Hands gently holding a glowing orb, symbolizing strength and healing in osteoarthritis

Unlock Stronger Hands: Simple Exercises for Osteoarthritis Relief

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 3 min read.

"Discover how targeted exercises and expert advice can significantly improve grip strength and reduce pain in hand osteoarthritis, empowering you to regain control and comfort."

Osteoarthritis (OA) in the hands can be a daily challenge, impacting everything from opening jars to typing on a keyboard. The pain and reduced grip strength associated with this condition can limit your independence and diminish your quality of life. But there's hope: simple, targeted exercises and professional advice can make a significant difference.

A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy sheds light on the effectiveness of a combined interdisciplinary approach to managing hand OA. This approach, combining tailored exercises with expert consultations, offers a promising path to improved hand function and reduced discomfort.

This article will break down the key findings of the study and translate them into actionable steps you can take to start strengthening your hands and relieving OA symptoms today.

The Power of Combined Intervention

Hands gently holding a glowing orb, symbolizing strength and healing in osteoarthritis

The study, conducted by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna and other institutions, involved 151 participants with hand OA. The participants were divided into two groups: one received a combined intervention consisting of a one-session individual consultation with rheumatology-trained health professionals, detailed information on functioning, activities of daily living, physical activity, nutrition, assistive devices, instructions on pain management and exercises, followed by telephone follow-up. The other group received routine care plus a placebo in the form of a massage ball.

The results were compelling: after eight weeks, the group receiving the combined intervention showed a significant increase in grip strength compared to the routine care group. Moreover, participants in the intervention group reported greater satisfaction with their treatment.

Here are some key components of the successful combined intervention:

Individualized Consultation: A one-on-one session with a health professional trained in rheumatology to address your specific needs and challenges.
Targeted Exercises: A tailored exercise program designed to improve range of motion, grip strength, and overall hand function.
Education and Support: Detailed information on managing OA, including advice on nutrition, assistive devices, and pain management techniques.
Follow-Up: A telephone consultation to reinforce advice, answer questions, and provide ongoing support.

This combined approach is effective because it addresses the multifaceted nature of hand OA. It's not just about strengthening muscles; it's about providing the knowledge, tools, and support you need to manage your condition effectively.

Take Control of Your Hand Health

Living with hand osteoarthritis doesn't mean giving up on the activities you love. By incorporating targeted exercises, seeking professional guidance, and embracing a holistic approach to managing your condition, you can regain strength, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life. Start with small steps, be patient with your progress, and celebrate every victory along the way. Your hands will thank you for it.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s13075-018-1747-0, Alternate LINK

Title: Functional Consultation And Exercises Improve Grip Strength In Osteoarthritis Of The Hand – A Randomised Controlled Trial

Journal: Arthritis Research & Therapy

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Michaela A. Stoffer-Marx, Meike Klinger, Simone Luschin, Silvia Meriaux-Kratochvila, Monika Zettel-Tomenendal, Valerie Nell-Duxneuner, Jochen Zwerina, Ingvild Kjeken, Marion Hackl, Sylvia Öhlinger, Anthony Woolf, Kurt Redlich, Josef S. Smolen, Tanja A. Stamm

Published: 2018-11-09

Everything You Need To Know

What does a combined interdisciplinary approach involve for managing hand osteoarthritis, and how does it differ from routine care?

A combined interdisciplinary approach, as highlighted by research in *Arthritis Research & Therapy*, involves integrating tailored exercises with expert consultations. Participants in the study received a one-session individual consultation with rheumatology-trained health professionals including detailed information on functioning, activities of daily living, physical activity, nutrition, assistive devices, instructions on pain management and exercises, followed by telephone follow-up, demonstrating significant improvements in grip strength and overall satisfaction compared to those receiving routine care plus a placebo in the form of a massage ball.

Besides exercises, what are the essential components of a successful intervention for hand osteoarthritis, and how do they work together?

Individualized consultation, a key component of the combined intervention, provides a one-on-one session with a health professional trained in rheumatology. This addresses specific needs and challenges related to hand osteoarthritis. Targeted exercises, another vital element, involve a tailored exercise program designed to improve range of motion, grip strength, and overall hand function. Education and support offer detailed information on managing osteoarthritis, including advice on nutrition, assistive devices, and pain management techniques. Furthermore, follow-up consultations reinforce advice, answer questions, and provide ongoing support, ensuring a comprehensive approach to managing the condition.

How significant was the improvement in grip strength observed in the study, and what does this say about the combined intervention's effectiveness?

The study showed that participants receiving the combined intervention, including individualized consultation, targeted exercises, education, and follow-up, experienced a significant increase in grip strength after eight weeks compared to the group receiving routine care plus a placebo in the form of a massage ball. This improvement underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach that combines physical exercises with expert advice and ongoing support.

How can someone take control of their hand health when living with osteoarthritis, and what does embracing a holistic approach mean?

Embracing a holistic approach involves integrating several strategies, including targeted exercises to improve hand strength and range of motion, seeking professional guidance to address specific needs, and incorporating education on nutrition, assistive devices, and pain management techniques. By combining these elements, individuals can proactively manage their hand osteoarthritis and improve their overall quality of life. It's important to be patient, start with small steps, and consistently work towards regaining strength and reducing pain.

What are the potential future research directions that could build on the findings related to combined interventions for hand osteoarthritis?

While the combined intervention demonstrated effectiveness, further research could explore the long-term impacts of such approaches. Questions could include how sustainable are the benefits over several years. It would be useful to determine the ideal frequency and intensity of targeted exercises to maintain improvements, and how telehealth or digital platforms could enhance accessibility and adherence to the intervention components. Future studies might also examine the effectiveness of integrating additional therapies, such as acupuncture or mindfulness practices, to complement the existing intervention and provide even more comprehensive support for individuals with hand osteoarthritis.