Quick question regarding stiff hands

Hi

Just a quick question for those of you suffering with stiff hands/fingers. Do you mainly have problems bending your fingers/making a fist or with stretching them out?

I can find a lot of info saying stiffness of hands/fingers are a sympton but not about this. Hope a few of you will answer

[nomoreheels]

Yes. Only yesterday I had my first appointment with an Occupational Therapist who gave me lots of exercises to do for my hands & a splint as I have Carpal Tunnel in my right hand. With RD it's important to gradually build up the exercise as the tendons need to be stretched over time & never exercise if your hand joints are inflamed, wait until they're settled.

It took 4 months for the appointment to come through, it may be sooner in your area, so if you think it would benefit you I'd ask your Rheumy or nurse to refer you.

[alghamdimanal]

Of course, I do have such symptoms especially in the morning when I wake up; even I can't carry a water bottle for more than 30 sec. If I do, it's really difficult to open my hands again; it takes the shape of the bottle and have to massage it for a while until I become able to stretch it again; also, it's really difficult to carry bags, chop the vegetables, or clean the pots; however, I try to seek help if so badly needed.

[MiaCatt]

I suffer with stiff hands and it's both clenching & straightening.

On days when it's not too bad, I sleep with some thermal type gloves on which makes it more comfortable & reduces morning stiffness.

Sadly my RA is now extra articular & I've been struggling with synovitis & often wake with trigger fingers which makes getting the gloves off tricky.

I've had injections in several tendons & have seen an improvement.

Massaging under warm water to ease stiffness off also helps.

Hope you can find something that helps you soon x