My hands hurt

[izi 出久]

Hi all,

The hardest part of writing is how much it hurts my hands.

It's a bit strange; only turning 30 this year, but my hands are weak. I suppose I am weak.

The backstory is I've been in two biking accidents, one which broke bones in my left hand but I never wore a cast / did physical therapy for because I didn't have insurance at the time, and the second where I landed on that same hand, it hurt for weeks, might have broken some bones again, but I never got an x-ray to find out.

Anyway, I have arthritis in both hands, but the left one is worse.

Does anyone have suggestions for medication / tools / accessories that relieve hand pain? The pain is primarily along the leftmost two metacarpals.

Thanks

 

[E G Logan]

I think my situation might be completely different:
I find if I don't use a cushioned wrist rest, not just a mousemat type thing, my mouse hand aches. And my wrist.
The one I have is plain black, a combined wrist rest and mat, says Allsop on it, and I think it came from Amazon.
Might be worth a try. Not expensive.

Also, I was advised to try the fancy, curly keyboard, but I just found it unworkable. It did help some colleagues, though.

 

[RK Wallis]

I have morbidly weak hands, so much so, the right doesn't move, and I can only use 3 fingers on my left hand. I'm attached to my mechanical keyboard (a gaming keyboard like this: Logitech G512 Carbon RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - GX Red Linear: Gaming Keyboards: Amazon.com.au). It responds to my fingers with barely any pressure. Not sure if that would help or not?

 

[Katie-Ellen]

I have no easy answers, sadly, but homeopathic arnica and Vogels or other brand arnica gel may help, and costs little.

 

[Barbara]

I have arthritis in both hands from work. And RSI. And... I got to a point I couldn't use my hands at all. Like not at all. Not even use a remote for the tv.

But... wrists splints saved me.

Ice packs helps me over flare ups. Low acidic diet too. But mostly I when I get flare up I sleep with a wrist splint (inc the thumb). I only use them at night but they help. Takes a couple day to work.

 

[Hannah F]

Rub hands with stinging nettles - topically painful at first, but the sap of the leaves has anti-inflammatory properties which have been shown to ease arthritic joint pain. A woman who lives near me swears by her regular application of nettle stings.

You could also use your computers dictation recognition tool. Marion Keyes writes that way because her hands are crippled with arthritis.

 

[izi 出久]

. A woman who lives near me swears by her regular application of nettle stings.

Oh my gosh. Sounds oddly masochistic, but I have heard of this before. Hm. My parents have a lot of stinging nettle on their farm... not growing it. They consider it a weed. BUT it's only an hour's drive from where I live...

 

[RK Wallis]

masochistic,

Isn't writing a book masochistic?

 

[izi 出久]

Isn't writing a book masochistic

Indeed. *proceeds to spread stinging nettle all over body*

 

[Barbara]

Indeed. *proceeds to spread stinging nettle all over body*

And when you've done that you have to p over yourself to neutralise the sting. According to Bear Grylls anyway. I've never tried it tho.
Or use vinegar. Much nicer. That, I did try and it works.

 

[Barbara]

That's the one I have. Well, a similar one.

Amazon product ASIN B09L4P27P2

 

[Andy D]

Hope you feel better soon, Stacey! I had RSI in my 30s and agree with Barbara that the splints really helped. What also helped was reading a paper that a fellow sufferer sent me that *essentially* said the more you focus on it, the more you think about the discomfort as an issue (and I could still now tbh) the worse it gets, so discipline your brain to stop registering it. Now, with your injuries and arthritis neither of these things may help at all, BUT what also really helped was seeing a sports physio who, for a pretty reasonable £30 a time, hammered the muscles further up my arm, and after a few sessions I super felt the difference.

