Osteoarthritis in fingers and wrists

jojodan

Hi all I'm new to this,but so glad I found it as felt I wanted to speak to someone else with this and I can't,until now,iam only 39 and had alot of problems over the years with my hands pairwise,I had to go go my gp few months ago as was in so much,they sent me to rheumatologist who said iv got osteoarthritis in my finger,wrists and thumb bases,now they did an xray and apparently that was ok,iam waiting on a ultrasound but how can they diagnose me when xray says its OK,iam in so much pain everyday,they can't give me anything for the pain as I suffer from stomach ulcers so basically been left as iam,all I do is cry everyday as I can't do anything,I have a toddler and a 7 month old baby amd it hurts me that I can't do what they want me to do anymore,iv got 3 different types of splints to wear and now I'm on my own,I have a ot who has informed me on adaptions but I'm still young in my eyes I can't get my head round it all,iv put loads of weight on coz I don't go out coz I'm always in pain and struggle to push my pram,is there hope out there that I can get out of pain or is this my life now?If it is it sucks

Poppyjane

Hello @jojodan welcome to the online community

We are glad you found us, we are a friendly group who are here to support anyone affected by living with arthritis. You have been having a difficult time with your fingers and wrists whilst trying to care for a young family. Your medical team are planning an ultrasound test to help with a further diagnosis. Meanwhile you are unable to take medication for the pain because of stomach ulcers.

Some of our members find capsaicin cream ( available on prescription) really helpful, as well as heat/cold pads (micowaveable or freezer safe). It is likely that once you have a diagnosis your medical team will be able to prescribe some medication that is kinder to stomachs whilst helping to relieve your pain.

Meanwhile I attach some links which I hope you will find helpful.

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

There are other young mums on the community who have shared their experiences, Jessica's story is one example. https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/january/motherhood-and-life-with-rheumatoid-arthritis-jessica-s-story/?_ga=2.63203437.334727810.1681038858-1360252903.1605806055

We do hope that your rheumatologist will be able to help resolve some of your current concerns and look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Take care

Poppyjane

frogmorton

Hi @jojodan

the Rheumatologist is only trying to rule out Rheumatoid arthritis hence them saying it's ok.

But Osteoarthritis (OA) isn't ok either it's very painful and debilitating as you know!

You might not be able to have non steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, but you can take painkillers like paracetamol stronger stuff exists, but mostly prescription only so your doctor would ahve to prescribe it.

Poppyjane is right about capsaicin it's supposed to really help some with OA.

The really good news though is that you have found us lot to talk to and get advice from. Honestly everyone knows so much here and will help you if they can.

You might not be getting out much but we are here and you are not alone anymore ((()))

Toni x

jamieA

Hi @jojodan

I'd be careful with capsaicin cream on your hands as it can be transferred really easily. I remember applying it to my knee and after carefully washing my hands happened to rub my eye. It stung for quite some time. Have you spoken to your occupational therapist about aids to allow your hands to function? I wear compression gloves which I think helps my hands and wrists. As well as compressing they hold the body heat in which helps my finger joints. I've also tried hand splints which I found a bit too restrictive but were supportive for my wrist. I also do daily hand exercises to keep my joints moving. The OT I saw gave me hand putty which is a bit like playdough and that is good for hand exercises. I also immerse my hands in warm water regularly - I even offer to do the dishwashing as it helps. You could also ask about steroid injections to see if they help. I've also got a number of devices to ease opening cans, jars, bottles etc which take the strain off my finger joints.

noddingtonpete

Hi @jojodan and @jamieA I have arthritis in my thumbs and hands and use the Capsaicin cream which helps. Echoing what @jamieA says have to be careful after applying it, so I apply it and then wear compression gloves over the top. Both help. I also have a foam stress ball (soft foam) which I use like the putty just to keep exercising the hands. I found splints uncomfortable.

Hope this helps.