My fingers and hand just aches. I almost drop things trying to hold them
September 15
You are definitely not alone in this! Hand and finger pain is one of the most common and frustrating parts of living with RA. Many myRAteam members describe struggling with everyday tasks like gripping, pinching, or holding things — even something as simple as a coffee mug or a plate.
Some members have described their Show Full Answer
You are definitely not alone in this! Hand and finger pain is one of the most common and frustrating parts of living with RA. Many myRAteam members describe struggling with everyday tasks like gripping, pinching, or holding things — even something as simple as a coffee mug or a plate.
Some members have described their experience as:
- "Bones feel like they're twisting inside my fingers"
- "Feels like fire ants all over"
- Fingers that look swollen "like hot dogs" The inflammation RA causes in the small joints of the hands can make gripping and carrying things really painful. There are some things that may help, including:
- Hand exercises like finger touches, wrist stretches, and finger lifts to maintain strength and mobility
- Warming up hands first with a heat pack or warm water soak before activity or exercise
- Assistive devices to help with daily tasks — an occupational therapist can recommend options
It's always worth mentioning worsening hand pain to your rheumatologist, especially if it's affecting your daily life. They can help adjust your treatment plan if needed.
September 14
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