knobbly fingers

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Rickyhom
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Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2014 10:46 am
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by Rickyhom on Mon Oct 08, 2018 11:11 am

knobbly fingers

I have had knobbly fingers for a few years now. They are not painful but getting stiffer which means sometimes I can't make a fist and it has become increasingly difficult to grip things. Is there anything you can suggest to make things better? Is there any way those nobbles can reduce size , maybe with a supplement? Thanks.

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Dr Sandeep Bawa
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Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2016 12:10 pm
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by Dr Sandeep Bawa on Tue Oct 09, 2018 5:42 am

Re: knobbly fingers

hi,

assuming this is simple OA, then keeping the joints active and consideration to Glucosamine can help.

If you have joint swelling in addition then you may need alternative medication.

Have a review from your GP in the first instance.

Thanks

Sandeep
Dr Sandeep Bawa
Consultant Rheumatologist - MBChB, MRCP, MSc (Sports Exercise Medicine)
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... p_bawa.php

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Matthew Rogers
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by Matthew Rogers on Tue Oct 09, 2018 12:21 pm

Re: knobbly fingers

In order to answer your questions, I will need to make a few assumptions. There are a number of things that can cause knobbly finger joints, one of the most common being osteoarthritis (OA). If we assume that it is OA, then supplements are unlikely to reduce the size of the swellings.

If the stiffness of the joints is becoming a problem, advice from an osteopath, physiotherapist or occupational therapist with a specialist interest in hand therapy may help. They will often suggest exercises that can strengthen the hands and possibly reduce the stiffness. If gripping is an issue, there are a number of gadgets and aids that can help with this. The charity Arthritis Action provides some helpful fact-sheets on grip gadgets and exercises that you might wish to try on the resource section of their website: arthritisaction.org.uk
Matthew Rogers
Head of Professional Development, the Institute of Osteopathy

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... rogers.php

Rickyhom
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2014 10:46 am
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by Rickyhom on Thu Oct 11, 2018 2:00 pm

Re: knobbly fingers

Thank you for your replies.
It is OA that I know. My Doctor laughs and says old age!! I do have easy grip utensils. I used to take glucosamine but since I have been alerted to a long term side effect from it - nodules forming on the soles of feet - from my sister who has the I have changed to Turmeric,
I am a very active person doing 7 high intensity classes + 1 Pilates class a week. Today I can make a fist - just but the swollen second joints of the forefingers are making it more difficult. Unfortunately I have had to sell my saxophone and clarinet as I can't cover the holes on them anymore . I was also shocked to find I couldn't also play a recorder anymore because of it!! I am going to buy a small "tank drum" which I should be able to manage!!!!
Thank you for confirming that there is nothing really I can do about it. At least I have no problem tapping a keyboard on my laptop!!

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Tracy Corbett
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Joined: Wed Sep 27, 2017 12:19 pm
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by Tracy Corbett on Thu Oct 18, 2018 11:45 am

Re: knobbly fingers

Hello Ricky
As Matthew said, a referral to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist with a specific interest in hands would be helpful. Your GP may be able to help with this. They will be able to provide exercises to reduce pain and stiffness and they may be able to provide advice on other ways of managing your pain.
Tracy Corbett
Chartered Physiotherapist

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... orbett.php

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