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Post by gale w on Oct 31, 2017 18:49:11 GMT
I started having some stiffness and pain in my fingers the past couple of years. When I wake up I can't bend my fingers easily and throughout the day my fingers and the area on my palm right below my fingers are really sore and it's been worse with the weather getting colder. I started taking hemp extract capsules which helps-I can bend my fingers in the morning now (without help) but I'm still having some pain during the day. Is there anything else I can try in addition to the hemp?
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Post by mtscrapper on Oct 31, 2017 19:46:20 GMT
I have heard that a paraffin wax bath helps a lot. link I did one once just as a moisturizer for my hands. It felt heavenly and I don't have arthritis in my hands. Youtube video
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Post by alexa11 on Oct 31, 2017 20:55:00 GMT
I've always had trouble with my left hand and it gets worse when I stop my Mobic. I really don't like to stay on it for long periods of time, but it does help. I'm having trouble in the gym lifting, so I started back on Mobic yesterday. Someone on FB was swearing by Turmeric Curcumin capsules?
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Post by dewryce on Oct 31, 2017 21:08:05 GMT
I've always had trouble with my left hand and it gets worse when I stop my Mobic. I really don't like to stay on it for long periods of time, but it does help. I'm having trouble in the gym lifting, so I started back on Mobic yesterday. Someone on FB was swearing by Turmeric Curcumin capsules?Tumeric is supposed to help with inflammation. Do you have a rheumatologist? If not, I would suggest starting there. Treatment may vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Since it can be a progressive disease I'd personally want to rule out rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. If it is one of those, depending on the severity there are biologic medications they sometimes recommend to slow down the progression. Also, there are pain medications that can be applied topically that may help.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Oct 31, 2017 21:10:09 GMT
YES!!! Ask your GP or rheumatologist for Diclofenac 10% in lipoderm. It is a bespoke Rx so they make it for you. You put it on your hands and it is so kick ass for pain. My GP gets it for me whenever I ask. It was her idea for me to try it. My dad's doctor told him to use it, too. You don't want the gel. It's sticky and nasty. Glaxal cream is ok but lipoderm is really cool stuff. Honestly it will take away the pain right away!
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Post by librarylady on Oct 31, 2017 21:19:38 GMT
Tumeric is supposed to help with arthritis.
See an arthritis specialist as a first step to determine which type of arthritis you have.
My sister uses a cream on her hands that helps. It is Rx in the states, but OTC in Canada. She has osto arthritis in her hand (just one hand).
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Post by beachbum on Oct 31, 2017 21:20:30 GMT
I totally agree with Delta Dawn. That Diclofenac 10% is like magic. I use the gel and have no problem with it - it disappears quickly and I don't think it's sticky at all. It doesn't take much, just rub it in and the pain is gone. Love that stuff. I tried Diclofenac in pill form and it did nothing for me, but this stuff is amazing.
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Post by SweetieBugs on Oct 31, 2017 21:32:03 GMT
Aleve twice a day was a miracle for me. Once I was on the twice daily dose for a week or so, I realized that my pain and stiffness was virtually gone. I only have a small amount of breakthrough pain on very, very rare days. I was at the point where most of my fingers, my shoulders, both hips, both knees and one ankle were causing daily continuing pain so this was a significant improvement in the quality of my life!!
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,619
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:09 GMT
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Post by basketdiva on Oct 31, 2017 21:44:37 GMT
I have heard that a paraffin wax bath helps a lot. link I did one once just as a moisturizer for my hands. It felt heavenly and I don't have arthritis in my hands. Youtube video This works or soak in warm water in the morning to help with stiffness. My favorite winter solution is to bury my hands in towels hot from the dryer.
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pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843
Jul 12, 2014 21:58:10 GMT
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Post by pridemom on Oct 31, 2017 22:50:32 GMT
I've always had trouble with my left hand and it gets worse when I stop my Mobic. I really don't like to stay on it for long periods of time, but it does help. I'm having trouble in the gym lifting, so I started back on Mobic yesterday. Someone on FB was swearing by Turmeric Curcumin capsules?Tumeric is supposed to help with inflammation. Do you have a rheumatologist? If not, I would suggest starting there. Treatment may vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Since it can be a progressive disease I'd personally want to rule out rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. If it is one of those, depending on the severity there are biologic medications they sometimes recommend to slow down the progression. Also, there are pain medications that can be applied topically that may help. I agree with getting referred to a Rheumatologist. Morning stiffness and both hands being affected is cause for concern. If it is an autoimmune arthritis, silent damage can occur to soft tissues and organs if left untreated. Please see your primary doctor and request a referral. Your primary can also run some blood tests. For reluef, I live my paraffin bath. The heat is very soothing.
