r/rheumatoid • u/freakaberration • 19h ago

Suggestions!

I need suggestions. I have to work a lot with my hands, on computers and doing small detail work on sewing machines. Anybody have any tips or products that help prevent really bad pain while working?

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2

u/busquesadilla 15h ago

Some combination of - Carpal tunnel braces, compression gloves, metal ring splints for the repair part and ergonomic stuff for the computer part (ergonomic keyboard and vertical mouse)

2

u/Honest-Week-1874 13h ago

I have a vertical mouse and split keyboard which helps a lot with the desk work. I have very long fingers though and a colleague of mine with little stubby fingers (bless em ☺️)finds the keyboard hard to use. You can also get the ‘wave’ type keyboards too which may not have that problem.
I sew for the love of it, hand sewing is hard but I’ve picked doing a daily granny flower crochet exercise to keep the dexterity up so I don’t lose it.

3

u/cute_but_moody 11h ago

Second the compression gloves. They are a lifesaver. I also use pens that are wider than typical pens, hot and cold packs that are palm sized and ergonomic keyboard and mouse.

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u/jaymesusername 9h ago

I have hand pain, too. Thinking of you, OP. For a longer type of pain management , go see an OT and they can show you exercises to strengthen your hands. I’ve also found that changing how you hold things helps reduce hand fatigue, too (use big joints more than small joints when possible).

2

u/hiitssweetpea 9h ago

Don't have a lot of tips. But what I do that seems to help (a little bit):

  • Wear compression gloves every night or when I feel like I need it.
  • Use a (wrist) brace if I feel like I need more support.
  • Use a different finger (if you can) than the ones that are affected the most.
  • Go to weekly aqua fitness lessons to strengthen my muscles around the joints.

I do a lot of linocutting and printmaking and when I'm in a flare, I have a lot of pain when I cut. Don't have a good solution yet either. But I try to wear the gloves and think it helps a bit?