Suggestions + Advice for Orthotics, hand pain?
Here is my current situation:
I am 21F, and I was diagnosed with hEDS by my primary care in the fall, but haven't taken any steps to ask for referrals regarding that yet because I had other issues that needed to be addressed first. Here I am now, and I'm regretting not asking for an occupational therapy + podiatrist referral sooner. I'm unable to get a doctor's appointment until late July, but my hand pain and foot instability have gotten exponentially worse. I'm looking to relieve my pain and get stability support asap. I do a lot of computer work (work and school), and it has been difficult to type without pain. My hands can get swollen, achy at the joints, and stiff (not in a way that counteracts the hypermobility tho 😭). I have been tested for arthritis in the past, and the it was negative. I do a lot of walking around campus, and around the house, my foot instability worsens my spatial awareness - leading to more bumps and falls. (I also have POTS, migraines that intensify the dizzy feeling).
These are things I have looked into so far:
* My insurance only covers plastic hand splints (I'm not keen on this)
* My insurance does not cover podiatrist orthopedic shoes for my condition
* making diy splints with metal that won't irritate my sensitive skin (wire is expensive! but also my hand pain is at a level where I don't think I can comfortably handmake that right now)
* My grandmother has the same conditions as I; she has seen a podiatrist for shoes, and now she wears the Asics Kayano 32. We both have narrow ankles, high arches, and midfoot and ankle instability (rocks back and forth). She likes them.
* I do simple hand stretches when I take breaks from the computer. Although I'm not sure if I'm doing them right or if I'm just making my pain worse?
My frustrations and where I could use some recommendations:
* Affordable/sensitive skin-friendly metal finger splints (My priorities are thumb and index fingers for now).
* Affordable and/or cuter options for orthopedic shoes that address (as much as possible) the same issues the Kayano 32 does. I know this can be a big ask, I searched around. I just get sad when my health impacts my self-expression and fashion. I wish medical devices were more fashionable; it helps me feel more my age :(.
*Recs for orthopedic insoles (I'm not sure what to get)
* If anyone has experience with seeing an occupational therapist for hand issues, what did they recommend to you (exercises, habits, orthotics)?
*Computer setup/ mouses for hand pain?
I appreciate any helpful advice! Thank you!