Dactylitis (Sausage toes and Fingers
Stiffened and swollen joints in hands and toes. The more swollen they becomes the more painful it is. At its worse it throbs. Big toes no longer move and the other toes are stiff with very little movement. Even though walking can increase the pain level by getting off my feet and sitting down relives the pain. Next to no relive for not using my hands. Soaking in hot water does help a little. There is also swelling above and below the knuckles. I do stretching type exercises with my toes but it is too painful to do any hand exercises but I keep on trying to see whether I can, so far I am unable to exercise my hands. I can't avoid using my hands and fortunately my right hand is not as bad as the left. However the limitations of not being able to use my left hand is impacting on my life. The list of what I can't do is so long so I will only mention a few things. Just lifting a small plate is almost impossible. Holding on to a bottle with one hand and undoing a cap is difficult and I need to put the bottle under my arm to hold it. that is if it is big enough to do so. Using cutlery to cut up food is very awkward and the list goes on and on. There is also the usual joint pain in other joints and lower back that move from one place to the next. Any suggestion that my be helpful would be greatly appreciated.
, I am so sorry you are going through this. I honestly do understand. My hands are the worst right now, but I'm trying to deal with this as much as possible. I was told by a doctor I had sausage fingers in my 40s. Over the next 25 years, they have gotten worse, but I have found things that ease the pain.
One thing I do is use ice packs 10 minutes at a time, several times a day. This helps with the pain and swelling. You can also try alternating between cold and hot treatments or wear warm mitts. For me, heat can reduce the joint stiffness.
Here is an article written by Elizabeth that you might find interesting. https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/bad-timing-diagnosis.
Have you talked to your doctor about this? He might be able to give you something. We would like to hear more from you. Thanks for sharing. Diane (Team Member)My Rheumatologist looked at my hands on my visit two weeks ago and I am waiting for a different medication. Hot water does help the stiffness and I will try ice as well. Thanks for your support , I know this is a hard road to travel, but it can be traveled. I got psoriatic disease in 1963. I was 5 years old. Most people will never understand what we go through. Keep being your own best advocate and keep a support group close by. Stay working with your doctors. We are here if you ever need us. Did your doctor tell you what medication you might be on? Diane (Team Member)
I have been on so many different medications. I can't remember the name of the medication I am to try next. It sounded like Ciminza and my doctor has arranged for the Medicare approval. I should receive the new meds in a couple of days.
