Sunday, May 10, 2009 dark star asks

Q: help fingers from curling while sleeping

I recently posted a question that I wanted to reply to and couldn't, so I'm creating it again, with my reply.

My previous question was...

Does anyone else get severe finger cramping during the night? What can be done about it?

I recently purchased this brace to help (www.sportstherapyconnection.com/adjustable-pilosplint-nighttime-wrist-relief-wvelcro-wstrap-.html) but it's way too large and uncomfortable for me. I've searched and can't seem to find anything better.

Does anyone have ideas to share? Anyone else have this problem as well? Please help! I am desperate to not wake up with painfully curled and stiff fingers!
_________________

My reply:

Brad graciouly responded with some great ideas, such as stretching the fingers a lot. Thanks, Brad! Although, I was looking for something to help my fingers from curling while I'm sleeping. Waking up with your fingers curled like the letter C is not fun.

I'm still looking for any advice to help my fingers from curling while I sleep.

Thanks again!

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Answers (7)

Joan

6/ 4/09 8:30pm

Hi there - I,too have the very same problem and my one finger hurts like ..... I have e-mailed the physiotherapist from the Arthritis Society if she would make me a finger splint. She comes to my home periodically and did make me a wrist splint. The finger splints at the drug store are really just protection for "broken fingers" - not what we really need. Do you have an Arthritis Society where you live?

Joan

dark star

6/ 6/09 11:11am

Hi Joan,

Thanks for replying. I don't know if there's one of those places by me. Sounds perfect, but don't they charge you for someone coming to your house?

My rheumy recently recommended I go to occupational therapy & have them make me a splint, but she informed me they'd only be hard plastic, so that won't work.

Your idea sounds like just what I need. I'll def look into it!

Thanks,

Dark Star

dark star

10/19/09 9:49pm

I've been going to physical therapy, mostly in the warm water, and it's helping! Two more sessions left! Hooray for PT!

Thanks,

Dark Star

woundering

10/15/09 8:00am

Yes im looking for the same answer. Do u have rheumatoid arthritis? I haven't been diagnose with anything yet but ive had it for some time now, and pulls up into my elbow feels like I need to stretch it out I do loose circulation in fingers ever now and then too. I was thinking I should get I spinal tap don't as my mother died of motor neuron. Do u struggle with texting and fine motor skill like tweezing and things, it mainly in my left side, and have notice a pull in my toes as well. My next door neighbour has rheumatoid arthritis and she used tennis balls to stop her hand from cramping over, I don't know if mine is related to stress or allot of tension build up in my shoulders I did dislocate my left elbow in my teens, I do suffer from un known pain running down my chins and I feel like I bruise and clot to easy imp only 34 been to doctors but don't ever seem to get to the bottom of it the pains in my leg have got allot better and I put that down too ether vitamin d levels where really low and a doctor suggested I take substitute 2 to4 a day to help with anxiety but I think it help with the pain in my legs. Still stuck with the left hand problem and toe, maybe kiro work, massage ?????

dark star

10/19/09 9:40pm

Hi, sorry to hear of all your pain. What have dr's told you before? You should keep trying doctors until someone finds answers & treatment. It's best to get answers to health issues as early as possible, especially Rheumatoid Arthritis. Yes, stress & anxiety definitely contribute to our pain. Recently I also learned that correct posture & contracted abdomen muscles help our poor, mis-aligned bodies.

Yes, I do have Rhematoid Arthritis. I was diagnosed with severe RA quickly after seeing a doctor & only a year after symptoms, so it was caught early. More recently I've also been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. The med's I take for both seem to help, but I still struggle every day with things like getting dressed, walking & driving. I don't have trouble with fine motor skills, I have more dull pain in my muscles, like i'm always wearing a 40 lb suit. I was very, very low in Vitamin D...taking a high dose prescription is helping with pain.

As far as an answer to my original question: I've been putting my hand under a small, light pillow, or under a small, light blanket when I'm sleeping. I keep them on both sides of my pillow so they're always there. It seems to help my fingers from curling. Yet, I usually sleep on my back, so my hands are faced palm down ontop of small pillows. Sleeping on my back seems best for me.

Go see a doctor & let us know how it goes.

Hope you feel better!

Dark Star

sue

2/15/10 1:06am

Hi-So far I only have a problem with one middle finger curling when I sleep. I wrap about 8 inches of that 2" self stick beige medical tape on it and it prevents it from curling and isn't bulky like a splint would be. I put the tape on when I use the computer too so it doesn't get so sore. Hope this helps.

football mom

12/27/10 12:18pm

I do not have a answer but have the same question . Night is the worse for me I get up at least 3 time per night because of the pain in my finger/hands/wrist. Please does anyone know why this is happening and what type of prevention is out there. I have been tested for RA but test come back fine. I have been on predisone, IBU, CELEBREX,musle relaxors, pain medication and still have sever pain every night. I would like anybodies help!! I'm becoming depressed since I am so tired during the day. I need help please anyone.

fdcbww

12/29/10 4:29am

Get tested for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (nerve conduction test...ask for both parts) and also get apa panel for Lupus and other imflamation illnesses.

Don

3/ 7/11 4:29pm

Hello Friend,

I have the same problem that started about 3 months ago. Of course I am 83 so anything can happen at that age. I have been using Aspercrem and Ultra Strength ActivOn and it does help somewhat.

Don Pope

Ceech

7/10/11 8:52am

That is the answer - stretching.. Hand curling is usually due to repetitive strain injury. Your muscles start to tighten up, and naturally go into This position at night. If not treated, your muscle will Shorten and scar tissue forms inside the hands.. Stretching prevents this tightening & shortening of the muscles, Hence reducing your hand curling at night (which your body has started To assume this is it's new position). Stretching is key!

Ceech

7/10/11 8:52am

Q: help fingers from curling while sleeping

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