kaygeepotter

Yes, I totally agree that soft clay (as Min and Mark C. have mentioned) is immensely helpful. Luckily I was able to purchase a pugger - quite expensive but it has been invaluable to me. I would never have been able to continue working a I do without the ability to manage my clay satisfactorily. Thanks to everyone on this forum - I have learned so much from so many people with lots of knowledge and experience.

I have never asked a question or responded before, although I love this forum. I retired from Physical Therapy after 43 years of being a clinician and started my pottery experience. My advice is that you visit a competent hand therapist who values your continuation of an active and vital life. There are ways to continue with some modifications - perhaps lessening the amount of clay that you throw or lessening the amount of time that you spend throwing. Aftercare is also important - warm compresses, hot wax treatments, gentle massage, light supports and conservative use of anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Gentle stretching and strengthening can be valuable. Steroid injections can be helpful but often are temporary in benefit - and one doesn't want to do that often due to problems associated with them. Trigger finger often requires a fairly straight forward surgery, but any surgery comes with risk and, possibly, unintended results. Again, an orthopedist who specializes in hand function is vital. I agree with Mark C. and Russ that you might want to work with another physician who will not brush you off. Best of luck. As an older (elderly?) woman, I have had to make adjustments to accommodate my body and my mind. It is doable. And rewarding! Good luck.