Arthritis pain in knuckles (human)

[breezing]

I am struggling with pain in my fingers due to arthritis ,has anyone got any tips ? Best my gp could come up with was play the piano !!

 

[LaurenM]

Are you taking any anti-inflammatories?

 

[breezing]

No ,they dont agree with me ,am putting volterol gel on but not much relief

 

[soulfull]

Its a tough one if you can't take anything for it. I wouldn't recommend the piano! I have RA and that would just about finish me off. Gentle regular exercise without repetitive over use

I find sometimes the ibulalive gel helps but it can take a few applications. Trouble is the RA it can naturally vanish as quick as it arrives so it can take a long time to see if anything really works

Keep them warm and dry!! Also I would see another GP this isn't acceptable to just leave it. Ask to be referred to a rheumatoid too

 

[LaurenM]

It's trial and error unfortunately. Volterol works well for me. It might be worth asking the Dr if there is a tablet that could work for you. Mine can flare up anywhere although usually my right elbow but I find that if my hands are kept warm then its not so bad.

 

[Oliver12]

Try Litozin (rosehip). Studies have shown it's actually more successful for treating arthritic pain than ibuprofen. It works for me.

 

[amandap]

Ground linseed. Tumeric, I've just started trying this but have read great reports.

Regular paracetamol if you can take it.

 

[acrossthevalley]

Hot Paraffin Wax will soothe and help.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/203726-hot-paraffin-wax-treatment-for-hand-pain/

Its also great for outdoor working hands with splits.

 

[Angelbones]

I know this is going to sound ridiculous but when my hands get bad, especially my thumbs, I have some Malibu and Coke, and for some reason they improve dramatically. I discovered this one night when out for a Chinese and my friend suggested it as she'd heard about it. I'm not trying to be funny, for me it works. Not other alcohol, and only the one drink, but it works - and mum also tried it when her arthritis was bad and she thought she felt an improvement too (and she is a regular drinker of all sorts of stuff ) Maybe its the caffeine in the Coke, or all the sugar? It may just make your happy for a moment too

 

[POLLDARK]

It's a problem I have but I find it can be improved a lot by what you do. I make sure when in bed that my hands are flat not curling into even a slight fist (which they do naturally as the palm muscles are stronger than the ones on the back of the hand). I use a Dutch gag (2nd ring) on the boys routinely, not for a strong hold on the bit but to take any strain off my knucles joints. For usual work I can be very light in my hands while having a normal contact but if the youngster throws a wobbly the bit takes the strain not my hands. Think about what daily tasks you do that but excess strain on your hands & try & find another way of doing it. All this cuts down on the inflammation in the joints & therefore any pain & stiffness. Hope this helps, worth a try.

 

[Flummoxed]

Have you considered trying a magnetic bracelet? I suffer with pains in my thumb joint and it can be helped by constantly wearing a bracelet. I bought my most recent one in Boots last week.

Hope you find an answer that helps.

 

[tallyho!]

Ouch! Poor you. If it has got worse suddenly, then it sounds like you have ra. Your gp should definitely refer you to a rheumatologist at the hospital and get it xrayed as joint damage is irreversible especially if it is inflammatory. Better to catch it now and get proper treatment in case it is early aggressive type.

 

[5horses2dogsandacat]

I second the wax treatment think u can pick up your own treatment kit from places like Argos. I had a go when I was on placement and went across from physiotherapy to the dark side of occupational health.

Perhaps have a word with your gp see if he can refere u for some treatment with occ therapy or a physiotherapist who can help recommend exercises and treatment. However there's not a lot a physio can really do.

 

[maggiesmum]

I suffer the same thing and don't really want to start painkillers now as I worry about what strength of tablets i'll need in 20 years time :-/

I've been taking a supplement which is the human version of aviforms suppleaze gold (have found it very effective on the horses) and I definitely found an improvement, my hands don't ache anymore - I have to say that they're not the easiest of tablets to take though, they're on the big side.
http://www.muscleform.co.uk/Store/Joint-Support

 

[Archangel]

I use a homeopathic cream called Rhus Tox. OH thought is was witchcraft when I suggested it on his poorly knee. But is now a convert