Pain in Right Hand

[Golf-1]

Having had lots of replies and helpful advice re my Adrenals questions, it has been pointed out to me that I am more likely to get advice on this hand problem if I make it a seperate post.

The problem is a pain in my right hand that is with me most of the time, day and night, and Prednisolone does not seem to affect it. It is not an ache, it is a severe almost sharp, pain. I have quite a high pain threshold but at times this pain is almost unbearable.

It occurs mainly in the fleshy area at the base of my thumb and, across the back of my hand between my wrist and first nuckles, to a lesser extent between those nuckles and the first joint of the fingers.

I put this down to being right handed so anything I do, such as pruning, raking, sweeping, opening bottles and cans etc. hurts with a capitol H. I am learning to live with it, I do not want to increase Pred to releave this isolated pain.

I have read many posts on here where people have the same problem, usually with their right hand. If anyone has any experience and suggestion on how to releive this pain, I would very much appreciate it.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

No advice as no issue with this particular problem -but sure you will get help.

[SnazzyD]

Carpal tunnel syndrome? You might find this helpful

creakyjoints.org/living-wit...

[Lonsdalelass in reply to SnazzyD]

That's what I was thinking.

[SheffieldJane]

Have you had an x Ray. It would be good to know what you are dealing with and then maybe some physiotherapist input. This must be very disabling. It sounds like you are a busy, active person. Our muscles get weak with PMR and Pred treatment. You have perhaps severely overdone things.

[marionofnorwich]

You could try Voltarol or Flexiseq. I have similar pain around the base of my thumb but bot across the back of my hand might be arthritis but it sounds as though yoy may have inflamed the tendons. Ice, rest and Voltarol is what i would suggest

[Pixix]

I have bad OA in thumbs, but not across back of hand in the way you describe it. What does your doctor say? We’re you sent for x-Ray or ultrasound? Golf injury?

[Golf-1 in reply to Pixix]

Thank you all for your comments and advice.

I did have both hands and feet Xrayed when first seen by Rheumatologist in March this year, in his subsequent letter to my GP his Diagnosis was "Polymyalgia - onset inflammatory arthritis"

I assumed that he meant in my joints, and this current pain is definitely not in joints? fortunately I do not have any pain in any of my joints

[Pixix in reply to Golf-1]

Ah, well if it’s not joints in your hand, presumably tendon or muscle damage, perhaps? Back to the GP. Oh, I forgot, I do have carpal tunnel symptom, but didn’t sound quite like that, but do Google it!

[Omanain]

I have the same symptoms and have diagnosed myself with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Versus Arthritis have a lot of information. My GP is giving me a steroid injection into my wrist in a couple of weeks. (Presumably, if he agrees with my diagnosis) In the meantime I am using a splint at night, with is helpful, but there are, as you know so many things that can set it of. I think Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often goes with PMR. Read the stuff on Versus Arthritis and then see your GP again.

[darkred in reply to Omanain]

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that many with PMR also have carpal tunnel? Or maybe those with PMR are prone to get carpal tunnel in the future? Or those who have had carpal tunnel in the past may be at risk for PMR?

I'm asking because I had PMR in 2010-2011. Had carpal tunnel surgery in 2017. Now, once again I have PMR (2023).

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to Omanain]

I had Carpal tunnel Syndrome and over the years had cortisone injections 3 times which worked well. I eventually agreed to have the operation and was dismayed when the surgeon told me the op would stop any further muscle loss but wouldn’t undo the muscle damage already done. He was right! The op was done under local anaesthetic and I was driving and doing housework 2 days later. Please learn from my mistake and don’t put off having the operation.

[Omanain in reply to Mfaepink1973]

I will, thankyou Mfaepink

[pammy_hyland]

I had carpol tunnel for years and did finerly have the operation on both hands this was many years ago before I was diagnosed with PMR 12 years ago and then I found out that it is often linked to it ..The operation worked on both my hands and I've never looked back ...Do you also have numbness?

[Golf-1]

Right Hand Pain Update

Had an appointment with GP to discuss recent blood tests, apparently all organs working normally, all markers are as desired.

We discussed the pain in Right Hand;- due to the location, mainly the fleshy bits at base of thumb and palm, it is considered to be PMR.

I queried why Prednisolone did not work on this hand, currently 6.5mg, when it seems to be working everywhere else.

The conclusion was, that as I continue to use this hand even though it hurts I am agravating the PMR problem locally. The consensus was that I could either increase Pred sufficiently to remove the pain, try to become left handed, take painkillers or put up with it.

I do not wish to increase Pred having just got to 6.5mg for the third time, I do not take painkillers, I will try to do more with my left hand, basically I will be putting up with the pain.

Sorry if any other Right Hand Pain sufferers were hoping for a miraculous solution - there isn't one.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Golf-1]

Osteoarthritis maybe?.. and have you considered wearing a splint?

Maybe have a look at these - even if it isn’t OA-

versusarthritis.org/about-a....

sbuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/a....

[Golf-1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DL, have had a quick read of both articles, I must admit Osteoarthritus seems to be the most likely problem, just another one to deal with. huh, off to get a thumb support