Can typing on a computer keyboard help with arthritus in the fingers/hands/wrists?
374009
I think any excercise is good.\n\nas long as it's not too much.\n\nTry it and see if it gets better or worse.\n\nOnly you will know if it helps or hurts.
314111
Boy this one is right up my alley! LOL...I am a 44 yr old female and was diagnosed with junvenile arthritis,now I have osteoarthritis and its very painful. There is no cure for arthritis but if you can take them anti-inflammatories help alot of people. I have ulcers therefore I cant take them,if you have any kind of stomach problems like ulcers,GERD's,or nervous stomach they usually will make you very sick,check with your doctor.There are a few things that work with arthur as I lovingly (NOT) call it,it depends on how severely you have it. If you are in the first stages and dont have too serious of pain you can try massage,physical therapy,whirlpools and hot tubs,Water aerobics,there's alot you can try but like I said it depends on how far along and how much pain.I have to take pain meds for mine because Ive tried everything else and nothing works anymore when youve had it almost 30 years.Good luck to you and God bless.
249947
type....whats that? I never learned how to type, I just use 2 fingers and thank god for spell check...lol
21332
There are a few ways to go around this. first of all you need to solve your arthritis problem either by taking medication or by some other way...pain is the worst deterrent physical activity.\nOn a different facet, you need to indulge yourself in a “low impact” physical activity like low intensity yoga or exercise in a pool. Those are especially good for people with arthritis. Also, if you cannot perform any kind of cardio activity, I would recommend going to the sauna or hot tub, to get the blood flowing and your metabolism kicking.\nAlso, watch what you are eating and your calorie consumption.\nLosing weight is a hard endeavor and I’m confident you’ll do well. ;)\n\nGood Luck!
315228
I too have arthritis in my hands.  I soak them in warm to hot water for awhile then I try to keep them moving and at the same time warm.  Seems to help me alot.
286509
You can purchase appendage/braces at your pharmacy that you wear at night; you should also get an ergonomic keyboard and try wearing them while using the computer.  There are hundreds of different brands out there for them, I went with "Ace" and after a few months my fingers do not feel numb and I do not generate any wrist pains.
454099
Make sure to follow all of your doctor's directions for medication, etc.  It is a serious disease that causes continuing damage to your joints, which can only be prevented with prescription medication.\n\nThat aside, eating healthy and exercising is the next best thing - work with your doctor to find an exercise program you are comfortable with.  Water aerobics or swimming are great, and even just walking can make a big difference.\n\nVitamin supplements are unproven and generally don't have much effect.  There is very little evidence to support if any of these actually work.  But if you do want to try any of these, do it on top of your regular meds under the guidance of you doctor- don't take anything without consulting him first! They have lots more experience with this disease, and some supplements may actually react with some medications.\n\nNow you also need to deal with this mentally - the best way is to look to your family members for support.  But you can also go to http://www.arthritis.org and visit the RA connect section - they have a message board where you can get lots of emotional support from people who have gone through it too.\n\nGood luck with your treatment!
482275
(m)\n\nMedication will help reduce pain and inflammation. Although medication can not "cure" your arthritis, it can help you lead an active life again. \nThese are some of the treatments you can try. Your doctor can advise you. You may need to experiment to see which suits you best. \n\nsimple painkillers, eg. paracetamol \nanti-inflammatory drugs eg. ibuprofen (Brufen or Nurofen) \ncreams and gels, useful for small joints like finger joints \nmassage \nwarmth \naromotherapy \nacupuncture \nwax baths \nsteroid injections \njoint replacement operations \nSome people need to have regular treatment. Others only need to have treatment during a flare up of arthritis. \n\nIf your joints are very painful and inflamed, you will need to rest. Medication will help reduce any pain and swelling. Paracetamol is helpful, and is safe for most people to take. However, if you suffer from other medical conditions, or if you take other medication, it is a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.\nWarming your joints with a warm flannel, hot water bottle, or a warm shower can help with morning stiffness and improve mobility.\n\nAs soon as you can, you need to become mobile and active. Sitting or resting for long periods will make your joints stiff and your muscles weak. Gentle walks and stretching excercises can help. Swimming is an excellent sport, and can help you keep mobile without putting a stress on your joints.\n\nIf you are overweight, you should try very hard to lose weight. \n\nThere is no evidence that special diets are helpful, and you should have a healthy diet which includes fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and dairy products. Some people find taking cod liver oil helpful.