thumbs

[KINGY1949]

Hi I get a lot of pain in both of my thumbs and in my right wrist some days are worse than others and I have a job picking things up or gripping things like a screwdriver or a drill. What is the best advice to help eleviate the pain please

[Matthew Rogers]

I can see how this would be very frustrating for you if it’s making it difficult for you to do the things you want to. The good news is that stretching and strengthening exercises may well help. I have developed a number of exercises sheets for the charity Arthritis Action that you can access for free from https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... exercises/ (click the link and scroll down to the bottom of the page).

If gripping is difficult, there are a number of aids and gadgets that might help with tasks such as opening cans and jars https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... actsheets/

I hope you find this advice useful. If you would like further advice from a healthcare professional or to try some manual therapy, an osteopath might be able to help. You can find an osteopath near you at https://members.iosteopathy.org/find-an-osteopath

[Tracy Corbett]

Hello,
Matthew has given some excellent resources for you. You might also like to ask your GP for a referral to your nearest Hands Therapy unit. The therapists there (usually physiotherapists and occupational therapists) specialise in hands and wrists. They are highly experienced and will be best-placed to properly diagnose your condition and also to help with any supportive equipment or pain-relieving devices as well as specific, targeted exercises which may help with pain and with maintaining good hand/finger strength and function.