“Some people may have muscle fatigue and morning stiffness that lasts for several hours and gets in the way of daily functioning,” says Ronald Rapoport, MD, chief of rheumatology at Southcoast Health in Fall River, Massachusetts. Though exercises for psoriatic arthritis feet and hands may not seem very appealing when you’re feeling stiff, swollen, and achy, research shows that physical activity can help improve symptoms. Movement keeps tendons loose and can also lessen pain and inflammation. And when muscles are strong, joints don’t have to work as hard, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Another form of psoriatic arthritis inflammation, called enthesitis, can cause tender spots where tendons and ligaments join bones, resulting in pain at the back of the heel, the sole of the foot, around the elbows, or in other areas of the body. While doctors prescribe psoriatic arthritis medications like biologics to prevent or slow permanent joint damage, exercise can help maintain joint function, says Lauren Smith, a physical therapist and care coordinator at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. You can do the simple exercises below on your own at home, although you should always check with your doctor before beginning a new regimen. RELATED: 3-Step Fitness Plan for Psoriatic Arthritis
Exercises for Psoriatic Arthritis Hands and Fingers
Repeat each exercise 10 times daily. RELATED: Best Stretches for Healthy Joints With Psoriatic Arthritis
Exercises for Psoriatic Arthritis Wrists
Exercises for Psoriatic Arthritis Feet
Smith recommends putting your toes to work with their own daily range-of-motion exercises. Additional reporting by Julie Marks.
