stiffness questions | Arthritis Information

Hi everyone; it has been so nice to talk to you all and I am grateful for this board so I have friends that get me. I was just wondering because I am newly diagnosed if anyone could share their thoughts on stiffness. I have been feeling like my right hand is going to get completely stuck in a very bent half fist position (fingers curled) . All the fingers have gotten really stiff and are much harder to move this week. Does anyone else have this and could they actually get stuck? thanks for the help. I am just learning about my disease and what real people experience (textbooks and medical info only goes so far) .

Hi Elise, before I had surgery on my hand and wrist, I was told to wear a splint when resting and this helps to prevent deformity, they definitely work and keep everything in a neutral position to alleviate some of the pain. I had mine made for me by my occupational therapist, have wrist, hand, and elbow splints. Hope this helps, other than that when not resting try your range of motion exercises, I get a bowl of nice warm water and put my hands in and do range of motion exercises, that helps. Hugs Janie. Hi Elise

I don't think you'd be locked and helpless but if it's a really bad flare it can take quite a while to unlock those fingers. Janefx and Joonie have some great tips to help with the morning stiffness and pain.

I had something similar happen to me when I flared nearly 2 years ago. I woke up with my arms crossed over my chest, hands clenched, and elbows locked. I had an appointment with my rheumatologist that morning and I thought I was stuck. It seemed to take ages to peel back my fingers and to stretch my arms out. My rheumie started me on methotrexate and prednisone that day. I still have swollen joints and pain, and it takes time to uncurl the fingers whenever I flare, but it's never been as bad as that first time.

I see that you were recently diagnosed. Has your dr. prescribed any meds? If so, it may take awhile for you to feel the benefits.

I hope you're feeling better soon.

My fingers will lock, at least once a week or more, but they never get stuck...takes a bit to unlock them, but they eventually do. Definitely let your doc know that you are having this problem. Are you on any meds currently??

Before I had Carpel Tunnel surgery, I had a lot of problems with my fingers locking. CT is very common with hand arthritis because of the swelling. I wore braces on both hands for a long time before we decided I needed the surgery. It definitely helped with the pain and got rid of the locking. But, I waited a bit too long to do the surgery and so have some residual nerve damage. Talk it over with your rheumy and see what's recommended in your case. Best wishes toward finding an anwer to your problelm!

I really had that problem before meds. About 2 months into it the stiffness and curled fingers were just about gone.my knees will lock, often when I am driving.. its very scary, because I am afraid I wont unlock them to be able to brake.. luckily they dont lock at the same time. also my thumbs and jaw lock.. but they always come unlocked. I think for me its the fear of the pain when I finally make them move that is more worriesome, thaus far they always do unlock.
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