Joint deformity, especially of the hands, can be embarassing and disturbing. Arthritis patients with hand deformities can feel "lesser than" and shy away from social situations.

• Have you ever gone out of your way to avoid a handshake?
• How often do you find your hands tucked away in your pockets, or held behind your back?
• Can you really hide from physical deformity and how it makes you feel about yourself?

One arthrtis forum user wrote, "I have had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for 5 years and been on methotrexate all that time supposedly to prevent any deformities. Well, it's obvious in my hands now, especially my right one. I have pain all over at times. I can deal with that but I really get put out when I see a reflection of my hand. To many, it may look like not much to sook about at all but to me its very real. I am in my late 40s, single, and do not socialize that much as I find it embarassing. I know I must sound selfish, but anyway I still hate my hands."

It's hard to tell another person that they shouldn't feel that way -- because ultimately they do feel that way. They are embarassed and would prefer to be invisible. Acceptance of every facet of living with arthritis is what will cure the anxiety that comes from having unsightly, crooked fingers. I have lived with crooked fingers (contractures) for decades. My advice -- embrace and accept the things about yourself that aren't "normal". Don't fight who you are physically and emotionally. Learn how to graciously be yourself!

What do you think? Read the discussion thread on our arthritis forum / message board. Are you new to our arthritis forum? Register for our forum to post messages or share your comments below.

Related Resources:

• Arthritis Hand Photo Gallery
• How to Protect Your Joints
• Do You Use Joint Protection?
• Actions to Help Preserve Manual Dexterity
• Hand Osteoarthritis - What You Need to Know
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Hand Deformity: Is it Inevitable?

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