Rheumatology

[Dexter1414]

I have consultant appointment end of March I have pain in my wrists and hands do they provide wrist supports

[Runrig01]

Not routinely, but you can ask for a referral to occupational therapy to be provided with some. Alternatively you can purchase some online. You don’t want to wear wrist supports for too long though, as it can weaken the muscles around the wrist, as they font have to work so hard. It may be your rheumatologist can give you a steroid injection into your worst wrist.

[Dexter1414 in reply to Runrig01]

Have you ever had steroid injections are they bad for you what supports can I get online that are comfortable as I work in retail on tills

[Runrig01 in reply to Runrig01]

Yes I’ve had many steroid injections to settle pains. I’ve been lucky and it’s styled my pains for 4-6 months. You are generally restricted to a max of 3 injections per year, to minimise side effects.

I’m afraid I cannot advise on best supports for your situation, everyone is different. Some restrict movement of the thumb, others don’t. Amazon is a good place to look, as you get reviews from other customers.

[medway-lady]

Once the RA is under control you might not need any supports. I’ve never needed anything but my friend uses them prescribed by her OT at her hospital.

[Boxerlady]

My consultant arranged for me to see the Rheumatology OT and she gave me wrist supports and exercises 😁

[MistyDay]

We are all different shapes and one size or make does not suit all. I have some from the NHS, which are a poor fit on me, and my hands feel sweaty in them, if worn for too long. However, they do give support. I found a pair in boots that suited me better. I tried them on in store before purchasing them. There are also some on amazon.Mine from boots cover the wrist and a lot of the hand up to the knuckles. I find my hand sweats less in these. I read some rheumatology departments offer ones of a personal fit. If not, try boots or amazon.

[Dexter1414 in reply to MistyDay]

Thankyou for your reply do you ever get a red hot face now and again I feel like this

[Chester1975 in reply to Dexter1414]

I do. I have random flushes and my face goes bright red. It’s not menopausal either as didn’t have this before starting on Adimumilab injections x

[Rupert2001]

I have used Wrist splints intermittently for many years, having RA diagnosed in 1977. The first pair were obtained from rheumatology and ideally should be fitted properly by the hospital appliance dept or OT. I have found them very useful during flare ups in my wrists. Your GP may also provide wrist splints, my GP keeps a stock of wrist splints of various sizes in the practice, but not all do.If not, they can refer you to OT while you await your rheumatology appt.

[Dexter1414 in reply to Rupert2001]

I have appointment end of March

[wilbertjellyfish]

I've tried various ones over the years. At the minute home bargains have ones for sports people that wrap around your wrist. I like them for certain things and the longer ones for others. The home bargains ones are cheap but try them on in the shop as they are small fitting.. although you can adjust slightly as they wrap round with velcro

[pammi2]

only if you really need them

[Endless]

my rheumatologist recommended the Futuro make of supports, I purchased the day and night ones and they are very good

[Boxerlady]

I was also advised when and how long/often to wear them which was very helpful. Ask at your appointment if it isn't mentioned 😉

[Otto11]

I’ve had Foturo splints in the past & also had one made for me by OT. There are lots available these days. Do remember to take them off each day though & try to get some movement in your wrist S you can get muscle wastage if you wear them all the time.

[Lolabridge]

You may find Isotoner Compression Gloves helpful for hand pain too. I have some and find they help when my hands are swollen and painful and you can wear them in bed at night if hand pain keeps you awake. Cheaper makes are available but nowhere near as good!

[Jacojudy303]

I’ve not had wrist supports but did have very painful wrists. Once the medications got the inflammation under control it went. It took about seven months for them to get into my system and to get completely pain free and I’m aware things may change. RA is a wily creature!

[Bluegolf1975]

Hi

My local Hospital have said they don’t provide them any more due to lack of funding. So it may be better to order some online but as other people have said don’t wear them all the time as it can weaken muscles rather than strengthen the muscles in your wrist etc.