Treatment for arthritis in the hand

[DigitalJan]

Has anyone had treatment for arthritis in the hand and wrists?

[Lolabridge]

No and I need it!

I’ve had Osteoarthritis in my thumbs/wrists for several years but now have RA as well and hands are swollen and tender. I’m hoping the Truxima I’ve started recently will start to improve things.

I do find wearing compression gloves helps (bought off Amazon) and I have some others provided by occupational therapy that have metal struts within and help if my wrists are bad.

I believe some sufferers have had steroid injections into the hand and ultimately surgery too.

I’m sorry that you’re suffering and hope you get some helpful suggestions and that you will find something that works for you.

[digitaljenner in reply to Lolabridge]

It's tough

[Riddlemethis]

Hi there , for RA it’s treated with medications , I suffer massively with my hands and wrists and feet and I’ve had nothing but meds upon meds , I wish I could say other but that’s life and RA . Dijgitaljenner ithat is right it is tough x

[katieoxo60]

Hello DigitalJan, I have had arthritic feet and hands for thirty years now, all my treatment has ever consisted of is hand splints , creams & painkillers. There are numerous new treatments but not available to all. There are also many research projects but its difficult to get on them.You must try hard to manage your illness and look online for latest treatments that might help you. Beware of operations as they do not always work and some people end up worse off, operations are an onslaught to your already compromised health. Do take care there are no magic solutions to Arthritis of any kind merely a few good symptom releivers that suit many.

[Benzman]

I have arthritis in the base of my thumbs. In 2007 a consultant suggested taking glucosamine & chondroitin although she said it wasn't yet proven to help. I must say that in the intervening years it hasn't become any worse, but then I don't know how it would have been if I hadn't taken it!

Periodically I have had steroid injections & these have helped.

Occupational therapy gave me wrist & thumb supports. When I get a flare up, wearing the supports for a couple of hours significantly reduces the pain.

I have recently had my 2 free osteopath treatments via Arthritis Action & that has also helped.

Just today I've been to an Arthritis Action meeting where the talk was about exercise. A section of that was exercising for arthritis in the hands. Looks as though it could be useful.

I'm with others, I wouldn't have an operation unless I was absolutely desperate & that all else had failed.

Good luck.

[Hidden]

Unsure of anything that may permanently alleviate the arthritis; however, electrotherapy can be a great method for short-term pain relief, as well as being an entirely drug-free option. Devices such as the iGlove can be used for arthritis in the hands. I hope you find relief in whatever choice of method you use, all the best.