Shaking (Curled) Hands With MS
Hands are the part of our body at the end of our arms, attached to our wrists; they include our fingers, palms, and thumbs. Our hands are used for holding, grasping, moving, touching, and feeling things. Without our hands/fingers, our ability to work or perform everyday tasks is greatly reduced. They are one of the greatest parts of our anatomy.
The loss of the use of my hands
I say all of the above to emphasize the importance of having hands and how one might feel, no pun intended, without the use of their hands. And how cruel it is to rob someone of such an essential part of their anatomy. Yes, anything that has the potential to change your 'normal' to anything far from normal is sad, frustrating and unsettling. As time goes on, I've been reflecting. I've easily determined that to have the loss of the function and dexterity of my hands is cruel and would definitely have to be charged to theft by a real MonSter.
Coping with curled fingers and hands
The (curled) hand MS has dealt me has made it so that the smallest tasks, like picking up my cell phone or even a fork, is a feat. This goes hand in hand with my inability to point a finger, much less uncurl and spread my fingers to depict those leaves spread on a tree or the act of gesturing with my thumb.
I'm pretty much accustomed now to ask for a hand to avoid drops and preserve energy because it can be so exasperating and tiring trying to make my hands 'work'. But, hey, I give myself a hand because asking for a helping hand hasn't always been easy for me. My preference was to handle things myself. Hands down, one word to describe curled hands: YUCK.
What are curled hands or a "claw hand"?
Many symptoms of MS are a result of the damage MS does to the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. Curled hands are just one of the symptoms I suffer from relative to MS. Curled hands is a condition in which my fingers are noticeably curved or bent. This condition can affect one or more of your fingers, on one or both hands. Physical therapists often recommend splinting to straighten the fingers in addition to flexing and exercising the hand to strengthen its weakened muscles. Exercising is also an activity meant to avoid muscle atrophy progression and diminished tendon reflexes.1,2
MS symptoms can be a handful
What can I say? Adversity of any kind can be a handful. On one hand, honestly speaking, I am quite bummed due to my curled hands. On the other hand, like I often say, I'm just going to concentrate on doing what I can while I can and not doing too much anxious harping on what may come. With that said, someone lend me a hand getting these splints on and bring on the therapy before things get out of hand. And, MS, you've not won. Let's have a handshake to the struggle.
Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on December 2nd, 2024, Dianne Scott passed away. Dianne’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.
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