Use the fist bump. It is used in hospital settings all the time and it works. If you start it with friends and family they will catch on and it will expand. Sometimes you might need to tell somebody unfamiliar with it you have been ill and don't want to pass anything on as you extend your fist. Let me know if it works for you. Rgds, Judy

Hi all. My hands are now very bad and three fingers on each hand has tendon rupture so those fingers are totally useless. The end two digits on all my fingers have slipped off the bottom digit bone and to all intents and purposes my fingers are all broken. I don't want to frighten anyone so please remember that I have had this for 57 years now and there was very little real treatment in my early and teenage years. I absolutely keep my hands away from any kind of handshake and just politely say that I am sorry but I can't do a handshake - in my case now I just have to show my hand or hands and the other person understands immediately. Please everyone, protect your hands - the odd one or two who give a very hearty handshake can cause untold damage so don't let that happen. Your hands are vital so you have to risk being thought impolite because no-one else will look after your hands. You can also swing your hand away and raise it to touch their upper arm in greeting and say you are sorry you don't shake hands because it is too painful. I can't say this enough - protect your hands because no-one else will. Take care everyone!!

I do not shake hands anymore. I have keep my hands to my side and will nod but not shake and if asked i tell them why. My hands and I can't shake hands anymore. i can't even clap my hands at a concert or a function without wanting to scream. Don't feel bad about not shaking hands. If they don't get it it isn't your fault.

go for the fist bump or say EWWW & run off screaming. That works for me. If those options are no good for you I'd go with honesty... nice to meet you I'd shake your hand but I've got Arthritis & they are killing me.

I'm just honest when that happens.I say-I have r.a,hands not playing today and just smile.