what can help finger pain?

[blackivy]

hi, i'm new to this. i have ra. tonight my finger just suddenly became agony, it regularly hurts but tonight i feel like a large splinter is through the middle of it and my whole hand is hurting. has anyone else had this and what did you do? i've strapped it and taken painkillers but it's almost unbearable. sorry, i'm sure i'm not the only one in pain.

[Ssmart]

Never be sorry! I obviously don’t know exactly how you feel, but I have had a few times where I feel I could happily chop off my finger/wrist/hand just to get some sleep! I was diagnosed a little over a year ago so am also fairly new to it all, Just remember that it will pass, and the inflammation will subside, what meds are you taking may I ask? And for how long?

I’m on hydroxy and I take ibuprofen too.

Meds take a while to quieten things down but I’ve “touch wood” not had such severe pains since starting the hydroxy...

I have not found supports or splints very helpful when a joint is REALLY flaring, I seem to just try everything but nothing helps but time for me...

but something gentle like tubigrip for my wrists/elbows when they mildly play up,but not sure if you can get tupigrip for fingers, I’m sure you can. I awoke to my knuckle locked today keeps happening 🙄 what fun!

Hope you’re feeling more comfortable soon xx

[blackivy in reply to Ssmart]

thank you for your reply. i am on abatacept, for about 2 years on & off. the pain has been a bit better today thankfully, i would have had it chopped off too! the pain has spread but not so intense. i hope your knuckle is ok.

[helixhelix]

Have you tried ice? It can take the heat out of it and make the throbbing feel less awful.

[janmary]

Perhaps a NSAID gel directly over the joint might help a bit? but read the info - should be careful if taking oral NSAIDs as well . it's amazing how much pain a little joint can cause isn't it?

[DoricQuine55]

I found relief with my TENS machine when the pain was at it's worst. I bought the glove that spread the charge all over the hand. My meds seem to be kicking in as the pain is no longer constant in my hand but when it feels achy I massage with a muscle rub and find that helps. Jones The Bones Muscle and Joint Oil is my preferred brand but others are available

[blackivy in reply to DoricQuine55]

thank you, i will look into those

[bernese1225]

I’ve suffered with my fingers, knuckles and wrists over the years. My daughter bought me a paraffin wax bath a few years ago and it really helps.

[Hope3]

Salt water in a large cup with hot water takes the soreness out in less than three minutes.

[Joy_1]

Hi

My left index finger sometimes gives me grief. I coat it in a thin layer of Tiger Balm (white one) and then cover it with a large plaster. That brings a lot of relief quickly.

Joy

[KaysDad]

Keeping the hands for a while in hot water helps me - but not much use in bed when trying to get to sleep!!

[blackivy]

Thank you everybody, I'm really grateful for all those tips