Are Hand Grips Good for Rheumatoid Arthritis? Tips to Maintain Grip

Maintaining Grip Strength with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that often results in joint damage over time. The joints in the hands and wrists are commonly affected. Consequently, many living with RA experience a weakening grip strength as the disease progresses.

This results in difficulties performing simple daily tasks like opening jars, tools, doors and more. The question then becomes what solutions help strengthen the grip and protect hand and wrist function for those with rheumatoid arthritis?

Causes of Diminishing Grip Strength with Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are several key reasons why those with rheumatoid arthritis experience reduced grip strength, muscle weakness and loss of hand and wrist function over time without proactive solutions:

Chronic Joint Inflammation

The immune system mistakenly attacks soft joint tissue in rheumatoid arthritis resulting in painful inflammation, swelling, warmth and joint damage. If the inflammation goes unchecked, joints may continue to deteriorate making gripping more difficult.

Joint Stiffness and Pain

Morning joint stiffness lasting over 30 minutes and pain even at rest are common RA symptoms. Constant pain and stiffness make movement difficult. Limited mobility results in loss of flexibility, muscle strength and grip over time.

Medication Side Effects

Older RA drugs like prednisone may temporarily improve symptoms, but also come with side effects like muscle weakness when taken long term. Even newer biologic medications now available come with risks when first starting treatment.

Tendon Ruptures

Tendons connect muscle to bone allowing proper joint movement. Some RA medication options increase risk of tendon rupture in rare cases. Ruptured wrist and hand tendons severely impair grip strength and require prompt surgery.

Joint Deformities

Severe progression of rheumatoid arthritis can eventually result in permanent joint damage and deformities like swan neck deformity affecting wrists and fingers. This obviously weakens the grip significantly in advanced stages.

Are Hand Grips and Hand Exercises Beneficial?

Now that we have covered the factors involved with reducing grip strength among those with rheumatoid arthritis, the next question is whether solutions like hand grips and hand exercises can counter or possibly reverse the damage and impairment over time.

Medical experts and researchers are still debating the overall effectiveness when factoring in proper rest, medication management and not exacerbating symptoms. Heres an overview of current scientific thinking on the pros and cons of hand grip exercises with rheumatoid arthritis:

Potential Benefits

• Can strengthen grip, fingers and wrist
• Build endurance for daily tasks
• Delay loss of strength/function
• Improve range of motion
• Easy to add to routines

Potential Risks

• May worsen joint inflammation
• Can lead to overuse injuries
• Fatigue muscles if done excessively
• Dont slow joint damage progression
• Require adjustment during flare-ups

Research reveals that while grip strengthening exercises cant actually reverse or stop joint damage from progressing, they still play an important role. The key is tailoring the exercises properly to each individual.

Tips for Safe and Effective Hand Exercises with Rheumatoid Arthritis

If done correctly, hand grips and exercises can significantly benefit rheumatoid arthritis patients without worsening symptoms or causing harm. Here are some top tips for safe and effective hand strengthening with RA:

Consult Your Rheumatologist First

Have an open conversation with your rheumatologist before starting a new grip strengthening routine. Make sure the types of hand exercises wont exacerbate disease activity or interfere with your current treatment plan and medications.

Start Low and Go Slow

Beginning a new exercise program is not the time for intense and aggressive workouts if living with rheumatoid arthritis! Start with very low intensity resistance that allows proper form and only work the hands and wrists for 5-10 minutes maximum when first getting started.

Focus on Eccentric Movements

Eccentric movements refer to motions where muscles lengthen under tension rather than contract. This includes slowly lowering weights rather than lifting. Studies show eccentric training minimizes joint impact while still building strength.

Emphasize Range of Motion

Full range of motion exercises move joints through their complete arc without injury. This maintains flexibility and function. Prioritize full ROM movements for hands and wrists in initial exercise routines.

Listen to Your Body

Pay close attention to any pain signals, swelling or stiffness during and after performing grip and hand exercises. Immediately stop an activity if it exacerbates inflammation or other RA symptoms and adjust your program accordingly.

Best Hand Grip Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Once cleared by your rheumatologist, here are 5 of the safest and most effective hand and wrist strengthening exercises to start with:

1. Tennis Ball Squeezes

• Hold tennis ball and squeeze continuously for 30 seconds
• Relax grip for 30 seconds between sets
• Repeat for 5 sets twice daily

2. Wrist Curls

• Sit with arm supported on table, palm facing up
• Slowly bend wrist up, hold 5 seconds, lower for 10 seconds Eccentric!
• Start with no weight and advance slowly up to 5 pound dumbbell over time
• Repeat 10 times, 2 sets per wrist daily

3. Finger Towel Lifts

• Lay towel out flat on table in front of your hand
• Start with fingers on towel, slowly curl fingers up, lifting towel
• Hold for 5 seconds, lower towel slowly for 10 seconds
• Repeat 10 times, 2 sets per hand daily

4. Putty Squeezes

• Knead and squeeze therapy putty continuously for 1-2 minutes
• Relaxes grip then repeat twice more for 3 sets total daily
• Increases strength and flexibility in fingers/wrists

5. Finger Extensions

• Sit with arm extended out straight in front of you
• Open fingers wide, stretching out fully
• Hold fully extended for 5 seconds
• Close hand into loose fist, repeat 10 times, 2 sets daily

Be sure to start very slowly with just bodyweight and minimal resistance when first adding grip and hand exercises to your routine with RA. Progress cautiously over time and stop immediately if any exercise worsens pain or inflammation!

Other Non-Exercise Strategies to Maintain Grip Strength

While targeted hand exercises play an important role, they arent the only solution available for protecting grip strength. Implementing other proactive strategies can provide complementary benefits:

Consistent Medication Use

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate can minimize systemic joint inflammation when used consistently. Biologic agents also suppress overactive immune responses. Controlling overall disease activity allows for better exercise tolerance.

Assistive Devices

Using specially designed items reduces strain on hands during daily tasks. Products like jar openers take pressure off fingers and wrists so you avoid further damaging inflamed joints while still maintaining independence.

Periodic Occupational Therapy

Seeing an occupational therapist (OT) trained in rheumatoid arthritis

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.