** excerpts from article:    Help for Rheumatoid Arthritis Hand Pain

Don't let aching hands from rheumatoid arthritis limit your life. Here's what experts suggest to relieve those stiff, painful fingers.

By Wyatt MyersMedically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III MD, MPH (taken from the internet 3/2/2012)

 Of the different types of joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), hand pain is one of the most common and one of the most frustrating. In fact, more than 90 percent of people with RA have at least one hand symptom, and within two years of diagnosis, more than two-thirds have a hand limitation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment for Hand Pain

In addition to working closely with your doctor to find the right rheumatoid arthritis treatment for the joint pain in your hands, there are many home remedies that can help ease arthritis pain and swelling. Here are top ideas to try:

Paraffin baths and Warm compresses. For joint pain related to rheumatoid arthritis, heat beats cold

Hand exercises. Hand exercises can help prevent stiffness, and they include things like gripping a tennis ball, running your hands through sand or rice, or squeezing any type of ball,” says Stephen Soloway

Massage therapy. A hand massage given by a qualified therapist can also bring relief as part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. According to a recent study, adults who had a weekly hand massage by a professional therapist and who learned to do a daily self-massage had less hand pain and better grip strength after four weeks — they also had less anxiety, depressed mood, and sleep problems. “Massage therapy ....can help to increase overall tissue extensibility and joint mobility,” explains Palmer. “This can, in turn, help to increase wrist and finger range of motion.                         

**Talk to your rheumatologist to see whether these options might be right for you and how to individualize them for your needs and abilities.