Gobble Gobble, Don’t Wobble: Protect Your Hands This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about good food and great company, but it can also be tough on your hands. Between lifting heavy roasting pans, mashing potatoes, and scrubbing dishes, your hands are on the front lines of the holiday hustle.

The Hand and Wrist Workout You Didn’t Expect

Carving, chopping, and lifting a 20-pound turkey might not seem like a big deal . . . until your wrists and hands start screaming. Repetitive motions in the kitchen can lead to tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, painful conditions that sneak up faster than Uncle Bob asking for seconds.

• Tendonitis is inflammation of the cords that connect muscles to bones, called the tendons. Repetitive motions like slicing or stirring can make your hands sore, stiff, or swollen. According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, over 50% of repetitive strain injuries involve some form of tendon inflammation.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve in your wrist gets compressed, causing tingling, numbness, or weakness. About 3% to 6% of adults deal with it, with women three times more likely to develop it than men.

These conditions can be just as temporary as the cousin who comes to Thanksgiving dinner just to pack a to-go plate. However, if left untreated, both conditions can worsen over time.

Lift Without the Ouch

Thanksgiving can feel like a marathon. You spend hours cooking, cleaning, and carrying heavy dishes for the family feast. A few simple supports can save your hands:

• Compression gloves help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
•  Wrist wraps provide stability for lifting and gripping heavy cookware.
• Heat therapy wraps soothe soreness and tension after long hours in the kitchen.

They may not be glamorous, but your tendons will thank you.

The Secret Recipe

A few quick stretches throughout the day can keep your hands nimble:

• Finger Flex and Extend: Make a loose fist, hold for a few seconds, then stretch your fingers wide.
• Wrist Stretch: Extend one arm with your palm up. Gently pull back on your fingers with your other hand and hold for 15–20 seconds.
• Thumb Circles: Rotate each thumb slowly in both directions.
•  Shake It Out: Shake your hands gently to loosen muscles and improve circulation.

And remember, your hands aren’t machines. Take short breaks between tasks to avoid strain.

Holiday Kitchen Hacks for Happy Hands

Keep your fingers, wrists, and tendons happy with these easy kitchen tricks:

• Choose tools that love your hands: Padded or wider handles reduce grip strain.
• Mix it up: Switch between chopping, stirring, and lifting to avoid overworking the same muscles.
• Keep wrists straight: While cutting, stirring, or lifting.
• Lift like a pro: Carry heavy dishes close to your body with both hands to avoid awkward twists.
• Delegate: Don’t be shy about asking guests for help. Most love to be part of the preparation.

Give Thanks to Your Hands

If your fingers tingle, wrists ache, or pain lingers longer than leftovers, it’s your hands saying, “enough already!” Short-term fixes such as rest, ice, or heat can help, but ongoing discomfort deserves professional attention. Early treatment can prevent lasting damage, so you can keep enjoying the holidays pain-free.

If you’re experiencing hand or wrist pain that isn’t improving, schedule an appointment with our hand and wrist specialists today. We’ll help you keep your hands strong, healthy, and ready for all the feasts and festivities ahead.