What to do about osteoarthritis in the hands?

Hello @kellee55, thank you for opening this discussion. I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time, let me tag some other members who can possibly share with you.

Hi everyone, how are you today?

Do any of you have OA in your hands? If so, how to you cope with it? Is there anything you take or do that helps to ease the pain? Are there any exercises or things you can wear that help?

@Athena @Gabriela1 @Mary5022 @LucyvB @Janineholland @cazmarelda10 @issyhay @Loubylou @Debi.K @Linds58 @karendibley @Idris63 @CindyH68 @Marxist @ImaniMcLean @Christinerenney51 @Angie2018 @Cookie 321

Don't hesitate to share with us here!

Take care,

Courtney

Hi Kelly. I have OA in both hands - in the thumb joint predominantly atm. Some days are better than others. Over time I have learnt how to do things to try and avoid causing myself more pain. I have special grips for my pens, things to help me open jars and bottles. I wear compression gloves for arthritis when I know I will be using my hands alot or if they are painful. CDB patches and gel can help, as can heated mitts. I also take joint supplements and turmeric. I think it's just a combination of lots of different small things that can help - some work and some dont -unfortunately it is about trial and error for what works best for you.

Sadly I think all drs say that as it is a degenerative disease - we can't stop it but its important to try different things to see if they help. I was 45 when I was diagnosed and it hit me hard - it's hard coming to terms with it I found but just give yourself a little time. If you are doing something and they hurt think if there is a different way you can do it to see if that helps. I've found Iholding my pen a different way or using a gel pen helps. Or is it something you need to do at all.

I hope it gets a little easier for you to accept in time.

Take care

Lorraine x

I have steroid injections into my thumb joint it’s painful but takes the pain away for at least six months .

Hi Linda

I've had 1 steroid injection 💉 - all.i can say is damn 😱😪 it did work though and i was probably seni.pain free for about a year but my consultant said to me to only have injections when it was really really bad as there is only so many your allowed isn't there?

Lorraine x

I had trapeziectomy 3 weeks ago on right thumb recovery is slow have my hand in a splint but surgeon and OT have told me it takes about 6 months for full movement again and it will reduce pain. So I'm off work for a few months !!

I have OA in my hands and it is worse around the thumb joints and the left one in particular. I had one steroid injection - hellish painful for 24 hours after but then 5 months of relative pain free normal activity. However the next 2 had no effect whatsoever so Ive given up on those. if you do go down that route ask to have a Guided Injection- they use ultrasound so they can see where the are injecting into - otherwise they do it blind - which is what caused the 2nd one not to work( or so I was told....)

I use things others have mentioned -a grip for opening jars and gel pens which have a rubberised grip. I also use the scanning wand at the supermarket which vastly reduces the amount of lifting you do by cutting out the need to get stuff out of your basket onto the conveyor belt then repack from the conveyor belt.

Ive also accessed Acupuncture. This doesnt remove the pain but it has made it more manageable. The first person I saw I ditched after 2 sessions as I realised they had significantly cut treatment time but not price, supposedly to allow for thorough cleaning between clients, but I went into the room barely a minute after the previous client left. So look around for the right person as the next person I found is amazing -she doesnt just put needles in my hand but in knees ( also now has OA) and forehead and feet. I come out feeling so relaxed!

I’ve had several injections. The last one didn’t work at all On my right hand the fingers are swollen and my middle finger seems to be permanently bent and painful.