed, but not completely flat.
  • Gently stretch your fingers until your hand is flat (without forcing your joints). If you are unable to make your hand completely flat, just do the best you can.
  • Hold this position for at least 30 seconds.

Perform this exercise 4 times with each hand.

6. Squeeze a Stress Ball

Stress balls make great grip strengtheners. As you strengthen your grip, you will find that it is easier for you to turn door knobs and hold things. Keep in mind that you should only perform this particular exercise a few times a week (with 48 hours between your sessions). Also, if you have damage to your thumb joint, you need to skip this exercise altogether.

  • Squeeze your stress ball as hard as you can (without causing pain).
  • Hold the squeeze for a few seconds.
  • Release the ball.

Perform this exercise 15 times for each hand.

7. Claw Stretch

  • Holding your hand in front of you with your palm facing you, slowly bend all of your fingertips (at the same time) toward the base of their own finger. Your hand should look like a claw as you are performing this exercise.
  • Hold this for at least 30 seconds.

Repeat this exercise 4 times for each hand.

Your Foot Pain Could Be Plantars Warts

Lots of people suffer from foot pain, and in many cases, discomfort is ignored or “written off” as just part of the natural wear-and-tear of everyday living, the effects of aging or wearing ill-fitting shoes. But is it? The feet are some of the most complex structures in the body, comprising dozens of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and other components, and that means there are a lot of factors that can cause or contribute to foot pain. And while aging, strain and bad shoes can cause foot pain, there are other issues – often overlooked – that may also be at play. Among the more common issues are plantar warts.

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Why Foot Care is Important

Your feet were made for walking, and it’s important not to tiptoe around the importance of foot health. Despite the distance from your heart, the health of your feet can impact your overall health. It’s important not to ignore foot pain. If your feet hurt, it’s time to see your doctor or schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. As a matter of fact, your feet should be checked regularly even before there is a problem. Comprised of over 50 bones, 200 muscles, 60 joints, tendons and ligaments, feet are really a true marvel of engineering.

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Myths and Facts: The Truth About Ortho Medicine

While men and women can both benefit from a visit to an orthopedic medicine specialist, orthopedic medicine is especially beneficial to women. When you discover a few of the myths and facts about orthopedic medicine, you will quickly realize exactly how important this practice can be to a woman’s health.

Myths About Ortho Medicine

  • Orthopedic Medicine is Just for Athletes – While many athletes, young and old, are patients at an orthopedic practice, these are far from the only people who can benefit. Anyone can suffer bone and joint problems. Your general practitioner can tell you if you need to see this specialist.
  • If You Can Move a Joint or Bone, You Are Okay – You can suffer a fracture or other bone injury and still be able to move the affected area with no problems. That’s why a visit to the orthopedic doctor is necessary after an injury.
  • Using Your Computer Causes Carpel Tunnel and Playing Tennis Causes Tennis Elbow – While in some cases, computer use causes carpel tunnel syndrome and playing tennis causes tennis elbow, these are far from the only causes. If you have symptoms of these ailments, it is important to visit your orthopedic doctor right away.

A Few Facts About Ortho Medicine

  • Adult Knee Surgery is the Most Popular Orthopedic Surgery – If you need surgery on your knee, you are not alone!
  • Orthopedic Surgeons Can be Generalists or Specialists – Some orthopedic doctors specialize in one area (such as spine surgery or joint rebuilding) while others are focused more on general care. Sometimes a team of doctors is employed to get you the care you need.
  • An Orthopedic Doctor Uses Several Tests to Get the Right Diagnosis – There is seldom any guessing necessary in an orthopedic practice. A doctor can use X-rays, CT Scans, MRIs, blood tests and other tests to find out exactly what is wrong. Once the doctor has a correct diagnosis, finding you the best care is even easier.

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when it comes to orthopedic medicine. If you would like to learn more or talk to a specialist today, reach out to us at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. We would love to help you feel your best today—and tomorrow.

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