Hands are in a vice.

[JacquiThomas999]

My hands have been aching for a few days. Had increased steroids for two days but went down again this morning (I have blood test booked for Thursday and I know that prednisone affects my scores). But since I came home from work, my hands feel like they are trapped in a vice. Have taken my MTX and Hydroxychloroquine, but don't know what to do now. Any suggestions?

[Moomin8]

Sorry to hear you're feeling so sore- do you have any splints? I have some in my arsenal for when my wrists and hands are really bad- sending a virtual hug🙅

[JacquiThomas999 in reply to Moomin8]

Not hands splints, I have some for my wrists, but they don't hurt as much as my fingers.

[Moomin8 in reply to JacquiThomas999]

Mine are wrist splints but they do relieve my whole hand temporarily x

[JacquiThomas999 in reply to Moomin8]

I will give them a try. Update you in the morning.

[Moomin8]

Some people go for heat or ice?

[medway-lady in reply to Moomin8]

I did ice, then heat 10 minutes each. Sad for you as this is a horrid type of pain, not that any pain is ok though.

[sylvi]

Have you tried putting them into a bowl of warm water to help them release.xxxxx

[Amy_Lee]

My occupational therapist used ice pad on me when my shoulders or hands were pain and warm during inflammation. However, when it is normal but still painful, she used heat pad on me.

You check if your hands are warmed due to inflammation or not? Try to use either ice or heat pad to reduce the pain. This RA kind of pain really kill us, sorry to know that you are in great pain.

Take good care.

[JacquiThomas999]

Hello folks.

I tried the splints but my hands got too warm in the night, so took them off. I tried cold water to chill them, no response. But on the bright side I can straighten them this morning. I was hoping to spend today and tomorrow sewing. Have given up on that idea, so am planning a day watching catch-up. Thanks for all your help.

[Hidden]

Hi Jacqui - A couple of things that might help: Warming paraffin and then slowly dipping your hands into it to form "gloves" (note it cannot be hot - just melted) will help a lot. Using essential oils for pain helps too - I use peppermint, rosemary, thyme and lavender in coconut oil, and rub it in well. you might have to wear cotton gloves with this because the oil will get everything oily. One other thing that might help is KT Tape - it is kinesiology tape (I get it either at the store or on the internet - usually amazon). Just don't use the oil before you apply it or it will stick. Wrap your hands and wrists firmly and gently and you can leave it on for three days even through hand washing and showers. What it does for me is support my joints (I use it all over as needed) and sort of massage them. They are stronger with much less pain. Hope one of those help you. You have my empathy. I know we've all been there.

[cacj56]

Have you tried an epsom salt bath (epsom salts are inexpensive and available at most pharmacies (at least here in the U.S.))? I always thought the benefits were an "old wives' tale," but I've found it provides good relief. I put 3 cups in a very warm bath, just deep enough to cover the affected joints (i supposed you can increase the salts if you'd like to soak everything). Stay in the bath for at least 20 minutes. When I'm in the midst of a "flare," I do it at least twice per day. I feel better once I'm in the bath and the relief lasts for some time thereafter. I've found it's a great thing before bed as it's easier for me to fall asleep when pain is minimized. Hope you're feeling better soon!

[JacquiThomas999 in reply to cacj56]

Planning a bath once hubby gets home, I can't always get out by myself.

[Moomin8 in reply to JacquiThomas999]

I use salts sometimes but I'm not sure about them yet. But I know what you mean about getting out...and in for me, the bath- it's a marathon and l love my baths🙁I get in unceremoniously with a tidal wave! Getting out is a matter of trying to get onto my painful knees, using my useless other limbs and prise myself out- not a pretty sight! 😫

[JacquiThomas999 in reply to Moomin8]

I turn myself onto my knees, grab a bar for dear life and put my right foot flat, followed by the other and heave. I have hip problems to add to RA, waiting for appointment with orthopedics.

[Paulajolo]

You could try Magnesium Oil. It helps with my hands. Some say it itches but once it has absorbed I find you can just wash it off and itching dissapears. Hope it helps you.my hands get very painful and stiff.