How to Rotate Joints on a Finger for Osteoarthritis

Multiple arthritic conditions (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and psoriatic) can cause pain and swelling in small joints like the fingers. Additionally, you can specifically get arthritis of the finger joints, according to Orthogate.com. In all cases, the more discomfort and symptoms you have, the less likely you are to exercise your hands and fingers. Yet, finger exercises can reduce the redness, pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. Consistent exercise is an important part of any arthritis-management program.

Instructions

Finger Exercises

• 1

  Perform finger flexion (curling) and extension (opening). Open one hand gently. Then slowly curl your fingers toward your palm making a fist with the thumb on the outside. Then slowly open your hand back up. By performing finger flexion and extension, your fingers experience negative and positive rotation. Switch hands and do the same exercises. Try to complete each exercise five times.

• 2

  Do finger abduction (fingers separating) and adduction (fingers touching). With an open hand, gently spread your fingers, so that you can see space between each finger. Hold for three to five seconds. Then, bring the fingers back together, so you do not see space between fingers. Complete the exercise five times on each hand.

• 3

  Rotate each finger with circular motions. Gently hold your right hand's pinky finger with your left hand. Make small clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of your pinky finger several times. Move to your index finger and repeat. Do these same movements for each finger on both hands. You may want to ask a friend or physical therapist to perform these exercises on you so that you do not overwork the hands.

• 4

  Gently pull each finger away from the hand. Hold onto your right-hand pinky finger with your left hand. Hold the finger at the lowest joint closest to the hand. Gently pull up and away from the hand as if lengthening the finger. Repeat this exercise for each finger on both hands. You may want someone else to help you with these exercises to minimize hand overuse.