Osteoarthritis in my hands

Xanthe

I’m waiting for private treatment on my hands. I’m an artist and in agony holding paint brushes, pens and pencils. I can’t use scissors . I have to limit how long I do art for, barely doing half an hour. I really hope injections work!

Loggiemod

@Xanthe hope it works for you. My hands don't work as they should. One of my retiremnet projects was to learn to play the guitar, but the fingers just don't go wherer they should. Let us know how successful the injections are - I might look into it.😀

Chris_Lily

Hi @Xanthe

Thank you for posting on our Online Community, we are sorry to hear that you have Osteoarthritis in your hands it must be very challenging for you especially as you are an artist.

Steroid injections can be very helpful for people with arthritis, there are 3 types of injections that can be used and can all work differently, some steroid injections start to relieve pain within hours and the effects should last about a week, other steroid injections take around a week to become effective but can ease your symptoms for two months or longer, but this will depend on what is given at the time, speak to your GP about this.

Because we are all different, what can work for one person may not work for another but hopefully, fingers crossed it will help you.

It may also be worth speaking to your GP about a referral to see a hand therapist who have done further training to specialise in treating conditions affecting the hands, arms, and shoulders. They can also advice on exercises that can help, preventive care and daily living aids, they often also use wax bath treatment which is is one of the most effective ways of applying heat to improve mobility by warming the connective tissues. 

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/steroid-injections/

Best wishes

Chris (Moderator)