Issues with Hand Functionality
I am a 44-year-old Scottish woman, standing at 173 cm tall and weighing around 250 lbs. I have some potentially relevant health conditions: hypothyroidism and possibly entering perimenopause. My prescribed medications include Levothyroxine, Lansoprazole, Evorel 75, and a Luforbec inhaler. I've been experiencing difficulties with my hands, and despite my general practitioner’s best attempts, we are struggling to identify the root cause of the problem. I’m reaching out for suggestions that I could discuss during my next appointment. About five years ago, I experienced some discomfort and stiffness in my hands. After a quick evaluation from my doctor, I was advised to return if the symptoms persisted or worsened, but the issues seemed to resolve themselves at that time. Around two to three years ago, along with symptoms affecting my hands, I also dealt with brain fog, hair thinning, and dry skin and eyes. My doctor and I suspected these symptoms were linked to perimenopause, and I have been undergoing hormone replacement therapy for the past year. However, the effectiveness of this treatment remains uncertain. In the past year, particularly during the last five months, my hand issues have significantly escalated. My fingers and hands are frequently swollen, often resting in a curled position that requires conscious effort to straighten out (I find it necessary to lay my hands flat at night to aid sleep). More often than not, I experience pain—a general ache coupled with occasional spasms, predominantly in my fingers. I also suffer discomfort in my toes, for which I am consulting a podiatrist to explore options like custom insoles; the pain in my toes feels very similar to that in my hands. When stretching my fingers, I notice audible clicks but encounter minimal resistance. I've also noticed a decline in my grip strength and manual dexterity, making tasks such as opening jars, chopping food, or lifting items increasingly challenging. I frequently drop smaller objects and find my work at the computer becoming harder, and my leisure activities, like gaming on the Xbox, cause discomfort after a while. I suspect there may be an autoimmune component involved, although my blood tests typically yield normal results. My doctor has recently prescribed a vitamin D3 supplement for the second instance. A rheumatologist ruled out rheumatoid arthritis and identified only faint signs of osteoarthritis, suggesting I seek out a hand clinic, though I have found none in my vicinity. I previously shared images in a post; it's clear that my condition has led to increased swelling compared to photos taken in the past.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 11:50:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant difficulties with your hand functionality, characterized by swelling, stiffness, pain, and decreased strength. Given your health background, there are several potential avenues for discussion with your doctor to help clarify the underlying issues and improve your symptoms.
Explanation
Your symptoms may be indicative of a few different conditions, including autoimmune issues, repetitive strain injuries, or even effects related to hypothyroidism and hormone changes as you approach perimenopause. The swelling, stiffness, and pain you've described, especially considering your age and existing health conditions, may suggest forms of inflammatory or degenerative processes. Additionally, factors like stress, overuse, and ergonomics can also contribute to your symptoms.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Discuss Hand Therapy Options: Inquire about occupational or physical therapy specifically targeted at hand exercises. A trained therapist can provide personalized stretches and strengthening exercises, potentially improving your grip strength and hand dexterity. They may also offer advice on adaptive techniques to make tasks easier and less painful.
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Follow Up on Autoimmune Concerns: Since you suspect an autoimmune component, ask your doctor about further testing that may help rule out or confirm conditions like lupus or other autoimmune diseases, especially if your symptoms continue to worsen. Specific tests like ANA (antinuclear antibody) could be helpful.
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Consider Nutritional Support: Since you’re already taking a vitamin D3 supplement, discuss whether there are other nutritional deficiencies that could be affecting your hand health, such as omega-3 fatty acids or B vitamins. Adjustments in diet or additional supplements (with your doctor's guidance) might support joint health and reduce inflammation.
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Explore Pain Management Strategies: Discuss potential over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) for pain relief; however, make sure these don't interfere with current medications. Also, consider topical treatments or natural anti-inflammatory solutions that may provide relief without systemic effects.
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Monitor and Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they worsen, what activities exacerbate the pain, and any other associated changes like mood or energy levels. This information can provide valuable insights to your healthcare team.
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Search for Hand Clinics or Specialist Referrals: If a rheumatologist has suggested this, emphasize the need for evaluation by a hand specialist. They may offer therapies or procedures tailored to your situation. If local resources are limited, consider a telehealth option.
Maintaining open communication with your healthcare team is crucial. You deserve to find practical solutions that enable you to manage your symptoms effectively. If needed, I can offer more specific strategies or details if you'd like to share additional context.
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