hand cramps

[diahealth]

Are hand cramps common with lupus?

Have inflammation in fingers but cooking is so difficult when hands painfully cramp

Not on any meds except for hashimoto disease.

[MusicalFurbaby]

Hi diahealth, I get hand cramps too, especially when chopping veggies and things like that. I saw my doc about it who noticed my elbow was clicking on extension. He hypothesised my hand symptoms were coming from my elbow. Went to see a specialist and got an ultrasound on my elbow—turns out I had cubital tunnel syndrome! The specialist did surgery on my elbow called an ulnar nerve transposition, and it has resolved about 90% of my symptoms. I still get occasional cramps in my hands, but it’s much better than it used to be!

On a practical level, I do things to reduce my cutting time: buying food already cut up, using a food processor (worth it!) and simplifying some of my meals. Every little bit helps. 🌻🌈

[diahealth in reply to MusicalFurbaby]

Thanks for your reply. Sounds like an ordeal for you but glad the surgery has helped. I use a little chopper I bought from Aldi (Australia) which helps a lot but a food processor sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the tip.😊

[Murp17]

Hi diahealth

The inflammation in your hands could be arthritis ask your doctor to test for this

Hope this helps

[EeBeee in reply to Murp17]

Hi Diahealth, I used to experience these cramps all the time, especially when preparing food or typing at work. On examination from my rheumatologist I was told it was arthritis. I had other symptoms and quite high blood levels so was put on 200mg of hydroxychloroquine and initially 20mg of prednisolone (currently on 10mg). I know only get the pain when I really overdo it which I obviously try not to do. I can’t say whether it’s the steroids or the hydroxy that helped but it’s definitely much better as it was becoming very disabling! I hope that helps!

[soul22]

My feet can cramp if overdo things and hands stiffen up become very painful if overdo things I cannot chop veg we buy frozen vegetables then steam them.

Bless you

My feet cramped alot schooldays it turned out was my arches starting to drop I'm now flat footed.

Rheumatoid arthritis lupus fibromyalgia Raynaud's polymyaligia rheumatica etc.

Soak in warm water radix helps or something I tolerate Himalayan salts in water not got not cool when cramping then try open shutting them.

Nice to meet you

[tiredmum]

yes, I have lupus and fibromyalgia. My hands spasm and cramp when I try and write and when I try to prepare dinner.

I can’t chop fruit and veg any more, either use frozen or get help.

I prefer to type with one finger than write, takes longer but less painful. X

[BeeManShrop]

Hi diahealth My wife is the one with SLE/RA/ and the rest. But this time it is me, --- who has no known health issues, that does regularly get hand cramps especially when I am trying to hold a book up in bed. I do not have any problems with peeling the spuds though as this chore was delegated to me some years ago. I also get cramps in my upper leg which can be very painful.

I use a product called Dioralyte, which replaces body salts. I find this does work well but I guess you would need to check with your GP of pharmacist to ensure there is no interaction with any other meds you may be taking.

Hope this helps.