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Hand Weakness and Pain—an Isolated Flareup or Something Worse?

Your hands might be the most overworked part of your body. You need them to perform hundreds of actions every day from brushing your teeth to lifting a pot from the stove. What would you do if every time you gripped an item, you suffer stabbing pains in your hand? This happened to me a few weeks ago, when suddenly my knuckles became red, and swollen. Any attempt to lift or grip anything produced a sharp pain that stopped me in my tracks. At first, writing it off as an isolated episode resulting from spring gardening, I stayed out of the garden for a few days, and it seemed to go away.

But in a few days, the pain was back, this time more acute and intense, and accompanied by loss of strength in my hands.

I’ve had joint pain before, in my hip and shoulders and attributed it to overworked muscles, and possibly a gluten intolerance. Consistent exercising, including a lengthy program of stretching, and monitoring what I ate, took care of that, and it always went away. But hand pain seemed to be something else altogether, more painful, more persistent, and definitely more inconvenient!.

Reading up on these symptoms online, I quickly discovered that it is, like much muscle pain, an autoimmune condition, which means that the body attacks it’s own tissues. I also discovered that there is no known cause, and no known treatment or cure. This seems to be the case with all varieties of arthritis. Ending up with painful and disfigured knuckles and fingers is something that people dread, but are unable to prevent or treat.

What causes joint pain?

My reading pointed me to Osteoarthritis—the symptoms listed were much like mine. Here’s what Healthline, a source I often use, had to say:

“The exact cause of hand arthritis is unknown. The condition develops due to wear and tear of the joint, which occurs gradually over time. A healthy joint has cartilage at the end of the bone that cushions and allows smooth movement. In OA, cartilage deteriorates, which triggers joint pain and stiffness.”

An attached article, 6 Foods to Avoid if you have Osteoarthritis, outlines some of the foods which may contribute to the onset of OA. I agree with it—in the past, attempting to control the pain in my hip, I have experimented with eliminating all of them. The authors say:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory condition. Eating foods that contribute to inflammation in the body can aggravate its symptoms. Avoiding certain foods could help you prevent OA flare-ups.

I know that my joints are in better shape if I avoid alcohol, sugar and wheat. The other named foods, saturated fats, dairy, and salt are non-existent in my diet, so they are not a factor.

Regular exercise is suggested as a way to control osteoarthritis. It makes sense, but I have no way of testing whether or not my regular long walks and weightlifting and stretching sessions help me control joint pain. In the event that exercise does help, I’ve started a series of finger and wrist exercises which seem to lessen the stiffness and pain.

More about osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly five million Canadians (one in six). In the United States, an estimated 12.1% of the population age 25 and older have it.

It’s important to note that the percentage of people who have it grows higher with age.

A few years ago, a large study suggested that a weak hand grip can predict the onset of heart disease. This theory seems to have fallen out of favor, and I haven’t heard whether or not that speculation was confirmed or disputed recently.

Dr. Elliot Antman of Brigham & Women’s Hospital, who was the president of the American Heart Association at the time, questioned the findings, saying:

“If you were to ask me from American Heart Association’s perspective, we would say this is not ready for routine clinical use, and would strongly urge that it be reproduced by an independent group and see if this could be translated into routine clinical practice,”

This seemed to put an end to that line of thought, for now.

What’s my plan now?

My flare-up is a recent problem, so I haven’t seen my doctor yet. She may prescribe an anti-inflammatory, and possibly painkillers, this is standard procedure in cases of arthritis.

I avoid pharmaceuticals, and have always tried to find a natural treatment for any health problem. Except in the case of moderately high blood pressure, this has always worked for me. Whenever my sore hip acted up in the past, I’ve always used turmeric (yes, the common kitchen spice!) with good results, so I’ve gone back to using that. I take one teaspoonful in a little water three times a day—there are no side-effects.

I feel I have this under control, and will keep up with exercising, taking turmeric, and avoiding chores that aggravate my hands. I may have more information after I see my doctor. Wish me well!

35 thoughts on “Hand Weakness and Pain—an Isolated Flareup or Something Worse?”

  1. Hi Diane, I have all sorts of issues with my hands, so I appreciate all of your information. I find it interesting how some supposedly healthy foods can contribute to inflammation and OA. I have been hearing a lot about turmeric recently. I read various reports on how to take turmeric. You are having good results, so I may just purchase the actual spice and mix it with water. A great, informative post! Erica

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      Our hands are at risk if we do anything repetitive—spacing out those activities may be a good place to start, Erica, before we have a problem! But like most people, I thought I was invincible! Now I have to revise my writing schedule so that there are opportunities for resting and stretching.

