Hands

Pennyo

Hi I'm penny im 60 I have ostio arthritis it mainly.affects my hands at the moment.how to deal with it better would be my question. I'm sure u know if you're hands don't work then it's hard to do anything from holding a pen to washing up never mind everything I've already had to give up including my job and hobbies. Any advice happily accepted .

ToneBlues

Hi @Pennyo

Welcome to our online forum and thank you for seeking our support.

You tell us that you have osteoarthritis (OA) in your hands. Your question about how to manage when your hands no longer work properly will strike a chord with many of our members. It is particularly difficult when disability gets in the way of things we want to do as well as the things we have to do.

Here is a page from our website about osteoarthritis of the hand -

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

And here are some suggested exercises for the fingers, hands and wrists -

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

It is hard when we have to give up on things we want to do, and it is worth trying to find ways to change or adapt so they become possible again. It's also worth considering trying new things that don't rely on good dexterity. These things help keep us on an even keel emotionally - here are some ideas to help with that -

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

I hope that these links help and that others in our community are able to suggest things that are useful to you. Please visit regularly and let us know how you are getting along.

Very best wishes

@ToneBlues - moderator

Loggiemod

Have you tried the capsaicin cream? - it is chili based and seems to provide me with a bit of relief. You are supposed to use it twice a day (GP prescribed) which doesn't give me relief all day but it does help for a few hours. Be careful when you have it on your hands though to avoid touching your eyes or your mouth. If you've ever done that having touched chilis you will know what I mean😀