Anyway, feel free to ignore all of this if it doesn’t work for you, and obviously there’s some great advice above. But really hope the discomfort subsides x

 

[RK Wallis]

Hope you feel better soon, Stacey! I had RSI in my 30s and agree with Barbara that the splints really helped. What also helped was reading a paper that a fellow sufferer sent me that *essentially* said the more you focus on it, the more you think about the discomfort as an issue (and I could still now tbh) the worse it gets, so discipline your brain to stop registering it. Now, with your injuries and arthritis neither of these things may help at all, BUT what also really helped was seeing a sports physio who, for a pretty reasonable £30 a time, hammered the muscles further up my arm, and after a few sessions I super felt the difference.

Anyway, feel free to ignore all of this if it doesn’t work for you, and obviously there’s some great advice above. But really hope the discomfort subsides x

When I had carpel tunnel in my 30s, I also found wearing splints at night helped ease the pain.

 

[Hannah F]

The children with splints walked the carpel tunnel, ducking and twisting with each step to avoid the jutting needles.

(Sorry. Just a burst of inspiration).

 

[Rachel Caldecott]

Hi all,

The hardest part of writing is how much it hurts my hands.

It's a bit strange; only turning 30 this year, but my hands are weak. I suppose I am weak.

The backstory is I've been in two biking accidents, one which broke bones in my left hand but I never wore a cast / did physical therapy for because I didn't have insurance at the time, and the second where I landed on that same hand, it hurt for weeks, might have broken some bones again, but I never got an x-ray to find out.

Anyway, I have arthritis in both hands, but the left one is worse.

Does anyone have suggestions for medication / tools / accessories that relieve hand pain? The pain is primarily along the leftmost two metacarpals.

Thanks

Have you tried turmeric? It is supposed to be a natural anti-inflammatory and you can buy it in capsules.

 

[CageSage]

Oh my gosh. Sounds oddly masochistic, but I have heard of this before. Hm. My parents have a lot of stinging nettle on their farm... not growing it. They consider it a weed. BUT it's only an hour's drive from where I live...

Nettle can work even without the sting - drop it in hot water and when it's down to warm, soak your hands.
Personally, I use wrist/thumb splints [day and night] when not in a cast; magnetic gloves when working, and not in a cast; and a proper wrist thingy. Also trying dictation, but it often takes more work to fix than it's worth, so I'll keep working on it.

 

[Robinne Weiss]

That's the one I have. Well, a similar one.

Amazon product ASIN B09L4P27P2

I concur with the wrist splint. Damaged a thumb 18 months ago and exercises the physio gave me did nothing, but found that I could manage during the day if I splinted the wrist/thumb at night. Took a year to mostly come right (arthritis took over where injury left off, unfortunately), but even at the worst I could manage a full day's writing if I splinted at night. I also splinted when I was doing things I knew I shouldn't be (e.g. the weeding and hoeing that damaged it in the first place).

 

[Rachel Caldecott]

Nettle can work even without the sting - drop it in hot water and when it's down to warm, soak your hands.
Personally, I use wrist/thumb splints [day and night] when not in a cast; magnetic gloves when working, and not in a cast; and a proper wrist thingy. Also trying dictation, but it often takes more work to fix than it's worth, so I'll keep working on it.

The Romans used nettles for arthritis. But it often included rolling around butt naked in a patch of them. I like the sound of your technique better.

 

[Peyton Stafford]

I have rheumatoid arthritis and find that ginger helps reduce the inflammation, which is what causes the pain. I buy fresh organically grown ginger root to grate or dice for cooking. Yogi Ginger Tea (Ginger Tea | Yogi Tea) also helps, as does green tea. I often steep a bag of green tea for a minute or so (I don't want it to get strong and bitter) in a mug with a bag of the ginger tea. The ginger tea I leave in the mug as I sip it. This helps the inflammation and perks up my mind. I also like the powdered ginger juice drink from Trader Joe. Turmeric reduces inflammation. If you like the flavor, which I do, just sprinkle it on savory dishes--everything from green salads to fish to tofu. Otherwise, there are capsules.