  2. Diane, I have had osteoarthritis for almost 40 years affecting mainly my neck and my hands. 12 years ago following repetitive hand quilting the pain in my left thumb became excruciating. My Dr. suggested a splint would help and it did. I started with a molded plastic one then changed to a leather one. I wore it for several weeks during the day and the pain went away. Recently my right thumb flared up due to repetitive weight lifting at the gym. Last week I had a leather splint made to ease the pain. It is starting to help already. I hope your Dr. will come up with a solution for you that you will be comfortable with.

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      Quilting—that would do it! All of that close work and control required would definitely put stain on your hands. Your suggestion of hand splints are excellent. I will mention that when I see my doctor. Thanks!

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      I’m open to anything right now, and will mention carpel tunnel to my doctor, Marian. She is always open to patient input!

  3. Hi, Diane – My husband has been experiencing severe joint and muscle pain throughout his body for the past eight months. Doctors have been able to tell us what it isn’t, but not what it is (or what to do about it). I agree that avoiding alcohol, sugar, wheat, saturated fats, dairy, and salt seems to help. Thank you for sharing this.

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      If his doctors have listed what he does not have, and if those are extreme conditions, than he is fortunate. I hope he keeps exercising and staying active—not so easy when you are in pain, but necessary! Autoimmune illness are the hardest to pin down, but I hope he keeps investigating.

  4. Diane, I am so sorry you are experiencing this. My word you are such a role model when it comes to diet, exercise and health care. You have now inspired us to try to really modify our eating with the goal of cutting out sugar, dairy, wheat and offensive fats. It is very challenging, to say the least. I know you will continue to seek, follow and share good advice. Great luck!!!!

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      I have always been willing to monitor my lifestyle rather than give in to taking painkillers and other medication—I think a regimen of taking pharmaceuticals to address chronic conditions is a losing game. A good friend of many years followed her doctors’ advice and entered a cycle of experimenting with drugs to control her rheumatoid arthritis. She was prescribed stronger and stronger medication, until she was virtually a zombie. That was so hard to watch!

  5. oh I DO wish you well Diane! I can’t imagine a writer like yourself with that problem.
    I’m like you in as natural approach as possible. good luck on all fronts! xo

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      Thank you, tammy j! My horror is that I won’t be able to type! But I trust that it will be under control before that happens.

  6. I’m so sorry! Good luck with getting it under control.

    About the writing — they do have speech to text software. I haven’t used it in years, but I imagine it is constantly improving. Even if it’s not perfect it’s easier to correct than to type it all in.

    Again, good luck and please let us know how it goes.

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      I have that feature on my iphone, Jean.It sure does save the fingers! But still, typing is easier on your hands than writing everything out in longhand, which I did when I wrote my thesis. I remember I had a very sore right hand when I was finally done! This whole thing might have started then!

  7. According to the War Office my mouth is; be that as it may I’ve had osteoarthritis, in my hands now for several years,
    I once had quite nice hands, very small, some might even say they were delicate looking. My mother used to tell me they were small because I was stunted in growth because of the polio I had as a very young child. I think that is complete rubbish, like much she tried to drum into my thick skull..
    Now of course they are bent, and not very nice to look at, I find many things difficult to handle. What annoys me most is when I have my shower and shampoo in the mornings. I have great difficulty in not only holding the bar of soap, but in actually using my hands to wash myself, It;s particularly difficult when washing my hair and face for some reason, probably because the fingers kind of crodd over. However I always succeed.
    The oddest thing about my arthritis is I’ve never ever felt or had any pain, it gets very uncomfortable at times but I never experience actual pain; I don’t know why but I don’t experience pain much at all. Back in 2015 when I had my total gastrectomy, I was told to expect excruciating pain and to be in the ICU for at least 48 hours, I felt no pain and was in the ICU for just under 14 hours.
    I don’t get headaches the only pain I ever seem to get is from cramp, I do get terrible cramps which hurt like hell. but I’ve never had pain from my arthritis, pretty lucky I suppose, odd too.

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      Hahaha! Sounds like you have a very high pain threshold—so much easier on you than a low one! Seems to me that if your arthritis was severe enough to bend your fingers, you should have experienced excruciating pain.That would be so for any ordinary person—so that must make you extraordinary…

  8. So many negative health issues seem to be helped by eliminating all or some of those food items. A simple plant-based diet appears to keep our bodies chugging along the best. I’m definitely not 100% there, but as we age, my husband and I are headed – at least somewhat – in that direction. I hope you continue to feel better. Our hands need to work well with little or no pain.

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      Yes, Janis. When I was a vegetarian (which lasted a only little over a year), everything worked better. I think what made me quit eating that way was the difficulty in finding enough protein. Cooking, too, became a hassle, and I just lost patience!

