Arthritis in wrists, when to support??

suzygirl

Hi, after a bit of advice. I have inflammatory arthritis. When it first started it used to flit from joint to joint. Now, it stays in the joints. It has gotten so painful and difficult to use certain joints.

For example my wrists, especially my left wrist, I have to rest and support it on something as it hurts too much to use. I was wondering if a wrist support would help me to be able to use the wrist more, or whether that would weaken it??

I do have an appt with the rheumy nurse next week, so will ask her, but was wondering about in the meantime. Right now, a week feels like a very long time. Fed up of having to manually straighten my fingers so they will work, that kind of thing. :roll:

My ankles are too painful to stand on at the moment as well. Trouble is wrists are too painful to use a stick or crutches. This arfur sure does like to see how inventive you are!!!

Tips greatfully recieved.

dreamdaisy

I empathise with the ankle thing, it's like walking on broken glass the whole time. People with RA commonly use wrist/hand supports, I think the person you should see is an OT, perhaps your rheumatologist will refer you. Only you can decide whether the current level of discomfort is tolerable or not. I think neoprene supports are reasonably cheap - our local chemist sells a whole range of supports for different parts of the body - obviously one shouldn't use them all the time, only when needed for specific jobs, perhaps. I wish you well. DD

stickywicket

Hi suzygirl,

I have, over the years, used various wrist supports from time to time and found them very helpful. However, as with all these supports, it’s important not to overdo them as the muscles etc will all too readily go awol.

I used mine for doing specific jobs that hurt more than most and also when sitting as, for some reason which I’m sure a medic could explain, they didn’t hurt as much when I was upright and they were pointed downwards but, as soon as I sat in a chair and my elbows were bent, the wrists hurt however I positioned them. Sometimes, if it was only one wrist, to save time I’d just slip my hand inside a buttoned up blouse, jacket or cardigan for a few minutes to let that take the strain.

I’m sure the nurse will be able to help you but, if you need something to tide you over for brief periods until then I’d go for whatever you can find at the chemists etc.

Hope it helps.

jennylynn

Hi Suzygirl,

i think dd is right, i was referred to an OT because of problems with my left wrist and she made me a resting splint to sleep in. Its basically a plastic implement that is moulded to the shape of my wrist and has straps to secure it to my arm. It also supports my fingers - to be honest it has been a real blessing. I do also have a splint that you can buy over the counter, though the OT did tell me to try and wear it sporadically rather than becoming dependant upon it.
I hope you are able to get some support, i know wrist pain can be very demoralising.

Jennyx

suzygirl

Thanks guys!!! I do actually find that even when when resting they are really painful!!! I will ask for a referral to OT and see what the chemist has in the meantime.

traluvie

Hi Suzy..

I suffer with my wrists and ankles too..
I often wear wrists and ankle supports and apply deep heat to the area too.. i will wear them in the day if need be and they do as they say by supporting.. I do find though the elasticity doesn't last too long and have had to replace quite often, think maybe after washing them so often i done something lol.. I never wear them at night unless i really need too.. I often find when i'm relaxing they hurt more too, the pain seems to attack... My ankles are suffering too and am having difficulty walking most of the time so my doctor has sent a referral to OT.. they will come to my home and asses my needs.. Maybe you could mention to your GP the difficulties you are facing at the moment and they will then refer you...
I know like so many others how awful it can be when one is suffering... You are not on your own luvie...(((((X)))))
Let us know how you get on..

tjt6768

I have wrist supports, the neoprene types with the flat metal bar inside, I also have one with a plastic piece in that was moulded to my hand while gripping my walking stick. The normal ones I use whenever I am doing anything with my hands :shock: (oooh matron, behave) such as driving etc. I don't wear them when resting though.
I know how easy it is to lose muscle due to supports. I used to strap my knee up every day, lost most of the muscle that way. Thankfully it has come back a bit, not that it's making any difference lately.. Lol


Best wishes

ironic

Hi Suzygirl.
My left wrist has always been the worst one so I know what you are going through. Like Lynn and Stickywicket I have problems when I settle down in a chair. Mine got to the stage where it felt broken all the time but I was given a steroid injection in the wrist which really helped for a good few months. As everyone has said wear a support when you need to. I have found some of the anti-inflam gels give some relief.
Do you use warm to hot water to soak your hands in? Sometimes this helps to ease the process of getting the fingers going.
Good luck with your appointment.
Lv, Ix

Florence500

My right wrist is the worst, I wear the tube type of bandage on really bad days, it gives me some support and keeps others away from it.

I find it really embarrassing when you meet someone and they want to shake your hand and you have to say sorry can I shake with my left, if there is a bandage on it you don't have to give in-depth explanations lol

Got an exam tomorrow although a computer based exam there will be lots of calculations that I have to write down on paper, so going to use the bandage, will be in agony tomorrow evening so fingers crossed (those that can) that I pass and don't have to go through it again!

julie47

Hi suzygirl
I only occasionaly wear wrist splints. Mainly if I am driving or on scooter (mobility I am not a mod ) They were supplied by OT.
I have also used ankle supports, the doctor prescribed those for me, The chemist measured my ankle and then gave me the right size.
Good luck at your appointment next week.

Florence500
Good luck with your exams tomorrow, I will have my fingers crossed (in a fashion) for you.

Juliepf x

suzygirl

Thanks everyone, it helps to know you are not alone. I will try all your tips!!

Florence, hope that your exams go well!!

tiggernut

Hi Suzygirl,

I wear wrist supports when my wrists are painful and I find it helps.
I have a futuro splint that I got from the OT. Sometimes I wear a tubi grip as it's less bulk and easier to do things expecially if you have bad hands in general like me.
At night I have a resting spliknt which the OT made for me.

Anita.

suzygirl

Do they do these wrist supports in pretty colours or are they the usual grey and brown???

I thought crutches were bad enough, but wrist supports, not my favourite fashion accessory!! They seem to make all these aids so ugly, as if arfur wasn't bad enough!! :shock:

Still, I need to carry on doing things and these aids enable you to, so I have no choice. I am sure the sulazine is making me worse. This is my third week now, I don't know whether its a coincidence, but my pain is far more intense.

traluvie

Mine are Blue..
Go well with black and my lovely blue jumper..

tjt6768

My wrist supports are a wonderful shade of navy blue :roll:
Could be much worse though... Lol
I think the while world believes us disabled bunch have no sense of style.... :eek: :eek:
Wonder if gok has ever done an aids make-over.. (that didn't quite sound right but you know what I mean, lol).....
"It's all about the walking aids....."

tiggernut

My Futuro splint is sort of beige colour. I have seen the blue one's and I think you can get black but as far as I know that's about it!!

Anita.

suzygirl

I sense a gap in the market!!!! Maybe we should contact Gok Wan!!!

suzygirl

Thanks, I will check it out!!