\n\nYou may find getting out of a low seat is difficult, and many modern seats are too low and soft. You should choose a comfortably padded, upright chair, with a firm back and arm rests.\nIf you have arthritis of the knees, hips or ankles, wearing cushioned shoes can help. Look for good quality "trainers", or shoes with thick rubber soles. Choose shoes with a good grip, so that you feel secure while walking. If your walking is badly impaired by knee or hip arthritis, a walking stick or walking frame may be very helpful. \n\nIf you have disabling arthritis, there are many gadgets which can make life easier. This equipment can be found in large pharmacies, specialist shops, or from catalogues. An occupational therapist may be able to advise you. \n\nlong handled shoe horns \nspecial tools for putting on socks or stockings \nspecial grips for your keys \nadapted cutlery and beakers \nraised toilet seat \nhand rails in the bathroom or toilet \na special seat in the bath
140183
Short-Term Relief\n\n    * Medications--Because people with osteoarthritis have very little inflammation, pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol*) may be effective. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis generally have pain caused by inflammation and often benefit from aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).\n\n    * Heat and cold--The decision to use either heat or cold for arthritis pain depends on the type of arthritis and should be discussed with your doctor or physical therapist. Moist heat, such as a warm bath or shower, or dry heat, such as a heating pad, placed on the painful area of the joint for about 15 minutes may relieve the pain. An ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables) wrapped in a towel and placed on the sore area for about 15 minutes may help to reduce swelling and stop the pain. If you have poor circulation, do not use cold packs.\n\n    * Joint protection--Using a splint or a brace to allow joints to rest and protect them from injury can be helpful. Your physician or physical therapist can make recommendations.\n\n    * Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)--A small TENS device that directs mild electric pulses to nerve endings that lie beneath the skin in the painful area may relieve some arthritis pain. TENS seems to work by blocking pain messages to the brain and by modifying pain perception.\n\n    * Massage--In this pain-relief approach, a massage therapist will lightly stroke and/or knead the painful muscle. This may increase blood flow and bring warmth to a stressed area. However, arthritis-stressed joints are very sensitive, so the therapist must be familiar with the problems of the disease.\n\nOsteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic diseases that may last a lifetime. Learning how to manage your pain over the long term is an important factor in controlling the disease and maintaining a good quality of life. Following are some sources of long-term pain relief.
97303
there are several software and devices to help the handicapped with computers. Read the following excellent article by Murphy:\nhttp://courses.cs.vt.edu/~cs3604/lib/Disabilities/murhpy.AT.html
490489
Here's a great reference site directly from Microsoft that covers all of their products,\n\n"Find keyboard shortcuts for leading Microsoft products that help save time and effort and provide an essential tool for some people with functional difficulties and impairments—particularly dexterity and visual."\n\nhttp://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/keyboard.aspx
368296
Keep moving if you can, even if it is painful.  Some types of therapeutic massage therapy can be helpful because it helps with lymphatic drainage; toxins can build up in your joints, making the arthritis worse.  Also, I would recommend that you drink A LOT of water.  One more thing...I don't know if it's true, but both of my parents have arthritis and swear that it is MUCH better when they don't eat potatoes.  None of these things will "cure" you, but combined, they may help.
1045034
It actually is good for you.  Studies show that it does not cause arthritis.  All you are doing is releasing air within the joint capsule.  I am an OT who has some exerience with hand injuries and there is nothing medically against it.
845584
Sure, type like a normal human being. And ask a doctor about it. I'm sure there aren't that many docs on yahoo right now because, well, they're all at work.
724763
Sore fingers, broken keyboard....
617907
With Arthritis you should exercise to tolerance.  Walking 7 days a week is too much.  Your body also needs a rest or recovery period.  Try doing water aerobics, pilates, or yoga.  These are all great low weight bearing classes that will help with mobility and flexibility and balance.  I would avoid doing exercises in a recumbent position.  Such as a bike that has a seat with a back etc...\nI hope your pain becomes more manageable.
546379
My husband and I use a product called "blue emu" it helps alot.  Also you need to start watching what you eat.  I'm very very arthritic and stay away from FAT, it totally swells the pain in my joints to unbearable.  It really works, trust me.  Also there is a product called MSM and it is a wood pulp derivative and works very well in elevating pain. Ive been at this game for some time now.  Follow all these steps and it should really improve your pain considerably.