'Advanced osteo arthritis in thumb joint'

[girli1111]

So....... at the grand old age of just 49 I've been told that I have advanced osteo in my thumb joint, (alongside diagnosis of RA). GP has discussed joint steroid injections. Would be interested to hear the experience of anyone else with this problem. It flared up so badly last week that my hand was totally useless. I'm frightened that I'm not going to be able to even work before long!

[Mall]

I can't offer a view about the steroid jab in your thumb as I have not had one in this joint. They have certainly helped me in other joints.

I do have osteo in some joints in my hands. I think it is almost inevitable after years of RA. When I was first diagnosed with RA a physio gave me lots of advice about taking care of my hands. I also use working wrist supports, which also help prevent swelling in my thumb and finger joints, for some tasks. There also lots of aids which I use around the kitchen and when I was working things which assisted me with work at my desk. Employers do have a responsibility to provide support for those with a disability.

You may find it helpful to ask to see an occupational therapist and a physio therapist, most rheumy teams have them as part of the team. If your hands begin to affect your ability to work then they would be the best folk to advise you on strategies to help prevent difficulties or strategies to over come potential difficulties.

I hope your flare subsides and you find longer term solutions.

[girli1111 in reply to Mall]

Thanks Mall. I’ve had some good input from OT, use a wrist support when I need to, and do regular hand exercises. Last weeks total failure took me aback and really worried me! I work with 4 and 5 year old children, so whilst the other adults are reasonably accommodating, the little ones just don’t get why I can’t find the end of the sellotape yet again! The wrist support is actually quite a good visual reminder to colleagues when I need it to be. I hate feeling compromised by this stupid disease!

[Mall in reply to girli1111]

Sellotape and sewing needles are a right pain. I now scrunch up the end of the tape, it wastes a bit but at least I can find the end. Still haven't found a solution to threading sewing needles. Or picking the bloody things up if I drop one. 😩

[Mumtoggk]

Hi there, I haven't had the injections in my thumbs either but have had them in my knees, wrists, shoulders and elbows and they gave great relief within 24 hours. I know they are not always successful for everyone but I was really crippled so they were a godsend for me.

Good luck girl x

[shareasmile]

Hi girli! I've finally gotten a moment to respond to your post. I have experienced problems with the thumbs on both hands. On my left hand, it's my CMC joint-- closest to the wrist. Supposedly, this joint is more commonly affected by OA. Mine has become slightly painful and routinely slips out of place and needs a shove to correct it many times daily. There are grinding and popping sounds from the joint and it is worse at night and early morning. I had a steroid injection in the joint space and it helped, but didn't cure it. Obviously, the damage from OA will continue to worsen. My hand specialist says it is stage 2. He is recommending surgery which removes the trapezium bone-- pretty major with a fairly long recovery. I'll have that done in August.

My right thumb is very painful and inflamed at the MCP joint-- more associated with RA. It is always red and swollen and often so painful that I can't use it much. I've also had injections in it, but again, it doesn't last forever. I've found that meloxicam is a great help when it is very bothersome. On a positive note, it has improved a lot since starting plaquenil. The surgical option is a fusion of the bones, which I want to avoid. I hope this helps you in some way.

[girli1111]

Thank you, so far it’s only my left hand presenting real problems.. so I really feel for You! All a bit depressing isn’t it?! X

[Joya_banerjee1]

Steroid injection helped me l was reluctant because l heard you become dependent on it and then it does not help n the long run.But l had good results so far.You may be fine with one or two injections.

This disease what we have is incurable but we have to be comfortable as far as possible.

Good luck.

Joya