Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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drifting fingers

michigirl
michigirl
Well, it's been a year and a half since my dianosis and my fingers are starting to drift outward. I started physical therapy yesterday and the pt said she would look into a brace for my hand. I guess my question is if physical therapy has actually helped anyone? the therapy seemed a little bit lame at the time, but my hands were pretty sore that evening, so maybe it did do something. I know my fingers will never go back to normal, but I'm hoping it will delay the inevetable for as long as possible. As always, thanks for all the input. I don't know what I would do without this community!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Michigirl - Like you, in the 2yrs I've had RA I can see changes in my hands. That slight deviation outwards, twisting of my index fingers and swollen knuckles. I asked my physiotherapist about hand exercises too, A couple she suggested were:

play an imaginary piano across a tabletop, using all your fingers to reach for the "notes".
Use a squeeze-ball regularly. I've got one by the computer that I use.
Stretch the ligaments in your hands and wrists by gently pushing your fingers backwards away from the palm of your hand.

It may not stop the drifting (good word though) but I hope it helps me maintain good movement of my hands. I hate having flares in my hands/wrists - they just incapacitate me that much further.

Good to see you around. Cheers
deleted_user
deleted_user
I sleep with braces on my wrists and finger splints I found at a local drug store. You can do a google search though and there is a company that makes ring splints, I think that is what they are called. You need a script from your doctor I think.
suera
deleted_user
deleted_user
I never went to an actual physical therapist b/c I suspected the hand exercises might be as you describe: lame. But I've found that depending on where the pain is- exercise can be your best friend.

It does nothing for my feet though. Exercise just aggravates me anywhere below the waste, but for the arms and hands its been a godsend.
I play playstation- I mean I've always been a gamer anyways, but when I have inflammation squeezing/working that controller can really reduce my swelling, not to mention that it stimulates your mind so you don't get as bored. When my RA was peaking at its worst I had a few months where I HAD to play video games for at least 2 or 3 hours if I wanted to be able to move my hands/wrists at all the next day. But exercise can have the reverse effect too- too much can make it worse. RA sucks like that. Its so unpredictable and just plain random sometimes. Hope you figure something out.
michigirl
michigirl
Hey Coolbeans, I'm a nintendo geek! I never thought of telling my husband I HAD to play video games for the physical therapy (lol)! I will keep at the therapy, simply because I can't just give up and quit everything just because my fingers don't feel like cooperating with me. Life goes on and so will I!!
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