Newbie

Mrsc

Hi,

My name is Cathy I was diagnosed with RA in January 2022 after a very painful few months, feeling like I was becoming a vegetable! unable to dress myself look after myself and do anything for myself. Luckily I have a brilliant husband. Iam taking Mexatrate now and I am much improved.

My main concern at the moment are my thumbs very painful and weak, was wondering if some support aids might help. I would be grateful for any thoughts.

Sharon_K

Hello @Mrsc

welcome to the online community and thank you for sharing your exprience since your diagnosis in January this year. Our partners can be a huge support in the early days and I am glad you are feeling much improved. In relation to your painful and weak thumbs it would be ideal if you could see an occupational thereapist to talk about the possability of some support aids. I know that some of our members have experience of thumb supports and these are availble on line. However I cannot account for their usefulness.

Here is some information about splints generally that might be useful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/splints/

There are also some exercises for the hands including the thumb that would be worth reading about here

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

I have certainly found hot and cold compresses help to improve movement and give relief from pain. Please let us know how you get on

Best Wishes

Sharon

Mrsc

Thank you Sharon, that's very helpful I will certainly look into your suggestions. So nice to see other people although suffering are so helpful and friendly. Unless you have this condition it's hard to understand how it affects you daily. Appreciate your advice, thanks again Sharon