In my younger day I always had a VERY firm hand grip…For the past several years my grip is very weak,especially in cold weather…. I have no arthritis to speak of just stiffness….Any suggestions?????
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 25, 2019
Hello @sailor1750, You must be doing a lot of things well from your description. Here's a video I found that might be helpful from the National Institute on Aging.
6 Flexibility Exercises for Older Adults from Go4Life
Have you looked into any senior exercise classes for building strength?
I am almost 80 and I too have stiff painful fingers which contribute to a weaker grip. I also have "triger finger" which can be very painful. My chiropractor says I probably have tendonitis and/or arthritis and advised specific exercises and gently gripping a warm item. It helps a bit. I also wear padded cycling gloves when using tools ( … and when cycling on my recumbent trike) which helps reduce pain from extended gripping.
Regarding the effect of cold I seem to remember from my student days that in cold weather the blood flow to the extremities decreases to conserve body heat. This might be a factor?
I am almost 80 and I too have stiff painful fingers which contribute to a weaker grip. I also have "triger finger" which can be very painful. My chiropractor says I probably have tendonitis and/or arthritis and advised specific exercises and gently gripping a warm item. It helps a bit. I also wear padded cycling gloves when using tools ( … and when cycling on my recumbent trike) which helps reduce pain from extended gripping.
Regarding the effect of cold I seem to remember from my student days that in cold weather the blood flow to the extremities decreases to conserve body heat. This might be a factor?
Are you considering surgery for the trigger finger? My wife has had it done to 8 fingers and it has taken away the pain so she can knit and sew and quilt. She dislikes surgery but she knows from experience what a difference it's made. She's also had two carpatunnels. She always has minimal anesthesia and was awake for them all. I recommend having them done if you can.
Surgery ? Not yet! I tried splinting but it was more inconvenience than help. If I am unlucky enough to develop a few more trigger fingers I would reconsider surgery but for now finger exercises, mindful meditation and the occasional cuss word helps. I also keep reminding myself that so many people at my my age have much worse conditions and I try to stay positive. Exercise, books, and a sensible approach to diet all help too.
Surgery ? Not yet! I tried splinting but it was more inconvenience than help. If I am unlucky enough to develop a few more trigger fingers I would reconsider surgery but for now finger exercises, mindful meditation and the occasional cuss word helps. I also keep reminding myself that so many people at my my age have much worse conditions and I try to stay positive. Exercise, books, and a sensible approach to diet all help too.
Trigger release is a really simple surgery and has a quick recovery. My wife said, after the first one, that she wished she had done it sooner. She puts off surgery for as long as she can, but not so with trigger release. She had been in pain and couldn't do much, but within two or three days she was knitting again, and could knit as long as she wanted. She's a vocal supporter of doing it sooner than later.
Hello @marazion .
I am sorry to hear of your weak grip. As one with Parkinson's I can certainly relate to that problem. Have you spoken to your doctor about a prescription for occupational therapy? A good OT can be very helpful.
I agree with @johnbishop that any senior exercise program would be helpful.
I would enjoy hearing from you. Will post again and let me know how you are getting along?
Here is a Youtube video of hand exercises for a weak grip. All of the exercises are similar to the ones that I learned in occupational therapy. While the exercises are for people with Parkinson's it looks like they would be helpful for anyone who is dealing with hand problems. If you would like to take a look at it, here is the link,
@iceblue
So nice to hear of an older gentlemen who is in great health and exercises. We do many of the hand and finger exercises in my Senior Active class. Been in that class for 6 years and I have a good strong grip
lol. Something tells me your diet is on track too.
Kudos
I will definitely try to remember! I have arthritis in my hands (the worst is my thumbs) so I don't use them like I did when pain was a consequence. This, however, may be the ticket 🙂
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Hello @sailor1750, You must be doing a lot of things well from your description. Here's a video I found that might be helpful from the National Institute on Aging.
6 Flexibility Exercises for Older Adults from Go4Life
Have you looked into any senior exercise classes for building strength?
I am almost 80 and I too have stiff painful fingers which contribute to a weaker grip. I also have "triger finger" which can be very painful. My chiropractor says I probably have tendonitis and/or arthritis and advised specific exercises and gently gripping a warm item. It helps a bit. I also wear padded cycling gloves when using tools ( … and when cycling on my recumbent trike) which helps reduce pain from extended gripping.
Regarding the effect of cold I seem to remember from my student days that in cold weather the blood flow to the extremities decreases to conserve body heat. This might be a factor?
@marazion
Are you considering surgery for the trigger finger? My wife has had it done to 8 fingers and it has taken away the pain so she can knit and sew and quilt. She dislikes surgery but she knows from experience what a difference it's made. She's also had two carpatunnels. She always has minimal anesthesia and was awake for them all. I recommend having them done if you can.
Jim
Surgery ? Not yet! I tried splinting but it was more inconvenience than help. If I am unlucky enough to develop a few more trigger fingers I would reconsider surgery but for now finger exercises, mindful meditation and the occasional cuss word helps. I also keep reminding myself that so many people at my my age have much worse conditions and I try to stay positive. Exercise, books, and a sensible approach to diet all help too.
Michael
@marazion
Trigger release is a really simple surgery and has a quick recovery. My wife said, after the first one, that she wished she had done it sooner. She puts off surgery for as long as she can, but not so with trigger release. She had been in pain and couldn't do much, but within two or three days she was knitting again, and could knit as long as she wanted. She's a vocal supporter of doing it sooner than later.
Jim
There is a 12% risk of complications according to the NIH….see
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4447687/#Sec1title
So, unless it develops in more fingers I will stick to meditating and cussing!
Michael
MICHAEL
Sent from my iPad
Hello @marazion .
I am sorry to hear of your weak grip. As one with Parkinson's I can certainly relate to that problem. Have you spoken to your doctor about a prescription for occupational therapy? A good OT can be very helpful.
I agree with @johnbishop that any senior exercise program would be helpful.
I would enjoy hearing from you. Will post again and let me know how you are getting along?
Here is a Youtube video of hand exercises for a weak grip. All of the exercises are similar to the ones that I learned in occupational therapy. While the exercises are for people with Parkinson's it looks like they would be helpful for anyone who is dealing with hand problems. If you would like to take a look at it, here is the link,
Awesome exercises! I'm going to add this to my YouTube list of Exercises 🙂
Great! Will you let me know if you find them helpful @iceblue ?
@iceblue
So nice to hear of an older gentlemen who is in great health and exercises. We do many of the hand and finger exercises in my Senior Active class. Been in that class for 6 years and I have a good strong grip
lol. Something tells me your diet is on track too.
Kudos
FL Mary
I will definitely try to remember! I have arthritis in my hands (the worst is my thumbs) so I don't use them like I did when pain was a consequence. This, however, may be the ticket 🙂