Top Tips for Keeping Your Hands Healthy

From buttoning a shirt to typing an important email, your hands play an essential role in your daily life. The hand comprises 27 individual bones connected by joints and ligaments and surprisingly contains 1/4 of the body’s total bone structure. Despite this fact and the significance of the hands for everyday tasks and survival, hand health is often overlooked by many until challenges arise. 

Contrary to popular belief, hand health is not just about avoiding injuries, but also about proactive care and understanding how your hands can be affected. Whether battling the drying effects of soaps or avoiding severe hand traumas, achieving optimal hand health is essential. For careers that require extensive use of the hands, such as a chef, a writer, a carpenter, and many others, your hand health should be of even more utmost priority.  

If you want to know more about how you can take good care of your hands, here are some effective methods to keep your hands in prime condition: 

Practise Thorough Hand Washing

The importance of regular and effective handwashing cannot be stressed enough. This simple act prevents various illnesses, from the common cold to more severe viral infections. Using mild soap and warm water, ensure that every part of the hand—the back, between the fingers, and especially under the nails—is scrubbed diligently for at least 20 seconds. This routine not only keeps harmful microbes at bay, but also offers a sense of refreshment and sets a clean slate for your tasks ahead.

Moisturise Your Hands Daily

Water and soap are essential for cleanliness, but these can strip the hands of their natural oils. This can result in dryness, cracking, and, in severe cases, painful fissures. As you prioritise cleanliness, remember as well the importance of moisturising. A quality hand cream with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid can restore moisture and elasticity to the skin. Try incorporating this into your daily routine; immediately, you’ll notice the difference. You’re preventing discomfort while ensuring your hands remain soft, supple, and ready for the day’s challenges.

Arm Yourself with Protective Gloves

Your hands are your primary tools for interacting with the world, which means they are also the most exposed. Frequently cleaning, gardening, or handling raw food can put your hands into contact with harsh chemicals, potential injuries, or harmful bacteria. If and whenever possible, use the right gloves when handling hazardous materials or do heavy work. Gloves can significantly reduce skin irritation risk and help you avoid injuries. While there are many competent and affordable hand specialist in Singapore clinics to address severe and traumatic hand injuries, it’s still best to be careful and equip yourself with protective gloves as needed. 

Adopt an Ergonomic Workspace Set-Up

Many people spend hours at their desks, typing on their computers at home or in the office. Paired with poor posture, this activity can cause continuous strain and lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or other repetitive stress injuries. To combat this, ensuring your workspace is ergonomically sound is essential. Adjust your chair and desk so your wrists remain in a neutral position when typing. Consider using keyboard and mouse supports, too, to lessen the strain on the hands and wrists. Keeping your hands relaxed as your work can significantly reduce the risk of developing workplace-related conditions.

Commit to Frequent Hand and Wrist Breaks

Performing repetitive tasks, whether it’s typing, knitting, or even gripping a steering wheel, can take a toll on your hands and wrists over time. Regular breaks not only help to relax the muscles but also improve blood circulation. Every hour, take a moment to stretch your fingers, rotate your wrists, and give your hands a gentle shake. These short yet consistent breaks can deter the build-up of strain, reducing the potential for pain or injury in the long run.

Engage in Regular Wrist Exercises

In addition to taking frequent hand and wrist breaks, it’s also a good idea to dedicate at least 15 to 20 minutes of your day to more extensive wrist and hand exercises. Strengthening your wrists and hands through simple exercises like wrist flexors and extensors, stretches, or squeezing a stress ball, can make a huge difference. Not only do these activities bolster strength, but they also promote flexibility and joint health. 

Minimise Strain with Assistive Tools

Even simple tasks like opening jars or twisting a screwdriver can place undue stress on hand joints, especially to those with pre-existing arthritis. By investing in assistive tools, you can make these activities less strenuous. Some things you might want to consider include jar openers with improved grip or spring-loaded scissors. These can greatly reduce the effort and strain on your hands.

Incorporate Anti-inflammatory Foods into Your Diet

Your diet is vital for maintaining your overall health, including the well-being of your hands. Common hand ailments like arthritis are mainly driven by inflammation so, to alleviate the symptoms of these conditions, try consuming anti-inflammatory food. Look for ingredients like turmeric or omega-3 fatty acids; you can also snack on berries, nuts, and leafy green vegetables to nourish your body and help your hands remain healthy and agile. 

The Indispensable Role of Healthy Hands

Healthy hands are more than just a means to an end; they embody your interactions with the world, assist you in your work, and help you go through the movements of daily life. The tips shared in this article highlights that the road to optimal hand health is a blend of proactive measures and mindful habits. As you begin to integrate these simple yet highly effective practices into your daily routine, you ensure that your hands remain in tip-top shape.