Hi all,
I'm fairly new to all this.
I could do with some advice on dealing with wrist pain. Most of the time I'm fairly OK, just generally creaky, then, from nowhere, a joint suddenly starts yelling at me. My wrist started this afternoon. Fortunately my left one because I can barely make a fist let alone hold anything. It has happened before and has always cleared up in 3-4 days so I've just put up with it. I saw someone mention wrist splints. Do these help and how would I find out about them. I've never seen a physio. Also is it possible to get a computer mouse that doesn't cause hand cramps?

Thanks
Sue

Hello Sue,

Yes I have wrist problems and fingers. I was referred to the Hospt O T dept and mesasured for day
time splints and as Kathleen says I wear them when i am in pain and also for things where my wrists
being used alot such as shopping. Give your RA nurse of ring - Good luck.

I would be intested Kathleen about that mouse/gel mat. GReat idea.

Rose x

Yes you should definitely ask to be seen by a physio and an occupational therapist. I found wrist splints to be extremely useful. Not only do they make the joint feel more secure but they also provide warmth AND they warn other people to be gentle with your hands when giving change, or shaking hands etc.


Also just sitting with your hands and wrists in warm water is really helpful. When my wrists are really bad I do that and just gently do the exercises the physio gave me to do. Even just slowly clenching and unclenching the hands while in the water is good.

Hiya

I agree with all the above, use daytime wrist splints a lot of the time and also strap the skateboard on (I mean nighttime splint) when they are playing up badly. They stop me sleeping with my hands in fists too which is a good thing. Can only wear one at a time at night for safety.

I have two mouses for my computer so I can share the workload - although as my right wrist is playing up I have moved the right one out of my way. I also use a split keyboard which allows my elbows to wrists sit in a more natural position - I wouldn't be without that keyboard now and hate it when I have to work at another desk. I tried trackball mouses, but they aggravated my fingers. If you can get an ergo mouse that fits your hand nicely that can help. I think one website said that the mousepad you get on laptops is best but again, I have difficulty with that as I tense my hands to use it.

Just wondered whether you get pins & needles in your fingers. This can be caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the op for that can be fantastic and provide immediate relief. If not, it doesn't surprise me as RA can be felt more in small joints apparently.

Hope you find your solution!

Angie

Hello

I to have a pair of the finger less gloves that Ailsa was talking about and they are very good although when I wore them to bed I had to pull them off in the middle of the night as they were really making my hands sweat, so I went back to the wrist splints in bed. I got mine from the funkyarthur website, but someone said it was closing down, they also sell wrists splints as do boots the chemist and other good chemists, although they might have to order them for you, as they need to measure you for size, they cost about sixteen pounds.

Good luck

Anne x

yeap O.t will put you right .
i have wrist pain at moment but doing the hand exciseis and splinting up and night splints .

chris

Just had a call from the hospital offering me an OT appointment tommorrow - yippee. My GP had warned me I would have a long wait - I must have struck lucky with a cancellation.It will be good to talk to her and get some advice and help. I'm actually fairly good at the moment - wouldn't you know it. I will have to describe how I am on bad days.
Wish me luck
Sue

Hello Sue

Glad you got sorted today. The splints are not a good look are they and can be awkward. I
also wear them .

Good luck

Rose

Thanks Paula, I will see if I can download that one. I really don't want twisty hands and my fingers on my right hand are just beginning to bend sidways a bit.

My OT asked me how I was refered to her so I exlpained that when I had painful wrists I logged on here and asked for advice which I took. She was really impressed. So thanks to everyone. Sue

Hi Paula -I know what you mean. I have a couple of 'lumpy' places on my left hand which I.ve just been told are thickening tendons. However it is my right hand /wrist which mostly hurt. The left only really causes me trouble if I'm forced to overuse it when I can't use my right. I think I worry because my father-in law had RA and dreadfully twisted hands. However, as he hated /was phobic about doctors and refused all medication except the occasional painkiller I don't think I should really compare. I will take whatever they offer me to keep it at bay - and if nothing is offered I will go chasing!
Sue