Wrist pain : My wrist pain started few years ago... - PMRGCAuk

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Wrist pain

catherinetokyo profile image
55 Replies

My wrist pain started few years ago and it gets worse

Recently I found sever pain around my thumb and everyday I struggle to twist my hand to open door knob and cap of marmalade !

Is there anyone who is experiencing same pain

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catherinetokyo profile image
catherinetokyo
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55 Replies
powerwalk profile image
powerwalk

Yes, absolutely the same. Getting more difficult to use my hands, and if its a good day, i will pay the next day! Its very painful not to mention frustrating. Ditto the thumb and wrists. No help as i dont have an answer. Im just trying to muddle through.

catherinetokyo profile image
catherinetokyo in reply to powerwalk

I am going to see the best doctor specialising in this in Tokyo so I let you know

powerwalk profile image
powerwalk in reply to catherinetokyo

Good luck. Thank you.

in reply to powerwalk

I read somewhere there is a correlation between PMR and altered strength in thumbs linked with carpal tunnel...and sometimes over lapping with rheumatism.

Prior to my diagnosis my Occ health nurse recorded I had reduced sensation in my left thumb and palm. I was unable to distinguish between sharp and dull pin pricks. Apparently the cause can be inflammation in the muscles and nerves provided blood supply to the thumb area. I do feel symptoms are not as bad since being on medication.

I do hope you find a way to manage...thumb function is such a vital part of every day life...I took it for granted before!

powerwalk profile image
powerwalk in reply to

Oh I know. All these add ons gets everything worse. My hands were fine before all this. They too would prefer if i just sat on the couch all day doing nothing! And yes we take everything for granted until it's not working! Thank you.

catherinetokyo profile image
catherinetokyo in reply to

thank you very much

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Do you have PMR?

If not, then maybe arthritis in the wrists - have a look at these links -or maybe carpel tunnel syndrome -

healthline.com/health/arthr...

nhs.uk/conditions/carpal-tu...

catherinetokyo profile image
catherinetokyo in reply to DorsetLady

I was diognized Maternal and child arthritis today . at least i know the name of this pain and i will look into possible natural cure.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to catherinetokyo

Ok, thanks for letting us know, good luck.

Baileyw06 profile image
Baileyw06

Yes, I also have severe arthritis in my hands and use wrist supports when I sleep, suggested by my doctor.It is 80 per cent better.

in reply to Baileyw06

Yes me too. It's my thumbs that really sting...thumb splints help those over night. At one point I had thumb splints a soft neck collar and my night guard for my teeth. Lao really blurred vision. So attractive....it was like a carry on film everytime I tried to get up and go to the loo in the night.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to

🤭 you poor thing.

in reply to SheffieldJane

(☆▽☆)

Megams profile image
Megams in reply to

~Hi Poopadoop - curious to know what your mouth guard is doing? Is this for sleep apneoa by chance?

in reply to Megams

Grinding. My porcelain crowns have really started to damage the enamel on my own teeth. It does help with snoring/waking up as well. I am a poor sleeper but when I do sleep I have gone from waking up to 8 to 10 times a night to usually just once for the loo. I had it made at the dental hospital so the fit is great.

Megams profile image
Megams in reply to

~I was curious & awesome that guard working well in more ways than one :) :) :)

Porcelain crowns too expensive to grind down. ~

rocketman42 profile image
rocketman42 in reply to

We should film a horror show together.

I am currently using a CPAP machine, night guard and bilateral hand/wrist splints to sleep. We would make a cute couple and if a burglar should break in we would scare the bejesus out of him.

in reply to rocketman42

😂😂😂 the lengths we have to go to!

Casia profile image
Casia

Ive been having stiffness in thumbs and palms since I’ve been on a low dose (2mg) of pred though there’s virtually no pain or stiffness anywhere else. I’ve been trying to figure out whether it’s PmR, arthritis or even repetitive strain! Please

Let me know how you get on with your doc and I will report back too if I get to the bottom of it.

JakeSearcher profile image
JakeSearcher in reply to Casia

Since I have the same issue with wrists, hands, fingers, my Rheumatologist ordered a Vectra test which is supposed to be the best test for diagnosing RA. It is very expensive but I was covered. My score came back very low for RA so I am as stumped as everyone else.

