Arthritis Forum
Home.

News.

Personal Stories. Links. Message Board.  
Arthritis Forum  
Add your comments to this topic Start a new topic
Date: 08.10.2010
From: Roy

Subject: cant use my fingers

HI everyone. New to this forum and have been diagnosed with Seronegative Arthritus. Although I dont have much pain my fingers stiffen up overnight and can take all day to relax in my left hand and I have very little strength in both hands. I am on Naproxen at the moment but it doesnt seem to be helping.
Can any of you good people offer any advice. Thanks
reply | back to forum

Date: 11.10.2010
From: John

Subject: Re: cant use my fingers

Hi Roy, I'm very similar to you though now both hands affected. Putting your hands in hot/warm water may help to get them going in the morning. Have you tried finger/hand exercises ? Google You Tube for Arthritic Hand excercises. Do do the exercises, they do help.

Naproxen did nothing for me so GP put me on Diclofenac which does seem to help but I only take this as and when required.

My hands/wrists are probably 80% effective at the moment but the finger joints can be quite sensitive at times. I find the more I use my hands during the day the more they can loosen up but not always!

Cheers John
reply | back to forum

Date: 12.10.2010
From: Shirley

Subject: Re: cant use my fingers

Hi guys and welcome. Naproxen and diclofenac are anti-inflammatories which can help reduce the inflammation but won't stop the disease progressing and possibly causing damage to your joints. Have you been referred to a rheumatologist to see about taking DMARDs (eg. Methotrexate etc) which help prevent this? I gather the sooner you start the better the chances are. Hope this helps, Shirley.
reply | back to forum

Date: 12.10.2010
From: John

Subject: Re: cant use my fingers

Hi Shirley, been seeing Rheumatologist every 3 months up until last July and due to bloods being ok and general improvement the next visit will be 6 months time ( Jan). Saw GP last week for interim blood tests and currently awaiting results. Dilemma in a way is; if there has been a general improvement in symptoms as well as bloods and considering RA will be a permanent feature at whatever degree ( lesser ?), should one still go down the dmard route? Not keen on ' stronger ' medication if there is not a need (?) or am I just being a typical bloke? Will discuss further with GP when I get blood results.
reply | back to forum

Date: 18.10.2010
From: Paul

Subject: Re: cant use my fingers

I too was told i had sero neg arthritis, shortly after i was told my two middle fingers on my right hand started tingling and felt a little numb and when i woke in the morning it could me quite a while to clench my fist and get some feeling into it. i mentioned this to my rheumy and he gave me a splint to wear in bed as he said the arhritis had caused a little inflammation im my wrist and i could have carpal tunnel syndrome. Anyway the splint has helped me and i can get up in the morning without any probs in my hand but it still tingling and a bit numb, you should try and splint on your hand over night.
reply | back to forum

 

Add your comments to this topic
Subject:
Please type your comment here:

Your name:
email:

1+6=
(This sum is to help prevent automatic spamming through this page - thank-you)


top

Site design: T - Creative Home | News | Personal Stories | Links | Message Board