Thanks for the answer sewnut!

Thanks for the answer sewnut...very kind of you.

They look like jewelry making tools that I have. There are nice sets at Michael's or AE Moore for 40% off.

Thanks for sharing the helpful information about the use of this product.

Is the cream from your doctor diclofenac sodium...brand name Voltaren Gel? That certainly helps my joint at the base of my thumb. Good stuff!

That's exactly what I was going to say.....I gave a set of several small pliers such as this that I got from Michaels back from my jewelry making days. Hadn't thought about using them this way. Will have to pull them out and repurpose them.

Just an FYI - not all needle-nosed pliers are spring-loaded like the ones in this original post. I think that's why she liked them so much!

I too have severe arthritis in the bottom joint of my thumb! It is even twice the size of the other hand. I have had drs suggest surgery...no way! Yet I have found that a good DH or Chiropractor will pull on your fingers and pull the knuckles to pop....helps sooooo much. And no, popping your knuckles won't make them bigger! It helps them from freezing up in the joint. Take care

Thank you for the info about the needle nose pliers. I also have arthritic hands and especially bad thumbs so am always looking for useful tools. Another that I found was a screwdriver that I use to remove the 1/4 screws from the bed of my machine when I need to clean it. AThe company is MorKo Products or www.morkoproducts.com. Take a look you might see something that will help.
Also, I am going to look up weighted silverware as my brother's hands shake terribly. Again, thank you.

I found great tools in my husband's tool box too. He's a machinist, so he has every gadget imaginable. When we go to Home Depot or Sears I usually head for the tools section - so far I have bought compass, L-ruler, T-ruler, even the clamps to hold down the quilt when I'm putting the layers together on the table. I also use the beading tools since I have those.