Casia profile image
Casia in reply to JakeSearcher

Thanks for that. Could it be osteo arthritis? Do you have PMR?

JakeSearcher profile image
JakeSearcher in reply to Casia

Yes, I have PMR. On 3 mg but never had these pains before PMR. When I shake hands it hurts and I never had that problem. Oh well...

Casia profile image
Casia in reply to JakeSearcher

Good that you’re at 3mg after less than a year. I got diagnosed early 2017 and on 2 mg but just started the hand thing since I’ve been on a low dose .

powerwalk profile image
powerwalk in reply to JakeSearcher

Oooh i know that feeling, hoping the other person will go gently!!!

JakeSearcher profile image
JakeSearcher in reply to powerwalk

Fist bump, maybe. lol I wonder if soaking my hands in Epsom salts would help?

powerwalk profile image
powerwalk in reply to JakeSearcher

Might. I put it in the bath. But yeah a nice warm soak might be good. Anything that brings some relief. Even if its not a cure!

JakeSearcher profile image
JakeSearcher in reply to powerwalk

I'm gonna try squeezing a rubber ball but I don't know if it will be counter-productive.

powerwalk profile image
powerwalk in reply to JakeSearcher

Take it easy to start. Im one of those that things like that make it worst. But we have to try keep moving if we can. Its a fulltime job!!!!

in reply to JakeSearcher

JakeSearcher...are u by any chance in a hot climate and exposed to air conditioning?

JakeSearcher profile image
JakeSearcher in reply to

Yes, hot and humid New Jersey summer. And central air constantly. Connection?

in reply to JakeSearcher

Just note the level of pain when you are NOT exposed to air conditioning. My dad has rheumatoid arthritis...I have PMR. Yet BOTH of us suffer pain when exposed to air conditioning especially in the car!!!

Holding the steering with the vents aimed at the hands is suicide!!!!

You mentioned your hand hurts even whilst shaking someone else's...that's EXACTLY how my dad describes it.

...just a hunch...but a pretty coincidental one I think!

JakeSearcher profile image
JakeSearcher in reply to

Thank you for the insight. My Dad had RA and it was very tough. Did your father ever have that Vectra test for RA? I had it recently. But it came out ok. My worst PMR symptom is by far my hands.

in reply to JakeSearcher

My poor dad has made his peace with it. He has osteo A as well. No Vectra test I dont think.

He enjoys his retirement by spending winters abroad in warmer climates...and summers here in the uk.

I hope you get better soon.

JakeSearcher profile image
JakeSearcher in reply to

Thanks. My same wish for you.

catherinetokyo profile image
catherinetokyo in reply to Casia

i took x ray and clearly i saw no cartridge between my thumb and wrist and was diognized Maternal and child arthritis. he gave me steroid injection saying this does not produce any side effect which I wondered. so I have decided to cure this with natural remedies or meditation.

Casia profile image
Casia in reply to catherinetokyo

Thank you catherinetokyo. Good luck and keep us updated. I’m interested to know what natural remedies you are trying. Best wishes

Constance13 profile image
Constance13

It sounds like Osteoarthritis to me! I have had exactly those pains for far longer than I have had PMR.

Wrist and thumb braces help during the day, soft support bandages at night.

All the best. 💐🍀🍀

catherinetokyo profile image
catherinetokyo in reply to Constance13

Thank you

I was digonized today Maternal and child arthritis at least i know the name of the illness.

stellafmdm profile image
stellafmdm

The OT gave me thumb supports to wear and I find them very helpful if my wrist and thumb are playing up! They are also obtainable on Amazon.

catherinetokyo profile image
catherinetokyo in reply to stellafmdm

thank you , I will try to keep protector , your suggestion help me lot

Hellyowl profile image
Hellyowl

I have stiff painful hands. I put it down to age and using a keyboard intensely, probably made worse by the pred reduction. I drop things and can't do jars. However, warming hands an gently exercising them and stretching arms helps enormously

catherinetokyo profile image
catherinetokyo in reply to Hellyowl

I went to the top specialist doctor in Tokyo and diagnosed Maternal and child arthritis

so At least I know its cause of pain, so i can work on it .Thank you

Megams profile image
Megams

~Yes can relate to what you have posted along with the other replies.

