Hand cramps are often experienced by people who engages in repetitive hand and wrist movement. It can also come up as one ages. Here are some tips to relieve hand cramps:
- Ensure you rest your hand: Knowing fully well that your hand cramps occur due to repetitive hand use, resting your hand is a sure way to relieve the cramps. Avoid activities that require a lot of hand movements too.
- Don’t engage in Repetitive activities: Examples of repetitive activities includes, writing, typing, playing an instrument, gardening, tennis, etc. These activities will add to the cramps you are feeling already, so it is advisable to pause for some time.
- Hand Stretching: This is achieved by holding your hand flat with your fingers touching. Use your other hand to gently press your hand back by pressing against the palms of your finger. Another simple method is by balling your hand into a fist and opening it after 30-60 seconds, stretching your fingers.
- Hand massage: Gently rub your hand using small, circular motions. It is best done when you apply oil on your hand.
- Hot/Cold compress: Heat and cold can both help to relieve pain. The cold compress is mainly to reduce swelling while the heat compress is for soothing the cramp.
- Seek medical help: If your hand cramp persists more than a few hours. It can be a sign of underlying condition or injury. It is advisable to seek medical help. Be sure to get evaluated for rheumatoid arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome if your hand cramp is chronic.
Always remember: “A life of probity is worth living!”
