Hard Tight Hands

[naila_007]

Hello All,

Any ideas how to releive tight, hard hands. I do moisterise often. cant even clench or make a fist. Am taking 10mg of nifidpine twice a day.

I have tried the wax bath - dont think really working for me.

I am also on day 3 of mycophenolate.

Any advice appreciated.

Regards,

Naila

[zenabb]

I have the same. I exercise my fingers, that is all I can do.

[naila_007 in reply to zenabb]

Thanks Zenabb - I am going to give Hot stone therapy massage ago to improve circulation. I think i read it on one of the treads here.

[Pennypetra]

I too suffer with tight hard hands and I agree with zenabb. Try and exercise at least 3 times a day after moisturising it will keep hands a little more supple

[LucyJean]

Hi Naila, sorry to hear that you are having such problems at the moment. We all know how difficult it makes doing everyday tasks when your hands are stiff and swollen. Keep moisturising, keep gently moving, little and often...but don't force your fingers straight or into a fist too vigorously as this can irritate the tissues and increase inflammation. The wax baths are an excellent idea for gentle movement and keeping your skin supple and in great condition. It sounds like to me you are in a bit of a flare up...hence your consultant starting you on Mycophenolate. Hopefully in a few weeks time this will start to have an effect and you may notice a reduction in swelling in your hands. The Nifidepine is for Raynauds. It will not make any difference to your swelling.

I would also suggest that you get referred to a physiotherapist who knows about Scleroderma and may be able to provide massage and exercises for you, and to Occupational Therapists who can provide you with splints, if they are required, and provide advice about gadgets and techniques to make your everyday tasks easier.

I am really hoping that things will settle a bit, given time, and appropriate treatment.

All my best

Lucy x

[naila_007 in reply to LucyJean]

Hi Lucy,

Many thanks for your response.

I do have physiotherapy and see an OT. I think i am going to give the Mycophenolate a chance am on day 6 and in a few days my dose will increase.

I am doing a lot of natural therapy too - so hopefully will see some improvement.

Got to keep soldering on

regards,

Naila

[Bean82 in reply to naila_007]

I find doing a bit of knitting keeps my fingers and hands a bit looser...and you'd think bonus knitted clothing for the colder weather, except I'm not that good at knitting! Helps the hands tho!