Having arthritis in your hands can make even the simple task of holding the steering wheel incredibly uncomfortable or painful, especially with all the hours truckers spend driving.
All the different types of arthritis have joint swelling and pain in common, but these three hand exercises from WebMD may be able to help some with arthritis pain in the hands.
1. Claw Stretch
Improve your fingers’ range of motion by holding you hand out with palm up. Curve your fingertips so they touch the base of each finger joint, making your hand look like a claw. Hold your fingers in this claw position for 30-60 seconds, then release. Repeat four times on each hand.
2. Thumb Flex
Do this exercise to increase the range of motion in your thumb. Begin with your palm up and extend your thumb away from your other fingers. Extend it as far as possible, then bend it over your palm until it rests on the base of your pinky. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds then repeat four times with both thumbs.
3. Grip Strengthener
This exercise makes it easier to open door knobs and hold things. Begin by holding a soft ball or similar item in your palm. Squeeze as hard as possible and hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat 10-15 times on each hand. “Do this exercise 2-3 times a week, but rest your hands for 48 hours in between sessions. Don’t do this exercise if your thumb joint is damaged,” says WebMD.
