Hand Therapist

Stravinsky
Stravinsky Member Posts: 8
edited 26. Mar 2017, 16:16 in Living with Arthritis archive
I'm trying to get access to a hand therapist but my doctor tells me they are difficult to get to directly, and you usually have to get referred by a consultant.

In the event of failure trying to get there via the NHS, does anyone know of any they can recommend in the Midlands area, UK?. I have looked, but more seem to deal more with hand trauma rather than trying to help with arthritis

Thanks in advance

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I wish I could help but I am fortunate in that my hands are not too badly affected; they have psoriatic arthritis which comes and goes (auto-immune kinds can do that) whereas with OA I should imagine it's a more permanent trouble.

    Soaking one's hands in warm water (with added Epsom salts if wished) can temporarily ease the aches and pains and it's a good way to soften stiff joints; gently flex your fingers in the water as though you are playing the piano. Do you have any form of splints? Many moons ago I was given working splints by my physiotherapist when the paws were playing up, now I buy my own, I am fortunate in that I have had experience of them and know what to buy (fortunate usually means lucky but in this case . . . . :wink: ) DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Stravinsky
    Stravinsky Member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for replying, I was beginning to think I was the only one with hand problems :-)

    I didnt even know there was such a thing as a hand therapist until my daughter told me. She's an Occupational Therapist and spent some time at Leicester Hospital where they have a specialist unit dealing with hand trauma.

    I started off by trying to find a private practicioner, but they all seem to deal only with trauma. Thats when i went to the doctor, but as I said, they tell me I have to be referred by a consultant

    I only have aches at the moment. My index finger is bending inwards out of shape and Ive noticed a few other fingers are beginning to slightly bend at the joint. My sister is older than I and she really suffers with that problem. Some fingers she has difficulty bending, and they stick at the joint.

    I do know of splints, but of course I dont know the right ones to purchase, nor how often and when i should wear them. It seems to be something thats available more in the USA, as you can buy splints from there quite cheaply.

    I'm basically trying to approach the problem before it gets worse :-)
  • palo
    palo Member Posts: 240
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I am in the midlands and go to Good Hope hospital. My oesteo-arthritis is worse in my hands and have almost constant pain, worse when I use my hands or if they get cold.

    I am being referred to a specialist hand physio so I believe, but it is a 2 month wait.

    I have found compression gloves helpful, as well as the hand exercises in the arthritis booklet for exercise. I also soak them in olive oil. I have a medium firm ball that I squeeze too. I have just bought a tens machine and tried it for the 1st time yesterday and I think that has helped too. I try to keep my hands warm at all times - no cold water etc. It all helps.

    Good luck.
  • Stravinsky
    Stravinsky Member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    palo wrote:
    Hi, I am in the midlands and go to Good Hope hospital. My oesteo-arthritis is worse in my hands and have almost constant pain, worse when I use my hands or if they get cold.

    I am being referred to a specialist hand physio so I believe, but it is a 2 month wait.

    I have found compression gloves helpful, as well as the hand exercises in the arthritis booklet for exercise. I also soak them in olive oil. I have a medium firm ball that I squeeze too. I have just bought a tens machine and tried it for the 1st time yesterday and I think that has helped too. I try to keep my hands warm at all times - no cold water etc. It all helps.

    Good luck.

    Thanks for the tips. I have a squezze ball but I hadnt thought of trying the tens machine