Curling fingers

[lowther1]

Does anyone have problems with their fingers curling into the palm?

[HorshamMalc]

Hi Lowther1, yep it's just another one of those joys of CMT. I'm an engineer and used to be very good with my hands, now I struggle to handle loose change. Most people think I've got arthritis but at least, for me, it isn't painful, just bloody infuriating. Best regards Malcolm

[lowther1 in reply to HorshamMalc]

Thank you for your reply Malcolm, im off to see doc today to see if a steroid injection may loosen the tendons, will let you know how i get on.x

[lowther1 in reply to lowther1]

Sending me to see Hand Consultant she is quite sure something can be done,

[Wobble13 in reply to lowther1]

I have was advised by a dermatologist of all people to flatten your hand as much as possible and press down gently to stretch your fingers. I always do this before everyday or before a task and it seems to improve the feeling and dexterity for a while.

[beachwine]

I have one finger terribly crooked & bent. My doctor attributes it to my rheumatoid arthritis. Not everything can be blamed on CMT. Pain in hands that I had to give up crocheting.

[lowther1 in reply to beachwine]

My mum who had CMT had really bent fingers, hers didnt hurt, but she never did anything about it and really struggled. Im quite sure it is CMT related, so hoping l have caught it in time. Maybe your doctor should look into it for you. Good luck.

[handmaid]

Evening lowther1

Fingers on my left hand curl in to my palm, my hands are really poor now all ways dropping things struggle to hold a pen, knife & fork etc ........ Hey ho

[John1945]

Hello to lowther1......

Fingers do not contain muscles (other than arrector pili). The muscles that move the finger joints are in the palm and forearm. The long tendons that deliver motion from the forearm muscles may be observed to move under the skin at the wrist and on the back of the hand.

In our bodies, tendons generally connect muscle to bone, and ligaments generally connect bone to bone. The tendons that control the bones in our helpful little protrusions are attached to 17 muscles in the palm of your hand and 18 in your forearm- none of which are in your fingers. The muscles that close your hand are known as flexors, and the ones that open your hand are known as extensors. Some are small and help control each individual finger.

In time like me, may lose your total "fine-finger-dexterity" which is a real pain, being unable to pick up coins, and retrieve credit cards etc fron your wallet, and not forgetting your inability to punck in your information at your supermarket checkout, plus your local ATM:

Best of health,

John (Glasgow).....

[lowther1 in reply to John1945]

Thank you for taking the time to reply John1945. Do i take it that its unlikely anything can be done to help.

[John1945 in reply to lowther1]

Hello to lowther1,

It is my opinion that your (our) curling fingers are not

a priority with our health professionals, as they are not painfull:

Your own management, and acceptance of your disability is left

totally up to you to accept, and adjust your actions to resolve your

current

dilema:

Best of health,

John (Glasgow

[MommaWheels]

Lowther1,

My fingers have started to curl and I have lost a lot of finger strength and dexterity in the last 5 years. I’m in my early 40s and expect they will continue to deteriorate as I age. I have benefited from occupational therapy and some hand exercises. For the pain I have used splits and have found creams/gels containing arnica to be extremely helpful. Good luck.

[lowther1]

Thank you.

[chuckles333]

Hi my hands are useless fingers curling great difficulty holding use my teeth to open packages

[Wobble13]

Yes a CMT sympton. I have been advised by a dermatologist ( just in passing) that its a good idea to spread your fingers out on a table and press down gently. I find this greatly boosts my ability to use my fingers to do up clothing and pick up coins etc. I do it regularly as an exercise as the effect only lasts a few hours for me.