@gdonald3, I did some searching for other members who have talked about arthritis in the hands. While I found some, there is no specific discussion on arthritis in the fingers and the hands. If you are interested, I think it would be beneficial for both you and the community to have you start a conversation centered around arthritis in the fingers and hands. Here is how you can do that:

- Click on the group that you would like to start a new discussion in (i.e. Bones, Joints & Muscles, Cancer, etc.)
- From the Group’s homepage, click on the grey box that reads START A DISCUSSION. It is located just under the blue DISCUSSIONS
tab.
- Type a brief title, but be descriptive so that other members know exactly what you will be discussing. (for exmaple, Athritic Hands &
Fingers
- Type your message. This is where you can type in more detail about what you are experiencing or have questions about.
- In the bottom right corner from where you just typed your message, click the grey CREATE DISCUSSION box.

If you need any more help or have a question on how to do this, do not hesitate to ask.

@gdonald3

I also have arthritis in my hands. It has begun interfering with my piano playing and other activities that require manual dexterity, such as knitting. I have worn soft leather gloves for a while when I drive. They help cushion my hands so they don't ache from holding the wheel. My daughter gave me some nice cashmere lined ones for Christmas. I wore out the ones she gave me five years ago. My wife can't understand why I would wear them in the summer, but they do really help.

I also have peripheral neuropathy, and I think some of the aching is related to that.

I use Volteran gel on the more painful joints, and it helps for a couple of hours. I use it mainly at bedtime.

You have certainly worked your hands hard. It's really unfortunate that your work has produced so much pain. I retired from the ministry 11 years ago. I did a lot of piano playing, and I supplemented my income by house painting. I still play the piano and paint, but the pain reduces the pleasure a bit.

I hope not to need surgery on my hands. Just reading all that you've been through makes my hands hurt.

What medications or therapy have you found that help with the pain?

Jim

yes, i have now some new problems with the hands and fingers and even going up the wrist, elbows and in the shoulder and into the shoulder blade. living alone does not help. using the hands starts the pain and swelling. advils helps somewhat. if i can just not use the hands for a day or two it slowly heals. (until the next time). when i try to use the other hand it can be dangerous. with hot tea or preparing food, etc. must be very alert and careful at age 80. but there are so many other pains and problems with this human body. why could the aliens have created us to last longer? ha ha! there must be humour it realy does help. one can not be to surprised as these new problems appear. just work with it somehow. and thank the lord that we can work with it, also turn the music up louder. (wish the medicare could help with a person to help out for a few hours a day until all is easier to handle. just for about 2 to 3 days.)