Hand Osteo Arthritis

Liberally13

hello I have OA in knees and spine diagnosed some years ago. My main pain is in neck shoulders and at the moment both hands all over. i was diagnosed with mlld fibromyalgia against a backround of arthritis around 6 years ago. The hand pain started off with one thumb xray showed arthritis. Now all my hands hurt all over all joints fingers backs and palms. I have an appointment with a physio next week for neck pain which has been very bad now the hands which were always aching are much worse. Any tips please how are you supposed to do housework shopping etc if it is making the pain worse. I am 75 my husband helps but he do has painful hips and hands. Thanks for reading this.

Ellen

Hello @Liberally13

I wonder if this might be helpful?

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/november/what-is-joint-protection-5-ways-you-can-look-after-your-joints/

Also if you haven't claimed Attendance allowance and are eligible some of our members use their benefit to employ a cleaner to help with their housework.

Best wishes

Ellen.

Liberally13

Hello Ellen Thank you for your reply. From what I can remember with my Dad who claimed attendance allowance because of Dementia it was because he needed help all the time like bathing and feeding although he did have some days at a day centre. i used the money to employ a cleaner and took care of him as much as we could although working part time at the time until he finally went into care. I do not think I would qualify for attendance allowance I will look again but if I remember correctly you have to say the person needs help wth dressing bathing feeding etc. My husband recently applied for a blue badge because of arthritis pain and also his breathing so not always being able to walk that far. We are doubtful he will get it. Thanks for the pointing me to the joint protection on this site and thanks for suggestion about attendance allowance.

Ck1

Hi Liberally13, I also have osteoarthritis in both my hands and am working out ways of managing it. I will say I find compression gloves do make my hands feel better when I've obviously over done it or my hands have gotten cold which I've noticed makes them hurt more. I've bought a bottle/jar opener too as my grip is poor and it works for me. We have food shopping delivered and I have bought some grips for bag handles which I'm testing out tomorrow. Hopefully others have better tips as I'm still a rooky at this 😆

SusieTop

Hi Liberally13, I totally understand how you feel and feel your frustration. I had very bad pain and stiffness in my hands and was waiting for cortisone injection’s when I read an article about the benefits of taking a supplement of MARINE COLLAGEN. So I thought what have I got to lose? I wasn’t looking forward to having injections! I ordered it and after about 2weeks I couldn’t believe how much it helped. I’d previously woken up with clenched fists which had to be cracked to open them and during the day I had a lot more pain. This natural supplement was working, no more clenched fists and cracking. I now can enjoy my hobbies of knitting crochet and sewing and have so little pain, I feel like I have new hands. I still have occasional clicks and aches in one top finger joint which was the worst one on my ultrasound scan but, I can cope with that. I would recommend trying it but buy a fairly high dose. It’s usually sold as a beauty supplement, so my hair, skin and nails have improved too. I’m not sure if it’s suitable for vegetarians but I’m not so I’m happy to take it. Good luck sweetie. X👌

noddingtonpete

Hello @SusieTop and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I understand that you have found marine collagen to be helpful to you which is good news. We have the following on our website which you might find interesting.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/collagen/

With all supplements some work better than others for each person so really good that this works for you.

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.

Kind regards

Peter (moderator)

JackC

My wife bought me an electrical ahnd massager to ease the pain in my hands. Do these have any long-term effects?

noddingtonpete

Hello @JackC and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I understand that you have arthritis in your hands and now have a hand massager. Everything little helps but if in doubt you could always ask your GP or a physio. I have arthritis in my hands also and I find what helps is Capsaicin cream, available on prescription and compression gloves. We are all different though so what may work for me may not for others, but anything is worth a go.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/capsaicin/

and

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

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.

With best wishes

Peter (moderator)

airwave

Heat is my favourite helper, my wife makes wheat bags for me then gives them out to family and friends. Eventually I get to use one, 2.5 mins in the microwave with half inch of water in a mug. The wheat soaks up the steam and stays warm for ages, keep the heat going. The heat will increase your circulation and aid healing as well as ease the pain.

Have you asked your GP for a blood test?

it’s a grin, honest!

Liberally13

Thank you airwave. I do already use a heated pad on my back but I have been thinking about buying a wheat bag as I thought is would be easier to use on the neck to get it in the right place. So thanks for that.

When you say have I asked for a blood test were you thinking of anything in particular. I have yearly blood tests because I have an underactive thyroid. Past blood tests have never showed any inflammation markers for rheumatoid arthritis. The neck and shoulder pain is as its worst when moving around and especially when walking. I am now only able to go out for short period so days out are not possible at the moment and going to see family over 200 mile drive are out even though I don't drive and my husband also suffers with OA.

Moira

Like you I have arthritis in my hands (and other places too). So gone are my days of Renaissance recorder playing, guitar is difficult (although uke is brilliant) and piano is quite difficult. Boo-hoo. Can't knit but can still do cross stitch. Can't use my embroidery slate frame sadly. Keep your hands moving that's what I was told by the hand specialist at the hosiptal.

I visited the OT at the hospital and she was brilliant. I have exercises to do and splints to wear when necessary. Compression gloves are good but you need to watch that they don't compromise blood flow.

I also bought some orthopaedic putty which is fab. I squash and squeeze it even when watching TV. It's the best thing ever.

I'm awaiting an op on one of my thumbs, although I think the other is worse.

Keep wriggling your fingers and hands and good luck.

AustraliaBaby1

New to group. So good to hear other people's experiences. Sometimes I feel alone as none of my friends and family have this.....although sympathetic.

JackC

My wife bought me an electrical hand massager to ease the pain in my hands. Do these have any long-term effects?