Arthritis in the fingers

piglet1
piglet1 Member Posts: 7
edited 8. Jun 2011, 09:05 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi There

I am new to this Forum, and just wondered if there is anybody out there who could offer me some advice. I have arthritis in my fingers, have had it for near on a couple of years now, but over the past couple of months it seems to have got a lot worse. I am currently still under the doctor who is going through a list of prescription medication before I finally get referred back to the hopspital!!! By the way, nine of this medication seems to be working. Is there enyone who is suffering from the same thing, who could perhaps let me know if they have come across any other way of relieving the pain. As you are all aware, being in constant pain all day is no fun, plus you are always tired. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Piglet :P

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello piglet1, I love the name! It's nice to meet you but I am sorry you have had to find us. What kind of arthritis is affecting your fingers? Is it an inflammatory version or OA (osteo arthritis?) DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dd was right to ask which type you have.
    i am thinking it must be inflamatory because of different meds . so my advice would be get shopping bags with long straps for carrying things in on shoulder do the exercises on the site (does help strenthen hands)
    heat if aching (wheat bag).
    ice wrapped in towel(packet of peas works great) if hot or swollen
    exercise them in warm water if that works for you some people say wax baths work sure some one will be along soon good luck val
    val
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I came back to add all that - thanks valval! Gentle exercising can help too - pretend to play a piano, just stretch and relax your fingers to try to get them moving if they are stiff, and don't overwork them, eg if peeling veg for dinner do one set, have a rest, then the next etc. We use our hands all the time, this must be very difficult for you. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • constable
    constable Member Posts: 2,115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Piglet,

    Glad that you have found this forum but sorry that you are suffering.
    As DD asked what type of arthritis do you have. I have OA.

    You will find us a very friendly bunch who will help, advise where we can also on the chit chat forum you can just have a chat with people, Vals cafe is very popular. You can have a virtual drink.

    I cannot help with the fingers but sure someone will be along who can advise you.

    Look forward to seeing you around the forum.


    Karen xx
    Karen xx
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,027
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Piglet

    l am very pleased to meet you :grin:

    Sorry about your poor fingers though :sad:

    I too am wondering which kind of arthritis you have and whether you have had tests like blood tests or xrays to confirm your diagnosis.

    i only say as the treatment for OA (the wear and tear type) and the inflamatory types (such as RA) are different and for the latter you would almost certainly see a specialist and be prescribed different medication.

    The fact that the meds you have tried are not working and you are so tired surely means you need to be checked out further.

    Love

    Toni xx

    Ps I bought some isot*ner gloves online which are lovely for my hands
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Piglet..

    Welcome to the forum..
    I have inflammatory arthritis so i get pains in my fingers.. I normally soak my hands in warm water and gentle exercise as DD said, also i have used deep heat, that has helped a bit..
    It might be that your GP has to try and find the right meds to help you.. You under Rheumy?? are you on any arthritis drugs?? I been put on hydroxychloroquine, it took 12 weeks to kick in but have noticed the difference now..
    Wish you well..
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • piglet1
    piglet1 Member Posts: 7
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Many thanks for all of your replies, it is Osteoarthritis that I am suffering with. I am trying to excersise the fingers first thing in the morning, and I wer the Isotoner gloves when I go to bed. I have heard that having a soak in the bath with Epsom Salts works to ease some of the pain, and I am also considering acupuncture, has anyone tried this?

    Piglet :P
  • cpontefract
    cpontefract Member Posts: 73
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have Inflam in my wrists, fingers and knee and love doing the dishes lol

    Its sucha free feeling when my hands are in the warm water, however i need someone on stand by to take the dishes as i cant lift them without dropping them :roll:

    also love warm baths and would spend all day in it if i could lol

    hope you get some answers soon xx
    Claire
    Keep Smiling :D

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