How to Relieve Cramping Fingers
Cramps that occur in the fingers have a variety of causes. For example, overusing the fingers during activities such as writing, playing instruments or typing, can cause muscle fatigue and unwanted spasms that interfere with normal motor performance. Finger cramps are also caused by fingers that feel like they need to be "cracked" or "popped" due to excess pressure in the joints. In other cases, a more serious disease may cause finger cramping, such as osteoarthritis or even vitamin deficiencies.
Allow your hands to rest for at least 15 minutes if you've been working with them and they begin cramping or feeling fatigued.
Stretch your fingers to relieve cramping and increase muscle flexibility in the hands. For example, hold your hand parallel to the floor and use the index finger on your other hand to gently lift each finger upward for five seconds before releasing.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Muscles cramp and become less mobile when dehydrated.
Crack your knuckles to relieve pressure if you suspect that's the source of your finger cramps. Though cracking habitually is not recommended, evidence shows increased mobility in joints right after popping, according to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medicine.
Take an over the counter pain reliever if hand cramps cause pain. The pain reliever will temporarily reduce aching.
Speak with a doctor if hand cramps persist or become extremely painful. Your doctor can prescribe necessary treatments or supplements and diagnose you properly.
Writer Bio
Wendy Rose Gould is a professional journalist who has contributed to "Glamour" magazine and the Huffington Post, among other publications. After internships at the "Indianapolis Business Journal," "Kiwanis International" and "NUVO Newsweekly," she earned BA degrees in journalism and philosophy from Franklin College in 2008. Gould specializes in lifestyle topics.