Newly diagnosed, taken MTX two times, and pred. for 14 days. I feel so much better. My pain was mostly in my hands and wrist.
Here's my question. Now that my fingers and wrist aren't hurting so much, can I be overdoing it? For instance, when the pain was bad, I cut back on the amount of lifting, turning my wrist, etc. I told my husband I was concerned that because I wasn't feeling the pain, that I might end up doing damage to my joints by lifting too much, etc. He thinks I should do as much as I can do.
What are your thoughts? I'll ask my RD at the next visit, but thought I would ask you experts first.
Thanks.
You may want to invest in wrist guard/splints. A brochure my family doctor gave me about living with RA suggests spinting or bracing joints when you know you may overwork them. I have RX splints from the medical supply place, but you can get good one's at Wal-mart or a pharmacy. They are usually labeled for carpal tunnel use, but they work for RA too. I use them when I'm moving boxes or have alot of laundry to do. Some people need knee splints or other protective devices. I also have a bite splint ( it goes in my mouth like a retainer) to wear at night to help with my jaw.
K-Lynn
Rh. prescribed my wrist splints for wearing in bed at night, doing heavier housework like vacuuming, windows etc, gardening, COMPUTER, lifting, knitting etc etc, any time where I might be doing things that involve over using my wrists. LOL!!I don't think you're in any danger just doing normal activities. It's still very early in this process for you and it's unlikely that any damage has occured yet. That's good.
Per my doctors recommendation I've recently started wearing spints at night myself. I've had RA for 13 years but do wish my former RD's would have recommended the splints earlier. In the earliest stages my hands/wrist were my worst areas. Especially at night. I find them rather hard to function in and don't wear them any other time. I've recently developed what my RD believes is CTS though and may soon have to find some type that I can work in. My RD wrote me a prescription for some; but my pharmacist helped me pick out some OTC that he said were just as good unless you had some speacially made to fit. They cost about . each.
Try not to worry too much about doing damage with just every day things though. It sounds as if your RD is on the right track and has started you early on a good DMARD and that will go a long way toward helping you prevent joint damage.
Glad to hear you're feeling some better. That's great news.
talk to your doctor it is unlikely that normal activities are causing any problems but only he knows the condition of your joints and level of inflammtion
I am a great believer in splinting when used correctly. Do not wear splints without medical advice as improper splinting can lead to weakened muscles or splinting for the wrong problem
Why are the splints worn at night when you are not really doing anything? I tend to sleep with a hand tucked under my head. Is that why?the tendency at night is to curl and fist your hands. the splints allow them to rest in a neutral position.What Buckeye said is exactly why I wear them. I tend to curl my hands into a tight fist and will wake up in extreme pain due to this position. The splints keep my hands straight there fore eliminating this problem.
Only once since wearing the splints have I awakened during the night in pain. They are helping.