Pain in the wrist is common for arthritis sufferers. While exercises can’t cure the underlying reason for your wrist pain, they can offer relief, improve circulation and increase range of motion.
Try a few of these exercises each day and you’ll reap the benefits hands down.
Wrist Circle Rest your wrist against a flat surface, and allow your hand to hang off the edge. Perform five clockwise and five counter-clockwise hand circles of the wrist. Make sure to initiate the movement from your wrist; not your fingers. Repeat on the other side.
Windshield Wipers Rest your hands in the same position used for the wrist circles. Imagine that your hands are windshield wipers, and swivel them from side to side. Perform 12 repetitions, six to each side.
Flex and Extend Rest one hand against a flat surface. Flex your wrist, so that your fingers point toward the ceiling. You can use the other hand to assist the stretch. Hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, and then extend your wrist so that your fingers point toward the floor. Once again, use your other hand to increase the stretch. Hold for at least 20 seconds, and then repeat the sequence on the other hand.
Twisting Begin with your wrists against a flat surface, with your palms facing the floor. Rotate your wrists so that your palms face the ceiling, and then rotate them back so that they face the floor. Perform 10 repetitions.
Wrist Strengthener Place your hands together as if in a "prayer" position. Press your left hand against your right, and try to bend your right wrist back. Resist the movement with your right hand. Repeat in the opposite direction.
If your wrist is inflamed, wait until the inflammation subsides before exercising.
