Stiff, painful hands from arthritis?

How arthritis affects the hands

Arthritis in the hands can make the joints stiff, sore and sometimes swollen. Mornings can be the hardest, with fingers slow to loosen.

Everyday tasks like doing up buttons, opening jars, or holding a cup can become difficult and tiring. The grip may feel weaker and less sure.

Hands respond well to gentle, regular movement. Physiotherapy helps keep the joints mobile and the hands useful for the tasks that matter to you.

What a physiotherapist works on

Our physiotherapist looks at how your hands move, how strong the grip is, and which tasks give you trouble. This shapes a plan that fits your daily life.

We use gentle exercises to keep the fingers and thumbs moving and to support the grip. Little and often works better than a hard session.

We also teach joint protection: easier ways to hold, lift and work so the joints are not overstrained. The aim is hands that keep doing what you need, with less pain.

Protecting the hands day to day

Simple tools can ease the strain on sore joints. Chunkier handles on cutlery and pens, and jar openers, spread the load and save effort.

Spreading a heavy task across both hands, and taking breaks, protects the joints. We show practical ways to work smarter, not harder.

Gentle warmth can ease stiff morning hands before you start. We teach a short daily routine and fit it around the tasks you care about most.

When to see a doctor first

Physiotherapy helps the day to day, but some signs need a doctor. See one if the joints are hot, red and swollen, or if stiffness and swelling appear in many joints, as some types of arthritis need medical treatment.

Get advice if you feel unwell with it, or if joints are changing shape quickly.

For inflammatory arthritis, a doctor guides the medicines, and physiotherapy works alongside that care. We will point you to the right step when it matters.