For me, I have found that limiting or even eliminating my intake of pro-inflammatory foods helps, though not everyone wants to do that. The nonprofit Arthritis Foundation has a lot of advice on diet, supplements, etc., as well as on conventional medical treatments (Search | Arthritis Foundation).

Dragon Naturally Speaking (Dragon Naturally Speaking - Dragon Naturally Speaking Download) is speech-to-text software. A friend who has CP and a paralyzed left hand has used several similar products and recommends this, since it lets her write without further damaging her right hand by overusing it. Unfortunately, it runs only on Windows boxes.

You might also look at text substitution software. I use aText (aText - Text template, shortcut, expansion for Mac and Windows) on my Mac computers. It saves time and keystrokes by substituting whatever you want for a short sequence of keystrokes that you choose. For instance, since the protagonist of my current novel is named Peter, I type (comma)pe, and aText expands this to Peter.

Good luck with this. I am sure you will find a way. You have too much talent to let anything get in the way of your writing.

 

[Dorm Ant]

A guy near where I currently live makes a drink made from turmeric and ginger that he claims has reduced inflammation in his joints so much that he has gone from struggling to walk without pain, to being able to ski. I can't personally vouch for it, though he now earns a living from selling the stuff.

 

[Eva Ulian]

You seem to be concerned about breaking bones because you don't know if you did or not- but that's probably the least of your problems. Bones are great natural healers. I broke my left hand badly and once it had set it was as good as new and never felt any more pain after that. It was also what the doctors told me, I didn't quite believe them at the time, I thought they were just being consoling- but it's absolutely true- bones heal.

Apart from a little arthritis here and there which I keep under control by exercising that particular area (one index finger and one ankle), I have fibromyalgia which is an inflammation of the muscles and can only be diagnosed through a blood test is also something I can keep under control by daily exercises (specific ones) and refrain from eating salami or tinned meat which is deadly for any kind of inflammation. Also turmeric and magnesium are aids to keep inflammation under control. But above all, following a healthy life style; regular meals, especially of fruit and veg; plenty of fresh air and exercise- walking is the best- is what keeps your machine (body), oiled and in good working order.

All the best Stacey... now and then treat yourself to something you really enjoy doing... me? An afternoon nap!

 

[BarbaraUS]

Have you tried turmeric? It is supposed to be a natural anti-inflammatory and you can buy it in capsules.

I have inflammation and arthritic pain in hips neck, and SI joints. In spite of PTs best efforts, I basically have chronic pain. She wants to do some dry needling (not acupuncture.. which is supposed to stimulate the healing process.. sounds like the same theory behind the nettles, but no P-ing required after!) I'll report back in May and let you know how it goes.

In fact, it's difficult to stay sitting for a 2 hr huddle, so I usually take a video break and move around, if only to replace my Ice and heat or reset my TENS unit, which is another thing I highly recommend as a non pharmaceutical pain reliever. They are used in PT often with or without Ice, but sold OTC for 30 bucks or so. I have one on most days. You couldn't use on fingers but there may be places you could place the electrodes to find some relief. At the very least, it moves your mind elsewhere. I managed to walk through airport security today with it on and they didn't detect it..I don't think that's a good thing.

I take 500 mg turmeric and magnesium daily and try to eat an anti inflammatory diet. Sugar is the devil in this regard! Others have talked about diet above. There are cookbooks geared toward such things.

Good luck Stacey. You guys are all to young to be dealing with so much pain.

Barbara

 

[Barbara]

I have inflammation and arthritic pain in hips neck, and SI joints. In spite of PTs best efforts, I basically have chronic pain.

@BarbaraUS Have you tried remedial / Sports Massage? I do that for a living and have loads of clients with arthritis (knees, hips, neck etc) They all benefit from my sessions and get much relief. But, you need to go every week initially (without fail) for a few weeks. Seriously. That's really crucial. Once you feel better (about 6 weeks), you can reduce the frequency of the sessions to every other week, and later to monthly sessions. Check with your med insurance. They may cover it with a doc note.

Or try Bowen Technique. It feels like a con on the first session, but boy can it work well.

