Osteoarthristis

[jambuttie]

Hi all, for a very long time now my left thumb has been very painful due to osteoarthritis which I have in my joints due to breaking my leg in 1987, I have it in my left knee(the one I broke)now that ankle/hip/elbow/thumb also on right side I have terrible gout flares in right big toe joint, I'm digressing now sorry, is there any type of support I can get for my thumb on the left & would voltarol be any good, I've tried shops own version but it doesn't work, I would see my Dr. eventually but I've only just had a cortisone injection in that wrist because of carpal tunnel & I'm having my right wrist done soon, if I mention my thumb as well It's a case of making another appointment to go back

[Hidden]

Morning to you, I too have a similar problem, I was given a thumb splint,its easy to apply,I also have some fingerless arthritic voices,they are lucrative washable and very comfortable giving me more freedom to get on with jobs that were painful. I got them from occupational therapist..

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Sorry tablet putting its own word,,gloves are lyrica

[rosewine]

Sorry to hear you are suffering I have had this for years and it seems to be worse in cold, damp weather and when it is very hot. Massage with pain killing gel can help but the trouble with hands is that you must really massage it in as it is easy to wash off. I do find those Neoprene gloves help support and keep the joint warm. I also do hand exercises to try and keep the fingers supple.x

[Janet28]

Hi jambuttie I see you have recently joined us so firstly i would like to welcome you to our wonderful forum I'm sure you will love it as we all do. You don't say if you have Fibromyalgia as well as Arthritis so I'm going to give you a link to Arthritis Action which you will find more useful.

healthunlocked.com/arthriti...

I will also give you the Mother Site to the forum fmauk.org This is where you will get lots of information and links for Fibro.

I'm sorry you are having this problem & pain with your thumb and I know what its like with all these constant appointments, it wears me out but I think with the carpal tunnel you have recently had done, its definitely worth getting it checked out my friend.

I do hope you manage to get some help and relief for the pain

Can I also advise you to lock your post for your safety, an open post can been seen on the internet. Here is a link to simple instructions on how to lock it healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

Peace, luv n light

Jan x

[jambuttie in reply to Janet28]

Thank you for your advice, yes I do have fibromyalgia it was diagnosed in march this year, although Dr says I've probably had it for years, I've been in chronic pain for years so always knew their was something wrong, it was a relief to finally have a diagnosis, although a few family members don't understand so I've given up explaining, on one hand I can count up to 5 people who have been really supportive within my family & friends. X

[Janet28 in reply to jambuttie]

That's ok my friend You sound a bit like me, I was first diagnosed as having Polymyalgia nearly 30 yrs ago and then Fibro about 6 or 7 yrs ago but it was writen on my hospital files that it was suspected, This lady has Fibro many yrs ago and like you I had been in chronic pain for many years before I got the proper diagnosis and medication and any help. Its a long hard journey with Fibro, My dentist is more clued up about it than some of the doctors I have seen over the years, so I know where you are coming from. Yrs ago you were kind of left to get on with it and i nearly lost my mind on more than one occasion.

I ended up getting a divorce after 25 yrs and 1 of the reasons was he just did not understand what I went through on a daily basis, bringing up 3 kids, working and running a home. Even now my daughters are only just coming to realise that I'm in pain all the time and I cant do what I used to.

It does come as a big relief when you finally get a diagnosis and now you have to learn all about it and how to manage your pain because there is lots of help out there, you just have to find it.

Its good to get a simple information sheet with the Explanation of what Fibromyalgia is, Diagnosis, Symptoms, etc. off the internet and give it to your family to read. Just 1 sheet and put it in one of those poly pocket sleeves and just leave it on the table. They will read it and it will help a bit. There is also very good info you can get on the Mother site.

Luv Jan x

[hebden]

I have this too and when I had surgery for carpel tunnel I had injection in my thumb which lasted 3 months. All my fingers are now affected too. I had a hot hand wax from physiotherapist and it really helped but like other things it doesn't last. Can you get a physio appointment and ask them what they suggest?

[jambuttie in reply to hebden]

good idea I've just remembered now that I have to refer myself to physio the Drs don't do it now, so I will do that. Thank you x

[TheAuthor]

Hi jambuttie

Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I am so genuinely sorry to read that you are suffering and struggling and I sincerely hope that you can find some resolution to these issues.

As for your thumb, I agree with hebden as I have personally found that gentle physio has helped with my arthritis as it has kept me more subtle and mobile.

I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck, and please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken