People with fibromyalgia often report having more hand discomfort and fewer hand abilities. This covers abilities like writing by hand, slicing vegetables, opening cans, and opening doors with keys. It involves discomfort in the hand and wrist muscles, joints, and nerves. Learn more by reading this synopsis of a research on hand skills and fibro.
Because of peripheral neuropathy, elevated pain, and decreased fine and gross motor control, fibromyalgia can impair hand skills. Hand use or simply not using the hands might cause fibromyalgia hand pain.
Methods and patients
40 female patients with FM and 30 healthy individuals without FM (control group) were involved in the study.
- Measures of pain threshold, handgrip strength, and pinch strength were assessed for each participant.
- The Purdue Pegboard Test, the Disability of Arm–Shoulder–Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) form were used to assess functional states, hand disability, hand skills, and coordination, respectively.
Results
- The patient group had significantly lower handgrip strength values, DASH score, lateral pinch strength test, Pegboard placement time, and Pegboard collecting time compared to the control group.
- In patients with moderate FM, there was a negative correlation between the FIQ score and the handgrip strength, two-point pinch strength test, three-point pinch strength test, and lateral pinch strength test.
- In patients with moderate FM, a relationship was found between the DASH score and the following measures: Purdue Pegboard placement time, Purdue Pegboard collection time, lateral pinch strength test, and handgrip strength.
Conclusions
According to the findings, patients with FM had less hand function than those in the control group. The FIQ score had an impact on declining hand function.
“As a result, the evaluation of hand function should be taken into consideration in the management of FM.”
My personal experience
It’s definitely true that I have a lot of hand issues. I used to enjoy crafting jewellery and scrapbooking, but these hobbies need certain fine motor abilities that I no longer possess. Every day, I realise that cutting veggies hurts. It’s challenging to turn the lock and insert the key to open my front door.The following day, carrying shopping in bags hurts the hands and wrists.Even carrying my tea cup might be painful on some days when I have fibromyalgia.I enjoy posting things online, but sometimes typing hurts my fingers too much.I disclose all of this in the hopes that others will comprehend. How about you? Thank you to people who have fibromyalgia, and please share your stories and how it impacts your hand abilities below.
Research: Assessment of hand function and disability in fibromyalgia
SOURSE: https://fibrofiles.blogspot.com/2021/03/can-fibromyalgia-affect-your-hand-skills.html
