If you were recently diagnosed with chronic arthritic pain of the hands and fingers, you are most likely interested in finding ways to reduce the sensation you feel when flare-ups are present. There are several steps you can take to help reduce the amount of pain you feel in your hands. Here are some tips you can try when you start to notice discomfort setting in as a way to thwart full-blown pain as a result.
Use Temperature Changes To Reduce Pain In The Hands
When you start feeling the symptoms of your arthritis in your hands, you can immediately use a change in temperature to assist in keeping the circulatory system in check as well as reducing any inflammation in the area. Start by using an ice pack on painful areas to reduce any swelling. Keep this in place for several minutes and then take it off so your skin becomes accustomed to the room temperature once again. Apply a heating pad to the area after the cooled skin warms to a standard temperature. This is usually a pleasing feeling and will give you instant relief.
Do Finger Exercises To Help Stretch The Areas Prone To Pain
Some find that doing exercises of the fingers can be a great way to reduce pain within the joints. These can be conducted during periods of down time and some of them do not require any additional props to perform them. Other exercises require small household objects that are usually present within your home so you do not need to go to a store to make purchases to do the exercises. For example, roll up a washcloth and secure it with rubber bands so it does not unravel. Squeeze the washcloth with your hand to help in exercising areas where arthritis is present. Your physician can give you recommendations on specific exercises to help to target the areas you have difficulty with on a regular basis.
Ask Your Doctor About Creams To Reduce Pain Intensity
Make an appointment with your physician to discuss options in pain management if you feel exercises and home remedies are not working effectively at keeping pain in check. They may be able to prescribe a topical ointment or pain relieving cream to apply to the affected areas when they start to feel stiff. This will reduce the intensity of the pain you deal with as the cream will block the nerve receptors within the skin, numbing the areas a bit in the process. A prescription topical cream or ointment can be used according to your doctor's recommendations and should be kept on hand so it can be applied at the first signs of difficulty in moving the fingers.
