Hand care for people with arthritis

Read on for our top tips and useful products for people with joint pain and stiffness that makes hand care difficult

Top tips for caring for stiff and painful hands

• Keep nails short so they are easier to maintain.
• Massage hands to improve circulation and flexibility.
• Do hand exercises to maintain mobility.
• Use a hand cream with natural anti-inflammatory ingredients.
• Wear gloves on cold days to stop joints becoming stiff and painful.
• Apply heat to relax soft tissues and increase circulation. Options include an electric heating pad, warm water bottle or a heat wrap.
• Apply cold to ease inflammation and swelling associated, usually in the form of a cold pack to the affected hand joint(s) for 10–20 minutes.

Hand heaven 

This certified organic hand lotion leaves skin feeling beautifully soft and moisturised. Enriched with skin-conditioning sunflower oil, protective beeswax to help lock in moisture, and a purifying blend of organic essential oils, it’s the perfect treat for aching hand joints.

Organic Defence Hand Cream 50ml is available for £6.50 (50ml) from www.nealsyardremedies.com or tel 0800 0832 111.

Nail saviour

Good Housekeeping recently asked 770 women to test 42 brands of nail strengtheners over one month. Winning product Orly Nail Defense Strengthening Treatment is enriched with proteins to seal and prevent breakages. Some testers spotted nail growth too.

Orly Nail Defense Strengthening Treatment (18ml) is available for about £8 from www.amazon.co.uk.

Clip assist

Introducing a clever One-Handed Nail Clipper Tool, handy for people with arthritis who may struggle to pinch the nail clippers. The sturdy lower base and clipper attachment holds the clippers in place and allows you to cut your nails with minimal effort.

One Handed Nail Clipper Tool is £10 from www.shop.disabilityhorizons.com or tel 0800 567 7812.