  9. Hi Diane. 🙁 so sorry to hear about your hand pain. In one of the books I recently read, the one by Mary Pipher “Women Rowing North,” she too admitted to having mostly lost the use of her hands. She didn’t go into details about why but did say that she pretty much had to give up writing by hand OR computer and how it required she readjusted so much of her life and her livelihood. I’m hoping your’s is no where near that big of a deal. But I do agree that we all must learn to readjust as life goes on. So far my hands are doing good but I too have hip pain and have tried a variety of things. Like you I’m not ready to live life on pain killers or other pharmaceuticals. Good luck with your doctor and find other solutions. ~Kathy

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      Mary’s story sounds grim—I hope I’m not headed in that direction! And yes, we do all have to adjust, some things are given to us as we age, and some things are taken away.Let me know what you have tried for hip pain, and how well it worked. Thanks, Kathy.

  10. Hi Diane, interesting to read so many approaches. I do a lot of prep in the kitchen as we also prepare virtually all our food from scratch. I also avoid wheat, and other inflammatory foods. My massage therapist has a partner who works in a library and deals with this issue. He recommended a cream she uses, as do I now. It comes from Ainsworhs Homeopathic Pharmacy in London England. It’s Tlacote water cream. I apply a thin film, a few times a day on my knuckles when they hurt, swell, and are red. It’s made a huge difference. I can still do all that I enjoy in the kitchen these days.

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      I know you have had a number of health challenges Lynda, and that you always try to solve them naturally first. I have taken note of the cream you suggest, and will definitely follow it up. Nice to hear from you!

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      I know that replacements of hips and knees relieves pain—my husband, who had excruciating pain in one hip had it replaced. But what a price to pay! Operations, as you know, are in themselves painful and take months of your life to recover from. But you are an example of cheer and courage in the face of hardship, Derrick!

  11. Both my hips have been replaced and revised and there is no possibility for further revisions.

    I have been living with right ulnar palsy for the past nine years. I acquired it by wrong posture during a yoga session and had to undergo intense physiotherapy accompanied by medication for pain management for just a couple of weeks. While there is no pain now, I have only partial use of the right hand. For all practical purposes the last two fingers of the right hand are useless. I have learnt to manage with that condition.

    As we age, we increasingly hear such problems from our peers.

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      I admire the way you are handling these health problems, Rummuser. This is the first real problem I’ve had to deal with, and already, I am feeling sorry for myself! I have not heard of right ulnar palsy, but it seems a terrible challenge!

  12. I have chronic pain in the joint of my index finger. With my day job and writing, I’m on the computer way to much. I try to ignore it, but that’s probably not a good thing.

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      It could be a hint about something more troublesome going on, and you should probably have it looked at. All repetitive injuries suggest there might be a weakness there. But it’s also true that doctors can’t diagnose something until it becomes more serious. So resting your hands, and doing hand exercises may be your only alternative for now. Thanks, Jill!

  13. I don’t like medications either and rely on tumeric, exercise and healthy diet. But there is a topical gel prescription you can rub on your hands that can be helpful — diclofenac that I use from time to time. Both my parents had arthritis so it may be genetic but then I did type furiously away on a computer for 30 years (and that might not have helped). The pain in my hands can be acute on some days and dormant on others. I have not necessarily been tracking what I might eat or drink on those bad days and maybe I should. Sometimes I notice that holding a cell phone coincides with a flare up of pain in my hands (those dang contraptions emitting radiation that we modern dwellers can’t seem to live without 😫).

    I certainly commiserate with your situation and thank you for writing about it ! Now I’m going to the comments and see what else I can learn there !

    Susan Grace

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      Thanks for your very helpful comment, Susan! I have spent many hours a day on the computer as well, but I think my hobbies of cooking and gardening have been even harder on my hands. In the past, I kept a journal of what I eat and drank each day, noting how my arthritis behaved, and I found that very helpful. Wheat and alcohol did not agree with me, I discovered. And thanks, I will track down diclofenac and give it a try!

  14. So sorry to hear about the pain you are experiencing! It seems like many of the commenters also have dealt with hand pain and pain in other joints. My pain comes from my knees and my lumbar disks. These areas become less painful when I use a VERY firm mattress for sleeping, avoid alcohol and wheat, and walk three to four miles daily. I have heard that turmeric helps, but have been afraid to try it for fear of upsetting my stomach.

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      A good mattress, avoidance of some foods and walking are working for you. I find that, if I allow my exercise program to lapse, even a little, I feel an immediate impact in my joints. If I stick to my regimen, I really don’t need turmeric.

  15. I don’t know if turmeric helps with osteoarthritis–it is a regular part of my mum’s diet, yet she has a severe pains. Working out seems to be the best solution–and I’ve decided I’ll do it more and more as I grow older. I hope your pain disappears soon, and that the doc has some good news.

    1. Still the Lucky Few

      Thanks, Damyanti! If I was to be truly honest, my episode started when I went off of my exercise regimen. I’m back doing everything right, and am much better. Lesson learned!

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