For those who suffer from it, hand strength loss is a serious issue that complicates even the most common of daily routine tasks, making it difficult to get through the day.
We use our hands for basic daily activities including self-care, such as dressing and bathing, as well as for our jobs and hobbies. Therefore, simple tasks such as preparing food, opening containers, making a phone call, driving a car, or even opening and closing doors can be a struggle for people with hand weakness.
Fortunately, in many cases there are solutions to this problem, allowing individuals to retain their freedom and improve their quality of life.
Exercises to restore strength loss
Basic exercises for the hand can help restore strength. One of the easiest and most effective solutions for strength loss is doing the right exercises consistently.
Among the most common at-home exercises for hand strength are squeezing stress balls or using clay to strengthen the muscles used for gripping. Engaging in stretches and other exercises for your wrists, thumbs and fingers may also be effective.
These exercises are usually quite simple, and just a few minutes each day can make a difference in maintaining or even boosting hand strength.
Medication might help
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, may help reduce hand weakness symptoms like inflammation or pain.
These medications, however, are commonly used to help with symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, but they don't fix the root cause of the issue.
There are other drugs that might help, but it is always recommended to seek medical advice before taking any medication.
Physical therapy to overcome strength loss
A diagnosis from a doctor followed by a program developed by a licensed physical therapist to treat the specific cause of hand strength loss symptoms will improve the mobility and strength of the hand. This type of approach can help to improve functional ability.
Typically, a muscle strengthening plan will consist of gentle, low-impact exercises that target the affected areas, gradually ramping up in intensity as the plan progresses.
Strengthening exercises are typically combined with flexibility and balance exercises, in order to develop the muscles in a safe and effective way.
Assistive devices for limited hand function
Currently, there is a wide selection of adaptive devices designed to help perform different tasks throughout the day. These products enable individuals to overcome grip problems and take part in numerous daily activities more independently.
Devices may include protective gear, such as wrist braces and splints, feeding aids as well as personal care and hygiene tools. This could be a solution for people experiencing strength loss, since these gadgets solve common problems, making daily life easier.
Surgery may be necessary
Depending on the condition causing hand strength loss, or in case non-surgical methods do not bring results, the doctor may recommend surgery.
However, most people with musculoskeletal and arthritis-related problems in their hands or wrists will not need surgery. This decision will depend on:
- How bad are the symptoms (pain or loss of hand function);
- The personal needs of the patient;
- The response to other treatments, including drugs, splinting and exercise.
The recovery will depend on the type of procedure and the individual´s general health. But the surgeon will provide information on what to expect after the surgery.
NUADA smart glove: A solution for hand strength loss
NUADA is a device that looks like a thin glove but hides a hand exoskeleton and a smart wristband. This non-intrusive and light (yet powerful) support system helps individuals experiencing hand strength loss or suffering from acute hand pain to perform everyday tasks in a discrete and natural way.
This innovative hand function device is made of thin, breathable, flexible and smart textiles resulting in a comfortable glove, which can be used on an everyday basis. It enables users to regain their hand grip and grasp objects up to 40 kg with a totally relaxed hand.
NUADA robotic glove is safe and simple to use, making an immediate and huge difference in the user's quality of life.
Visit our blog and find out how NUADA glove can be a perfect solution to give you back your hand strength and independence.