Advice on stiff hands in the morning

Busylizzie

Good Morning.

I am newly diagnosed with this condition after many months of random aches and pains. Prior to this diagnosis II was a fit and active person. I was put on a short course of steroids for a month by a private rheumatologist but now waiting for an NHS appointment. The main issue is my hands atm. They feel stiff and useless in the morning but a little better in the afternoon and evening. Can anyone suggest exercises or advice for this? Thank you in advamce.

anneb82

Hello @Busylizzie

Welcome to the online community and thank you for joining us.

So you have recently been diagnosed after many months of aches and pains. Before this you were quite active and fit. You have been treated privately with steroids but are currently waiting to see a Rheumatologist for further treatment. You are particularly suffering with your hands especially when first waking up and in the mornings and are looking for some advice about exercises and what other members can suggest.

I also know how difficult it can be to suffer with your hands. Have you been given a particular diagnosis yet? Im sure many of our members will be able ti give you lots of good tips and advice on what works best for them in the comments. Other than the steroids, have you started any other treatment?

Ive found the following pieces of information for you below so please do take a look when you have the time. I hope that you find them helpful.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/august/how-to-adapt-when-you-ve-been-diagnosed-with-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hand-and-wrist-pain/

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

Please do let us know how you are getting on and do continue to keep getting involved in the community. We are a friendly group and are always looking to make new friends

Take care

Anne (Moderator)

jamieA

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/58136/advice-on-stiff-hands-in-the-morning

Hi @Busylizzie

I was given hand exercise putty by an occupational therapy practitioner. I suffer the same problem with stiff fingers and wrists particularly when I waken and I think the putty exercises do help me. I was told by a rheumatologist that being more stiff first thing is because the body reduces or stops generating natural steroids during sleep.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatment/therapy-putty-helps-deterixty-fine-motor-coordination-function-strength/

The other suggestion I'd make is to try compression gloves. I find they help both with the compression but also they keep my hand joints warmer and so feel less stiff.

Klootster

After 12 months of the same issue, and trying everything.

Don't eat dairy. Don't sleep on your hands. Use a hot water bottle in the mornings. Best of luck.🙂

Moira

I go to a NHS OT once a month who has given me great exercises - including hand-putty (you can get it in-line, or even use Blu-Tak) which is brilliant for exercise.

I find I run my hands, while flexing them under warm water in the mornings to help (make sure it's not too hot).

Use any exercises on the versus Arthritis website.

The secret is keep moving your hand/fingers so they don't stiffen up too much and if your GP can get you an OT appointment, I'm sure that will help a great deal.

Good luck

frogmorton

Natural sponge in warm water was recommended to me. I guess a similar effect to the putty and warm water, but combined 😊

Best of luck @Busylizzie

Toni x