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Lifting heavy blocks and arthritic style hand & feet joints

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Just wondering if anyone else has had this. Beforehand I had nothing.

I built a retaining wall about two months ago. As a DIY'r it was hard going, I lifted/cemented over 400 x 20kg blocks into place. I'm 42yr old and just get on with stuff.

Now I wake up with dull pain of sort in my knuckles and (weirdly) in toes. Sometimes the middle finger(s) on my hands are curled and wont move when commanded straight away then they do with quite a bit of pain. After an hour or so of being out of bed it largely disappears and I forget about it.

Being male I thought I'd just wait for it to go away, but it doesn't appear to be going anywhere.

Anyone had the same, especially brickies? Thoughts!?!
 
I think it just needs time and rest. You put yourself through a lot. Its bound to affect you.

Give it more time. If no joy see a doc.
 
Go see a gp or more likely a nurse practitioner these days. They will point you in the right direction.
 
At my age, only Voltrarol Emulgel helps and mine is prescribed by my GP.
 
See a doctor. Do you have any swelling in the joints as well?
 
How long has this been going on since you finished that job?
If more than a couple of weeks, I would see a doctor.
It is very likely you got tendinitis and a course of anti-inflammatory would fix it, but better check.
Don't get scared, but early arthritis can manifest itself after a trauma or heavy work.
The toes pain is probably due to you curling your toes whilst carrying the blocks; I do it without realising and get the same pain, although it's been a long time since I was 42...
 
Sometimes the middle finger(s) on my hands are curled and wont move when commanded straight away then they do with quite a bit of pain. After an hour or so of being out of bed it largely disappears and I forget about it.

Not sure it's the same problem, after doing a bit of work which involves much tight gripping, I often for a few hours afterwards, find my fingers curling up tight - out of my control. I find I have to force them back to straight, using the other hand. When initially in bed, I often lay face down, toes straight out, but find that triggers mild ankle cramps.

I've always just called it cramps, and tried to carry on regardless.
 
You have just learnt that lifting heavy weights is hard on your joints when your muscles aren't quite up to the job. You have also discovered that your toes get in on the act when it comes to heavy lifting.

Your joints are inflamed and they need an anti-inflammatory and rest to help them recover. Ibuprofen would be my first port of call.
 
You have just learnt that lifting heavy weights is hard on your joints when your muscles aren't quite up to the job. You have also discovered that your toes get in on the act when it comes to heavy lifting.

Your joints are inflamed and they need an anti-inflammatory and rest to help them recover. Ibuprofen would be my first port of call.
Don't take Ib. if you're subject to stomach problems, however.
 
Yeah I mean it's been caused by the lifting and setting of the blocks that I am sure. I didn't expect it to effect the toes though!

Been several weeks now, not sure if it's getting better, living with it.
 
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