No dexterity in my hands and painful swelling under my wrist

Pauline20

Hi everyone

I have just found this site. This is my first post. Just wanted to ask if anyone has a painful swelling where your pulse is. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis approx 10 years ago. I’m 64 and have it in most places, jaw, pelvis, knees, feet but my hands are the main problem. I cannot barely butter bread, wash the dishes, wash f. I’m still working as a secretary and manage to type with a thumb splint in place. Unable to hold things or pick thing up with one hand. My doctor has just prescribed pain killers. Is there any other treatment out there please. I’m so frustrated with the pain and the inability to use my hand.

many thanks

Poppyjane

Welcome @Pauline20 to the online community, I am so glad you found the site.

I understand that you have O A in many places but that your hands are causing you the most aggravation. You are managing to work as a secretary using a thumb splint when typing. Apart from pain killers your GP has not given you any more advice about other treatments.

I attach some links which you might find helpful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-fingers-hands-and-wrists/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-hand-and-wrist/

Have you asked to talk with an occupational health specialist at your place of work or been signposted by your GP to a hand specialist who can give you specific support. Alternatively you might want to discuss different work tasks which put less strain on your hands and wrists.

Do browse round the site, there is a wealth of information and many members willing to offer their advice and support. Let us know how you get on at work and with your GP if you go down that route.

Take Care

Poppyjane ( Moderator)