Worse when on computer & swelling left side of wrist - been developing over last 9 months or so & do not have a definitive answer, either from Rheumie or GP - going back to GP next week to ask for investigation as feel I hand slowly but surely deteriorating.

Inclined to drop things too + am predominately L handed, writing becomes painful after time.

My L thumb plus base of thumb leading into wrist gets hot & feels inflamed.

R hand heading same direction but without any swelling - I am suspicious of possible carpal tunnel lurking so working on specific exercises to help. Will be interested to know how you get on.

Good luck ~

catherinetokyo profile image
catherinetokyo in reply to Megams

thank you . I went to see special doctor and he diagnosed this Maternal and child arthritis

he suggested steroid injection, surgery and protector , i will look into natural remedies to cure this . and mediation .

Megams profile image
Megams in reply to catherinetokyo

~Good to try all other alternatives.

I am seeing Medical Herbalist/Naturopath/Bowan Therapist all wrapped in one & she is simply wonderful - of course she is dealing with my other issues but working on wrist as of last week.

I am playing to buy ergonomic mouse pad + keypad rest + brace wrist at night as others here suggest.

Will be interested to see how you get on - good luck ~

Milpol profile image
Milpol in reply to Megams

Megams, I am experiencing everything you are experiencing including the lump on left side of my wrist. I too am left handed, but lump on inside of right wrist ( right side as you look at it ) is also developing.

I am in constant pain in wrists and thumbs. Dropping things a lot as have a weak grip these days and writing is very painful too. This is a bummer as I’m a teacher.

I’ve been researching all of this, and wonder if these wrist lumps are volar ganglion cysts . Have you considered this as a possibility? If there’s anyone out there who could throw any light on this possibility, I’d be grateful for your insight.

Many thanks 🙏

Megams profile image
Megams in reply to Milpol

~Hi Milpol - I sought advice from an Integrated Dr (specializes in treating whole person holistically) as my Dr away most of this month :(

She suggested growth was not ganglion cyst & could not throw any light on what it was. She's going to write to my GP (who will be back next week) & where I've only got 15 minute appointment - will have to speak fast :) :) :) . Can't go over 15 mins consult which is another one of my annoying axes to grind.

Will keep you posted ~

Milpol profile image
Milpol in reply to Megams

Thanks. I’ve yet to see my doctor about it, but will have to soon as the pain can be quite excruciating at times. I was sure it was a ganglion cyst, but it could also be a bone spur.

Yes, please keep me posted when you have more of an idea. I’d love to know.

Good luck, will be thinking of you x

katiemills profile image
katiemills

Before I got my diagnosis I had carpel tunnel in both hands . Since I started Prednisone that's gone but my wrists are very weak and lacking in strength.

catherinetokyo profile image
catherinetokyo in reply to katiemills

Oh Poor things my case is Maternal and child arthritis

I have OA in both hands with bone spur at base of R thumb. Developed before pmr. Has gotten worse, ( much stiffness and have to print everything) but can’t say if that’s not just the passing of time. Would be helpful to hear what the specialist you’re going to see thinks. Do give updates. My best to you.

jobyway profile image
jobyway

Hi, I have Carpal Tunnel too which as said already, can come on with PMR -pins and needles in thumb and first finger apparently indicative, also nerve conduction tests. Waking in the night as wrists bending while sleeping makes it worse - can be helped by a wrist splint, if this is what you have .

catherinetokyo profile image
catherinetokyo in reply to jobyway

Thank you very much jobway, i think my case is not that bad, but i was diagnoses todayMaternal and child arthritis

Hellyowl profile image
Hellyowl

Every one that I know who have had treatment for carpal tunnel have finished of worse than they started. I am not mentioning it to doctor unless it becomes unbearable. I buy cheap crockery from IKEA and just stretch and do little exercises. The best one is quickly touching each finger with my thumb for a few minutes. Strangely, after my Pilates class my hands are OK for a day or two even though I don't specifically do hand work

Purplecrow profile image
Purplecrow

Hi, my thumbs are both arthritic and larger than in my youth. I notice increased pain when weather changes are happening. Seems grandma was right about her weather- related rheumatiz 🤣

Kind regards,

Jerri

PMR diagnosed 2013

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