Arthritis Setting in Your Wrists? Play with Toys!

Like most, I'm ashamed to admit it but I'm starting to face the facts that I'm getting old and, with that, comes things I used to take for granted. One in particular is that my right wrist is losing mobility and strength. I was sent to a local clinic and what I learned in just a short time there could save you a lot of grief.

To make sure my wrist wasn't broken or I was having carpal tunnel syndrome or anything my doctor sent me to the Yakima Hand Clinic to get it checked out. After a few tests they're sure it's some brand of arthritis. I also have psoriasis so it may be psoriatic arthritis but, whatever it is, it's uncomfortable. It's mostly in my right wrist and thumb and, unfortunately, I'm right-handed.

I'd also like to quickly point out that the door to the Yakima Hand Clinic is a little hard to open for me. I'm going to assume that's just the test to see if I qualify for services.

To get it working as best I can, they had me do a few exercises that involve wrist movements kind of like lifting weights without the weights, although I think they do have small weights there. Anything to stretch out and use the wrist. Kind of like 'wrist yoga'.

My favorite, though, was something like a kid's game as seen in the photo. You have to made the ball follow the path from one side to the other moving the device to make it happen. I actually kind of want to buy one of these just to play with at home.

Once I was done with therapy for the day my wrist did feel a little better, but went back to where it was after a little while so I think just constant usage will get it flexible.