As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the air becomes crisper, many of us eagerly welcome the arrival of fall. However, this season comes with its unique set of challenges for our hands. From yard work to seasonal chores and outdoor activities, our hands are put to the test. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common hand problems people face during the fall months and how occupational therapy can help manage, prevent, and promote hand health.
Arthritis and Fall Weather:
One of the most common issues for people with arthritis is the change in weather. As the temperature drops, some individuals may experience increased joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hands. Occupational therapists can play a pivotal role in educating and assisting patients in managing these changes. They can recommend hand exercises to improve joint flexibility and strength and offer advice on the use of heat therapy to soothe aching joints. Furthermore, occupational therapists can introduce adaptive tools and techniques to make daily activities easier on the hands for individuals with arthritis.
Gardening-Related Strains:
Fall is the perfect time to prepare our gardens for winter. However, gardening tasks like raking leaves, planting bulbs, and pruning can lead to hand strains and injuries. It’s crucial to educate patients on the importance of proper hand positioning and ergonomics while gardening. Occupational therapists can provide guidance on how to maintain a neutral wrist and hand position to reduce the risk of injury. They can also recommend ergonomic gardening tools and techniques that are kinder to the hands.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
With the onset of fall, many individuals return to school or office work, which may entail prolonged periods of typing or writing. This increased demand on the hands can exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition characterized by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Occupational therapists are well-equipped to offer valuable insights into office ergonomics, hand positioning, and exercises to alleviate and prevent carpal tunnel symptoms. By educating patients on proper keyboard and mouse use, as well as wrist supports, therapists can help individuals maintain hand health while working.
Home Maintenance Challenges:
Fall is synonymous with home maintenance tasks such as cleaning gutters, painting, and repairing fences. These chores can involve repetitive hand movements that may lead to overuse injuries. Occupational therapists can offer advice on proper techniques to minimize the risk of such injuries. They can also provide recommendations for tools and aids that are gentler on the hands, such as padded grips or wrist braces.
Skin Dryness and Cracking:
With the drop in humidity and the increased use of indoor heating systems, many people experience dry and cracked skin on their hands during the fall. Occupational therapists can offer practical guidance on maintaining healthy skin. This may include teaching proper hand moisturization techniques and suggesting the use of protective gloves when engaging in activities that may irritate or dry out the skin. In addition, therapists can recommend barrier creams to lock in moisture and prevent further skin damage.
As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of fall, it’s important not to overlook the potential risks it poses to our hand health. Occupational therapists play a vital role in educating, guiding, and supporting individuals in maintaining healthy hands throughout the autumn months. By promoting preventative measures and providing assistance to those experiencing hand problems, occupational therapy can make a significant difference in helping everyone enjoy a comfortable and productive fall season. If you find yourself grappling with hand issues this fall, do not hesitate to reach out to an occupational therapist for assistance and guidance. Your hands will thank you for it, allowing you to savor all the joys this beautiful season has to offer.
