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Tue 15 Apr, 2003 06:37 am
Some time ago, I developed arthritis in the lower joint of my right thumb. I went to a great hand specialist, and he made me a brace. He told me to wear it only for a few hours a day, and only when necessary. Within a month, I did not need it at all.
All of a sudden the thumb arthritis "swam over to the other side" and my left thumb was killing me. I was going to make an appointment with the hand specialist.
I was in the super market, when I noticed the Ace bandages/braces section. There was a new Futuro product, called a "Thumb stabilizer". It was on sale, it it had a coupon. When I got finished with it, it cost me about eleven bucks.
It works just as well as my fancy custom made brace, ( I put them both on at the same time, to check) I did not have to sit in the doctor's office, or deal with medical forms and copayments.
I know that thumb pain is common for people with arthritis. Just thought I would pass this on. By the way, the time that I need the brace the most is when I am using the keyboard!
Why did the pain last so long?
My right thumb is usually ok now. It was the left that only recently started to hurt. but it hurt badly. Hey, this is not going to get any better. The idea is to keep it under control.
I find that certain movements irritate it. Typing, carrying plastic bags with groceries from the super market, grabbing on to treadmill bars, bicycle handles etc. The brace prevents untoward movements, and the acute inflammation will subside.
Phoenix, Thanks for sharing the info on thumb arthritis. I have arthritis of my fingers in both hands, but I wear a copper bracelet that seems to help. The pain is mild, and I can handle it. c.i.
ci:
Do you have pain all the time?
Hi Phoenix,
Have you tried glucosamine/chondroitin? I've found it very effective for osteo-arthritis in my hands, as have several friends and family members. I use the Solgar Extra Strength complex 1500 mgs. each of glucosamine and chondroitin. Have tried other brands, but found them not as effective. When I started taking the supplement, I was told to take four tablets a day for one month. If I found relief , I was to then take two a day.
Check with your doctor, but I haven't heard much of contraindications, side effects, interaction with other meds. You might want to try it along with the thumb braces.
No. Most of the time it is pain free. c.i.
Phoenix ~ what about sleeping with the braces on? I do have arthritis in both hands, most fingers. My problem is when I sleep at night ~ I bend my wrists to accomodate any fingers that are in pain as well as shifting the pillow, sheets, etc., and I have a terrible, yet natural, habit of curling my hand up underneath my chin when I sleep.
Guess I just answered my own question. I'll look into it the next time I'm at Eckerd's.
Rae- Be careful about not using the brace too much. My hand specialist told me that if I became too dependent upon it, my muscles could atrophy.
Play around with it. If you wear it all night, don't wear it all day!
Will do, Ms. Phoenix! Thanks for the advice ~ I'll keep you posted!
Beware of the glucoseamine/chondoitin mixture. You could have an allergy.
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