Another newbie

ChrisG9

Hello everyone😀.

Earlier this year I was diagnosed with OA in my left hand following a fall from my bike. This week I've also been diagnosed with OA in my right hand and advanced arthritis plus bone spurs in my right foot.

I'm looking forward to joining this group and discovering tips to best self manage my condition as i seem to have a constant achy foot and hands

Shirley23

Hello @ChrisG9 and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience too.

I understand that you have been recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) in both your hands and foot. I am sorry to hear about your bike accident. Past injuries can make you more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis. A family history, physically demanding work, sport and past surgery can also be contributory factors.

There is a lot you can do to help manage your condition and improve your quality of life. It may be good to talk things through further with your GP to review your pain medication and explore treatment options. Referral to a specialist hand clinic and a podiatrist may be helpful. NSAID gels, such as Ibuprofen and Voltarol, or Capsaicin cream on prescription may be worth considering. Heat and/or cold may help too, e.g. a warm foot bath. Hand splints and the right kind of exercises can make a difference and help prevent deformity. More suitable footwear, and sometimes insoles, may help too. Eating a healthy balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can help to put less strain on all your joints.

If you would like to have more replies to your post, you are welcome to repost on our Living with Arthritis forum which is a supportive space where you can ask questions and share experiences with others facing similar challenges.

I hope the information given below will be of some help. 

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

 

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-foot-and-ankle/

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I am sure that others will connect with you to share their support and experience as well.

Best wishes,

@Shirley23 (moderator)

Trish9556

Hi @SG09

I'm sorry you're suffering so much with your hand. I have offered advice to many members who, like us, are trying to cope.

If you put trapeziectomy in the search bar you should find lots of posts from me and others with advice and coping mechanisms. Please feel free to pm me or tag me if you need to.

Love n hugs

Trish xx