When our hands are healthy, we often overlook the intricate, coordinated movements they perform daily. From typing to grasping, our hands execute dozens of tiny, precise actions without us giving them a second thought. For example, whether you’re reading this on a phone, tablet, or computer, it took a series of deliberate motions—tapping, scrolling, and clicking—all done effortlessly. This seamless performance is made possible by the healthy balance of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together.
Hand stiffness is often caused by strain or damage to the muscles, tendons, joints or ligaments, which can limit your range of motion and cause discomfort. Depending on the underlying cause, symptoms may worsen, remain constant, or improve with simple at-home treatments like rest or icing.
At FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute, we understand how hand and finger stiffness can interfere with your daily activities and affect your overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to address hand stiffness. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most effective approaches for managing this common condition.
Treatment Options for Hand Stiffness at FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute
The first step toward lasting relief from hand stiffness is identifying its root cause. Whether your symptoms are due to overuse, arthritis, or another underlying condition, a personalized treatment plan can significantly enhance your comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Here are some of the most effective treatment options we may recommend for managing hand stiffness:
- Rest: For mild cases, limiting hand or finger use can ease the strain and support healing. A brace or splint may be recommended to keep the area stable and reduce movement—especially helpful for conditions like trigger finger, arthritis, or tendonitis.
- Activity Modification: Reducing repetitive movements that contribute to hand stiffness—especially in overuse injuries—can help alleviate symptoms. A hand therapist at FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute can guide you in adjusting daily activities to reduce strain while also teaching exercises and stretches to minimize irritation and prevent future injuries.
- Cold and Heat Therapy: Heat therapy helps ease stiffness by boosting circulation, which relaxes muscles and improves mobility. Cold therapy, on the other hand, can reduce inflammation and numb pain, especially after activity or in cases of acute flare-ups.
- Corticosteroid Injections: For more advanced cases involving inflammation (e.g., arthritis or trigger finger), a steroid injection can provide rapid and lasting relief.
- Surgical Intervention: When conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered to address the underlying cause of hand stiffness. This option is typically reserved for more severe or persistent cases.
Get Lasting Relief from Hand Stiffness at FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute
At your visit to FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute in Fremont, we’ll perform a thorough evaluation of your hands and ask specific questions about when your stiffness began, what activities worsened it, and how it has progressed. In many cases, this assessment alone helps us identify the root cause. If needed, we may also use advanced diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, to detect arthritis, joint damage, or other structural concerns.
Based on our findings, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve stiffness, restore mobility, and help you regain optimal hand function. Don’t let hand stiffness limit your quality of life. Call (510) 480-3700 or request an appointment online to get started!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriatic-arthritis/prevent-stiffness