Wrist flares.............

[Jillybean1983]

Hi everyone, I woke this morning with discomfort in both wrists which has gotten progressively worse! I sat and cried after input the kids to bed exhausted and fed up of constant pain, I was DX Sero positive in march this year age 29 and been on MTX injection ever since but my pain is worse today than ever before. Does anyone recommend wrist splints as I have a pram to push with my youngest and finding it touch just using the palm of my hands as my hands are too tight to grip the handles and my wrists are very painful? Still lay awake at 2:17am waiting for my next pain meds (3am) soooo fed up as I have 3 hours before the kids get up and I'm shattered before the day has even started x

[Dogrose]

I've not used wrist splints but have used simple tube bandages as a support, it does help a bit, plus ibuprofen gel can work well if your joints are acutely painful, I'm not supposed to use it but I do if the pain is really bad. Hope the pain eases off soon, I know how awful it is to get it in your wrists, XXX

[mms1966]

I have severe inflammation on both wrists and wear splints daily, without them I wouldn't be able to do an awful lot.

If my pain is really bad I use old ones and put heat relief spray on underneath, the combination makes the pain bearable.

I hope you find some relief soon.

[Hidden]

Have you seen an occupational therapist yet? Mine made me a night resting splint for my right wrist which is usually much worse than the left one. I find it encases my wrist when it flares up and its much easier to sleep when I can move it but its comfy as they are moulded to fit your own wrist and hand. They would give you other gadgets and props to help you with your daily life too.

I would say to wear splints when your wrists are flaring badly - it certainly helps me. I find naproxen is less harsh on my tummy and if you see your GP they may well give you more effective pain meds as well as getting you referred to an OT. You don't say what dose of injectable MTX you are on but it may need adjusting and a new DMARD added so contact your rheumy team as soon as possible to tell them about your wrist flare up. Things will get better but you need help! Good luck. Tilda xxx

[sparker]

Hi, Jillbean I am so sorry about your wrists, I suffer from really awful wrist too.

What are your pain meds? I have found that a combination of Tramadol, paracetamol and ice packs help. I also tried splints but they did not work for me.

I know is probably impossible with 2 children but try to rest too. Gentle hugs.

Steph

[mistymeana]

Hi Jillybean, I'd recommend you see your GP or rheumy and ask for a referral to the hand-therapy OT for help. If they think they'd help (personally I think they would) they'll sort out some splints for you. I think there are different sorts out there and they sometimes need to adjust the stays in them to fit you properly so don't recommend you try a DIY approach. I was given a splint for my right wrist as it takes most impact and it's really helpful. They also wrapped my stick handle in memory foam - not very elegant but so much more comfortable - and gave me some marvellous silicone-type stuff that effortlessly grips onto things to take the strain off your wrists or hands. I already had many of the gadgets they suggested but you might find they can make suggestions to make your life easier that you hadn't considered. I know how tough it can be feeling so rotten at your age when trying to look after young children but it does get better, I promise x

[cazh]

Hi, sorry you are having so much pain. My wrists have been bad recently, and I've been wearing splints to work and pretty much all day round the house. I find them really useful and sometimes put voltarol gel on too. Maybe you could also try arnica gel. I find it really cooling and soothing and even if its only psychological, I feel better after I've put some on. I had some long splints with metal bars in from the OT and they're good for any lifting etc. Look pretty hideous, but they also serve as visible reminder to others that something is wrong. Hope you get something sorted.

Caroline

[flippertyjibbit]

I've had exactly same problem, I too use splints that the OT dept supplied when I was pregnant and I find they help alot, I've also found taking a diclofenac before I go to bed (aswell as all my other meds) seems to knock it on the head, hope it eases for you soon x

[tilstongal]

I have got this problem. I have two types of splints soft ones for gentle relief (they're made out of wet suit material) and ones with steel rods in for gardening etc. both were supplied by the OT so you should ask to see one as they are full of practical ideas to help. The other thing I found really helps is ice packs - I bought ones that I could strap on - therefore could do something - and they are really good at reducing inflammation and pain, I wear them in the evenings, also maybe you should be getting stronger meds for pain? I am really sorry this is happening to you as such a young mum and send love and prayers for you.

[oldtimer]

I use splints from the OT but I've found that using arthritis gloves (available from places like Amazon at a reasonable price) are useful when i have to have some flexibility as well.

Also paraffin wax baths help - but it does take up a lot of time melting the wax in the bath and then dipping the hands in and it sounds as if you have a busy life.

[fridayfever]

Hi jellybean

I recommend the splints as I wear my right one full time as in twelve months suffered a lot of damage and they really do protect your wrist. I am currently in the process of getting a lightweight for night time as found the moulded one too heavy and cumbersome. I also bought hot wax treatment which does help after initially using it at my physio appointments. Also recommend heat pads the wheat ones you put in the microwave as can wrap around the wrist.

Get in touch with your of, they have a lot of advice and gadgets that can help that you wouldn't think of.

Hope you get some improvement soon xx

[Jillybean1983]

Hi everyone, what an amazing response! I'm so grateful for all your advice. I have spoken to my OT today and she's booked me an appointment to have some splints made for both hands. I have been using heat therapy as using cold causes my joints to seize up. I've been looking into getting a wax bath and give them a try as my hands are pretty bad too :/ I've got a lot of helpful gadgets on order so they should help me with my daily activities as I'm finding it difficult getting my kids dressed in a morning as they're only 3 & 5 so having to rely a lot on my wonderful hubby x thanks again everyone x (( gentle hugs ))

[Pands]

As well as the splints you can have ultrasound guided steroid injections into your wrists. Helps with the direct wrist inflammation and certainly helped me at one point when my wrists were very painful (I also had a buggy to push and children to lift etc etc). Can you contact your rheumatologist and ask about this extra help? Best wishes.

[pawsed]

I don't have any young kids around (only the 3 yr old granddaughter who knows Nannie has bad hands) but I do have a full time job, which used to involve hand sewing -not anymore - both my hands are painful and clawlike.. I've found heat helps, I have a wheatbag which moulds itself around my wrists, although I know I look a little special with a fluffy monkey sitting on my hand it does provide usually enough time for the pain relief to kick in. The splints also helped as previously posted and I hope you get sorted soon. Speak to your Specialist, my anti - inflammatory where changed (now taking Arcoxia) with paracetomal top ups and then Tramadol at night if needed. Take care of yourself x