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Osteoarthritis in the fingers and wrists

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Soosisoo
Soosisoo

Hi.  I have found this forum to try to find out a bit more about this condition.  I have been a typist for most of my adult life and feel that this has impacted on my finger and thumb joints.  I have the normal swelling in my top joints on both hands.  The left hand started with the little finger and then the right hand little finger went, now the ring finger on the left hand is swollen, hot and tender, needless to say also very painful.  I don't think I took it seriously enough because I could handle the pain in the short term, until the joints calcified and the pain stopped.  Now, however, my wrist joints are causing me all sorts of problems.  I ride a motorbike and am finding it painful to grip the handlebars.  I can't open pop botles or jars like I used to and I am starting to feel a bit useless.  it is hard telling people you can't do things when they know you have always been the one to "get things done".  I have an appointment with my doctor on 2nd December (I know, a long wait!!) but I am going to ask her to send me for an X Ray to see what is going on.  I don't like the idea of taking drugs or anything that is derived from animals so I am not sure whether I am going to be able to actually take anything for the pain.  I was wondering though, does anyone out there use Chinese medicine, or acupuncture or massage?  I suppose I am looking for alternative remedies rather than medical.  Would be great to get into discussions with you on this.  Thank you.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK Soosisoo

    Posted

    Hi

    Welcome to the forums.....I have OA but mostly in bigger joints, lower spine, hips, etc

    My right hand ring finger has started getting sore now.....especially first thing when it hasnt been moved. Not doen anything about it yet.

    I've had a couple of hip replacements and things like that. Thats enough for the minute  LOL

    I've had acupuncture but that was for my back. Dont know much about it for hands or fingers.  I got it on the NHS  but because it was NHS and free it was onbly for a certain length of time.....that was via the physiotherapist....if thats any help to you.....If you ask your doctor to refer you to the hospital they should be able to sort things out.....what exactly is wrong...is it osteoarthritis or some other kind? I know they will prescribe tablets but once you know exactly whats wrong with you then you will be able tomanage it much better.

    Things like heat are excellent, gels are good as well for small areas......dont know how alternative they are. If you get as far as a physiotherapist ask about massage and he may point you in the right direction and also about acupuncture

    I've heard on another forum about wax baths for your hands...dont know much about that but its worth finding out.

    As for opening things etc....there are so many gadgets on the market these days......thats another thing from the hospital.....the Occupational Therapist. She can either give you things that are applicable or point you in the right direction

    Sorry thats a bit of a ramble.....hopefjully somneone will come on who actually uses chinese medicine and things like that. But definitely get it diagnosed first so that you know what you are dealing with

    Love

    Eileen    UK

    • Soosisoo
      Soosisoo eileen64__UK

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your response Eileen.  It is very helpful.  I think I will see what the doctor suggests (although I am sure it will be drugs to start with).  I will push for an appointment at the hospital though, I would like to see how far it has progressed.  it is just OA not RA (I am pleased to say) RA is not nice at all!

      I will come back on here after I have seen the Doctor and pass on any information I can. xx  Thanks again Eileen. x

    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK Soosisoo

      Posted

      Hi

      It will be good to keep an update and find out what the doctor says

      Love

      Eileen  UK

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