Wrists

[Leepeelee]

Hi, I am new to this section on this forum, I've been on the PMR section for about a year.

I've had pmr for a just over a year now and have been taking prednisolone ever since, I'm currently down to 5mg a day.

My issues started with carpel tunnel in my right wrist, I had electric treatment and X-rays which confirmed carpel tunnel. The X-rays also showed early signs of OA in both wrists.

I am a builder, so I am using my hands at work every day, I do take it a lot easier now though , I also wear wrist supports.

I think I can tell the difference between pmr and OA pains, the OA pains a more instant when moving my joints rather than continual aches.

I am 53 years old, I am very concerned that the OA will progress to a stage where I'll be unable to use my hands. I seem to have the pmr under control but I'm sure that the OA in my wrists is going to get progressively worse especially with the nature of my work?

I guess my question is, could anybody advise me on how fast AO worsens? Do I have another 10 years before I loose the use of my hands or is it likely to be a lot quicker than that???

Are there any treatments that can prolong things or surgery options?

I am very worried at the moment

[Hidden]

I have OA in my neck, feet and knee, it's been in my neck for 15 years and in the other joints for 4 years, it has got slightly worse in one foot but everywhere else it's stayed the same.

I run 3 times per week and weight train 4 times per week but I don't think I can compare that to your work. It's hard to say if your work will make it worse or if it will be good for your joints, you will only find out by doing it.

For the pain, I take turmeric and black pepper capsules and it helps although they don't work for everyone but it might be worth you trying them out, don't use them if you are on blood thinners though.

Good luck!

[Leepeelee]

I'll give Turmeric a go.

I be had conflict of opinion via my GP and my rheumatologist.

Gp said that I should give up manual work completely as my wrists would rapidly worsen with manual work. My rheumatologist said that I could continue working as long as I take it easy and avoid the heavy work wherever possible?

Not sure which one to go with

[DorsetLady in reply to Leepeelee]

Would be more inclined to go with Rheumy.....you do need to use arthritic joints as much as you can - and are comfortable with, without overdoing it!

As you probably know from other forum I have OA as well, was speaking to a friend last year who’s Rheumy had prescribed a Capsaicin cream for his arthritic hands.Might be discussing with Rheumy or GP.

Bit more info from versusarthritis- scroll down to treatments -

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

[Coachev in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi Dorset lady. I know you from the other OA group. Is that a UK one?

[DorsetLady in reply to Coachev]

I’m not sure either one is specifically country based - I do follow both, and reply on both...and try to answer with appropriate info to the person concerned - if they have country on profile.

So if you have a query always worth posting on both forums - belt & braces!

[Coachev in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for the link. Very informative. I hope you feel well. You are very helpful on both forums. Any other suggestions? I'm on PMR and Steroid forums.

[DorsetLady in reply to Coachev]

Well it really depends what health issues you have. I had GCA so am still on PMRGCA forum, and I have OA so on both Arthritis forums. Fortunately don’t gave any other health problems....at the moment anyway 😊

[Coachev]

Me too 😔

[Bcol]

Morning Leepeelee, I agree with DL that the Rheumy's advice is the one to follow and the link she posted covers most of it. Many people say that taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements helps. In terms of pain relief, wrist supports help by taking some of the strain off the joints and try and minimise the heavy weighty work. Personally I found that none of the gels had any effect and Co-Codamol (30/500) and Naproxen were the only pain relievers to help. PMR takes Naproxen out of the equation now (no NSAIDS for us). I suspect the surgery and Cortisone injections will not come into play until you at the stage of finding your job very difficult to do. Finger replacement joints, are not as robust as knee joints and don't like a lot of activity. You may also find that our Pred is also masking some of your OA pain and that will become more noticeable as you taper lower.