And also, it they treat your hip, make sure they also work your entire pelvic area, lower spine, and down to the knee, not just that one hip joint. Your sacroiliac will like that too. For the neck, the PT needs to work the top back as well as front of the neck just past the clavicles and the top pecs and stretch out the top chest and the front of the shoulders. I don't know how it is in the US but here in the UK, PTs tend concentrate on only one thing, not necessarily the connecting areas.

All that applies to the wrists too BTW. (The PT needs to work up the arm inc the shoulder)

 

[Hannah F]

I don't have any arthritis, thankfully, but I thought I'd put it out there, while we're on the subject, that I hate massage. I haven't yet found anyone else in the circles I move in who also hates massage. Not even boyfriends/husbands have been able to give me massage without me tensing and recoiling. I'd rather have pain than a massage. I think I'm odd.

 

[BarbaraUS]

@BarbaraUS Have you tried remedial / Sports Massage? I do that for a living and have loads of clients with arthritis (knees, hips, neck etc) They all benefit from my sessions and get much relief. But, you need to go every week initially (without fail) for a few weeks. Seriously. That's really crucial. Once you feel better (about 6 weeks), you can reduce the frequency of the sessions to every other week, and later to monthly sessions. Check with your med insurance. They may cover it with a doc note.

Or try Bowen Technique. It feels like a con on the first session, but boy can it work well.

And also, it they treat your hip, make sure they also work your entire pelvic area, lower spine, and down to the knee, not just that one hip joint. Your sacroiliac will like that too. For the neck, the PT needs to work the top back as well as front of the neck just past the clavicles and the top pecs and stretch out the top chest and the front of the shoulders. I don't know how it is in the US but here in the UK, PTs tend concentrate on only one thing, not necessarily the connecting areas.

All that applies to the wrists too BTW. (The PT needs to work up the arm inc the shoulder)

I had a very good sports massage therapist until I stopped going due to pandemic. Also Went 20 months without PT for same reason.Thank you Covid. Each time I think I'm ready to get a massage, covid flares up here, or we have a chance to see our newest grandbaby (which involves an extended time of staying away from others before a visit, per request of parents).

Did ok for quite awhile by putting into practice all the stretches and yoga poses I've learned.. plus strengthening exercises. And I keep moving with walks of 2 to 3 miles on many days.. cuz I know what will happen if I stop moving. Things get worse.

What you do sounds amazing. If I weren't so far away, I'd book now!! My PT is actually very good about working on all areas. And, I've learned some isometric exercises to try to get SI joint happy in between.

Do not know the Bowen technique, but will look it up.

Based on the way @StaceyDale 's post has lit up here, I'm thinking we need a dedicated Pain Clinic Forum for the colony!

So much pain here but so many great ideas for v pain relief!

 

[BarbaraUS]

I don't have any arthritis, thankfully, but I thought I'd put it out there, while we're on the subject, that I hate massage. I haven't yet found anyone else in the circles I move in who also hates massage. Not even boyfriends/husbands have been able to give me massage without me tensing and recoiling. I'd rather have pain than a massage. I think I'm odd.

Have you ever tried a hot stone massage? That could be a good way to begin, along with some aroma therapy perhaps!

 

[RK Wallis]

I hate massage

Not too strange. I like massage, but since my stroke, I can only tolerate about 15 mins before my legs tense and spasm. Just as an aside, someone I met along my stroke journey had her stroke, like mine, at 25 after someone incorrectly massaged her neck.

 

[Hannah F]

Have you ever tried a hot stone massage? That could be a good way to begin, along with some aroma therapy perhaps!

