Hand arthritis

[Darcy2000]

This is in regards to osteo Arthritis is hands ONLY ..swollen and claw like can hardly bend fingers anymore ...posting this for a friend not me

Anybody suffer with this and has any suggestions other than Tylenol and Naproxen as needed

[helixhelix]

OA is dreadful, and there is little effective treatment sadly apart from pain relief.

Ask for a referral to an occupational therapist to see what can be done to support her hands like night splits. And also ask about appropriate hand exercises which can help ease the joints.

She or he could also ask doctors about steroid injections if there are particular joints affected, and as a last resort joint replacement surgery.

[Darcy2000 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks very much will pass it on

[Hidden]

Hello

I was OA for 2.5 yrs then the body threw RA at me. Most of my OA was in hands. I have slowly been working my way to carpal tunnel and claw like and found splints for thumbs with support for wrists has helped and stopped me overdoing it with the hands. Drug wise I am now pregablin/naproxem/Vit D and nefopam as I had to come off diclofenic as this is bad for the heart. If its not working push yourself and the Doctor to keep trying, as my way was give it a try and if it stops working trying a new one rather than take a drug that is doing nothing.

It has taken 2 years of constantly changing and at one point on tramadol as pain so bad. I also use biofreeze and wheatgerm bags to warn and cool hands when needed.

Hope she gets some relief.

[Darcy2000 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks very much

[Nuttyshirlz]

Hi I’ve also got Oa in my hands I also have hand splints I was told to add regular painkillers to my other pills to be honest nothing as any affect up to now but I’ve got all the hand exercises too. I can’t carry anything heavy. But I also use tiger balm when it’s really bad. Or soak my hands in warm water.

[wishbone]

I have bad claw hand plus wrist issues and use these bad boys. They are heavy duty so a bit sweaty in warm weather, but offer better support than other cheaper splints I've had in the past. That said they ain't no magic bullet so don't expect wonders if you do buy them. Not cheap either, but you can probably get them cheaper if you shop around.

healthandcare.co.uk/wrist-s...

[dembonesDAMNBONES]

Osteo in hands, feet and spine at base of skull.

Cold running or iced water reduces inflammation, I find.

I use one tramadol, two on a bad day, flexing exercises, whenever possible, which does help, along with splints for hands/wrists and ankles.

Argos does quite a natty range, little black numbers, page 740 onwards.

The less mobile you allow yourself to become the more disabling the disease.

That's just my personal observation over the last thirteen years.

My best wishes to your friend.