A patient with RA of the hands and wrists is experiencing an acute flare of the disease.To protect the inflamed joints and minimize deforming forces on the hands and wrists, you should teach the patient to:

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Avoiding strong gripping motions that require wrist extension, radial deviation of the wrist, and ulnar deviation of the fingers can protect the inflamed joints and minimize deforming forces on the hands and wrists during an acute flare of RA. It is important to maintain functional use of the hands and wrists, and exercises such as wringing out a dishrag under warm water can be helpful. However, stretching extrinsic finger tendons across all joints simultaneously may worsen inflammation and pain during an acute flare. Avoiding all activities with the hands until pain subsides may lead to stiffness and decreased function.

A Patient with RA of the Hands and Wrists Is