I'm into aroma therapy, but I don't need any kind of massage (and hot stones doesn't sound like something I'd like). I do practice Ashtanga yoga, walk and run a lot, do agility with my dog and maintain a high level of flexibility. I am vegetarian and eat a good healthy diet that, other than rare occasions, excludes cakes, biscuits, crisps, chocolate, anything with a high sugar load. I also don't eat much high carb like pasta and bread. I have a low but within the healthy range BMI. I do drink wine but just an elegant sufficiency (and one must have a vice!) I also live in a semi-rural area so the air is much cleaner than in a city.
As Eva says above, good diet, fresh air and exercise go a long way to maintaining a healthy body. I add to that list: luck.

 

[Rachel Caldecott]

Like many writers, I have a pretty sedentary lifestyle. Well, on a slightly different note, and not connected to hands (although I too have arthritis in my hands, as I think I said earlier), until January I couldn't walk more than about 50 meters without severe back pain and numbness in the legs. In addition, during my trip to the UK at Christmas, my continual heart palpitations that had been bothering me for about 6 months, rose to a crescendo and I had difficulty breathing. My kids were worried, I was worried... I had to have wheelchair assistance at each airport. In mid-January, the GP in France gave me a prescription for Sport Santé; a new programme subsidised by the state. I was checked out by a cardiologist, who agreed I needed help and that my heart was only functioning at about 50% capacity. In February, I started fitness sessions once a week with a delightful (and ridiculously tall) Congolese trainer... I can now walk 3km with no pain, I could probably manage more after a short break, I've lost a stone in weight, my palpitations have diminished (most days I don't have them now), I feel generally better, and according to people that see me, I look better too. In September there will be more sessions and I will go to as many as I'm allowed. I haven't really done any sport since I was about 18, and now, surprisingly, I actually look forward to it. Believe me, that is something I never thought I'd ever say.

 

[Barbara]

while we're on the subject, that I hate massage

Out of interest, why don't you like it? It might just be a question of finding the right therapist who works at your speed. If ever we meet, I'll convert you.

Thank you Covid. Each time I think I'm ready to get a massage, covid flares up

Ah that's such a shame.

Yeah. COVID. It's been a problem for my trade. My buisness is still way down from what it was as some people still live in fear.

I hope you can go back to having treatments soon.

after someone incorrectly massaged her neck.

I feel I need to clarify here. Massage, wether it's correctly done or not, can't be blamed for her stroke.

Massage doesn't create the clot. Yes, it can speed things up and move it along but...

I know you know the following but I'm putting it here for others because I'd hate for massage to be misunderstood.

As therapists we're taught what to look out for and when not to massage. This is very important to us because our clients health is important to us. If someone presents early symptoms of a stroke we would sent them to the doc not massage them. I once had a client with a lump in the upper thigh after a long flight. I sent him straight to a&e. (It was something different.)

But lets say there was no outward indication of a problem with your friend, (ie a visible or palpable lump or other symptom) the therapist would most likely have had to work so deep on her neck to get to the clot and move the clot along, your friend would have told her to back off. (the neck is more sensitive than a thigh, it's hard to go that deep without the client reacting.)

I'm assuming your friend didn't go to a qualified therapist?

But either way, qualified or not, I still don't think an incorrectly massage caused her problems because:

We self massage when we're in pain. Our partners massage us when we're in pain (or get a kicking if they refuse to). Most of us aren't qualified therapist and don't know the ins and outs of how to do it, but we don't cause ourselves health problems by doing it wrong. If that was the case, scientis would have told the world not to rub their own legs or their partner's legs without prior health checks. There's also muscle movement as we ... well, move. Muscles contract and this in essence compresses the blood vessels. This too can move clots about. This is why we're told to not sit too long so blood doesn't stagnate and ....

A massage may disloge something, but her stroke would have manifested without her incorrect massage. The clot was most likely already there or her health was such it was forming.

The prob is when things like this (stoke, miscarriage etc) happen, we look for a reason why and if she had the massage shortly before it happened, it's easy to put two and two together. Understandably. Esp if the treatment was off for her. This is the reason we therapist do consultations, and this it the reason why I don't work on clients with certain heath conditions without prior doc permission. (I always get the ok from them btw.) Not only to protect the client, but to protect myself and the reputation of the therapy.