For people with arthritis, sitting at a desk for long periods of time can give a more literal meaning to the expression “working stiff.” A common symptom in most types of arthritis is inflammation and stiffness in the joints, which can be exacerbated by the lack of movement that often comes with a desk job. The sensation is sometimes described as a “gelling” or gradual firming of the joints.[1]
The following five stretches are designed to keep your joints from stiffening across the day. Remember to consult your health professional before you try them to check if they are right for you.
Wrist extensor stretch[2]
Wrist flexor stretch[3]
Rolling foot stretch (Plantar fascia stretch[4])
Sitting foot stretch (Sitting plantar fascia stretch[5])
Shoulder squeeze and wrist stretch[6]
[1] Arthritis Foundation (2019) Inflammation and Stiffness: The Hallmarks of Arthritis [online] Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/arthritis-swelling-and-stiffness.php [Accessed 10 April 2019]
[2] https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/exercises-for-pain-free-hands [Accessed 10 April 2019]
[3] https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/exercises-for-pain-free-hands [Accessed 10 April 2019]
[4] https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/foot-and-ankle-pain/#Exercises-to-manage-foot-pain [Accessed 10 April 2019]
[5] https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/foot-and-ankle-pain/#Exercises-to-manage-foot-pain [Accessed 10 April 2019]
[6] The Arthritis Society [2019] Sitting Too Long Can Be A Pain [online] Available at http://education.arthritis.ca/en-us/activejointprojectionphysicalthingsyoucan/topic5_3.aspx [Accessed 10 April 2019]