Would this help with finger pain?

I have a diagnosis of early onset of arthritis and I now wind up with crampy fingers after a bit. I mostly do breaststroke. I wonder if using some paddles would help, such as www.kiefer.com/.../StyleMasterDetails.aspx Any other recommendations? Thanks ahead for any posts. Have you tried swimming with your hands in fists? It is a good way to work on your stroke and less stress on your fingers. Takes a bit of getting used to, but if you alternate it with open hand strokes you might have less cramping. Also, are you clamping your fingers together tightly or do you allow them to stay a bit relaxed and let some water through?

The fist idea sounds good. Otherwise I've tried both ways, water through and tight fingers and the 2nd one helps so I wound up taping my fingers together but it doesn't work that great either. That's why I was considering an aid. It seems that you're not in favor of those? Any reason?

My hands seem to ache more when I use paddles.

The fist idea sounds good. Otherwise I've tried both ways, water through and tight fingers and the 2nd one helps so I wound up taping my fingers together but it doesn't work that great either. That's why I was considering an aid. It seems that you're not in favor of those? Any reason? I swim a lot of *** stroke and have tried using the small finger size paddles, but i find them more of an annoyance then help.But they may help you keep your fingers more relaxed and since they don't cost a lot i would give them a try.

That's true so I'll do just that. Thanks again.

Asprin -celebrex or other light anti arth meds will help somewhat.