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Post by gale w on Oct 31, 2017 23:04:03 GMT
Thanks everyone. I've been meaning to go to a gp appointment (I've only ever gone to my ob/gyn for checkups) and will talk to him/her about a referral. My sister has rheumatoid arthritis and didn't think this sounded the same but I'm sure it's different for different people.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Oct 31, 2017 23:10:44 GMT
I totally agree with Delta Dawn . That Diclofenac 10% is like magic. I use the gel and have no problem with it - it disappears quickly and I don't think it's sticky at all. It doesn't take much, just rub it in and the pain is gone. Love that stuff. I tried Diclofenac in pill form and it did nothing for me, but this stuff is amazing. Maybe the gel they use in the US is better. Mine was sticky like honey. I can show you how sticky it is. It’s not cool. Lipoderm is great. Stll gale w get it made. It’s awesome!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 16, 2024 2:24:23 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2017 23:16:32 GMT
Diclofenac is really great, when I use it the pain is manageable, without I can’t move my wrists
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,665
Location: Ohio
Jul 5, 2014 1:53:49 GMT
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Post by StephDRebel on Oct 31, 2017 23:28:36 GMT
I make a rub with coconut oil and lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and ginger essential oils. It actually helps a lot!
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suzastampin
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,587
Jun 28, 2014 14:32:59 GMT
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Post by suzastampin on Nov 1, 2017 2:41:43 GMT
I have heard that a paraffin wax bath helps a lot. link I did one once just as a moisturizer for my hands. It felt heavenly and I don't have arthritis in my hands. Youtube video This feels wonderful. I have arthritis in both hands. When I broke my wrist, OT had me start the session with a wax bath to loosen everything up. I don’t have a wax bath at home, but when mine are really stiff, I put my rubber gloves on and submerse both hands in hot water. It helps loosen them up.
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Post by cawoman on Nov 1, 2017 7:06:18 GMT
I use turmeric capsules. There is definitely a huge difference for me.
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MsKnit
Pearl Clutcher
RefuPea #1406
Posts: 2,648
Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
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Post by MsKnit on Nov 1, 2017 17:22:52 GMT
Gale, Do you knit?
I don't have arthritis in my hands. However, the Fibromyalgia is worst in my hands and feet. Knitting helps with the pain and stiffness. It's like my joints have been oiled, they feel so limber. On bad days, I am picking up the knitting hourly. It's so weird to feel your hands seizing up.
I do take Turmeric, hoping it helps. Who knows if it does.
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Post by gale w on Nov 1, 2017 18:15:33 GMT
I don't know how to knit. I would be willing to take up cross stitch or something again though. I tried turmeric but didn't really notice a difference. I might need a better formula.
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Post by rst on Nov 1, 2017 21:01:02 GMT
Fingerless compression gloves are nice during the day. In addition to the things mentioned above. I also have less stiffness and pain in the morning when I sleep with a heating pad or electric blanket -- we keep our house quite cool at night, which I like overall, but the old joints complain.
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Post by librarylady on Nov 2, 2017 2:54:47 GMT
My sister has ostoarthritis in one hand. I asked her what she used and here is her reply: flanzThe cream is Voltaren. When we were in Canada it was only available by brand name, prescription (expensive). Since then a generic form is available, Diclorenac Sodium Topical Gel. Still need a prescription but it is MUCH less expensive. In the US a prescription is required, it is OTC in Canada and Mexico.
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Post by flanz on Nov 2, 2017 7:47:20 GMT
Tumeric is supposed to help with arthritis. See an arthritis specialist as a first step to determine which type of arthritis you have. My sister uses a cream on her hands that helps. It is Rx in the states, but OTC in Canada. She has osto arthritis in her hand (just one hand). What is the cream? thanks!
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Post by flanz on Nov 2, 2017 7:49:18 GMT
Tumeric is supposed to help with inflammation. Do you have a rheumatologist? If not, I would suggest starting there. Treatment may vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Since it can be a progressive disease I'd personally want to rule out rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. If it is one of those, depending on the severity there are biologic medications they sometimes recommend to slow down the progression. Also, there are pain medications that can be applied topically that may help. I agree with getting referred to a Rheumatologist. Morning stiffness and both hands being affected is cause for concern. If it is an autoimmune arthritis, silent damage can occur to soft tissues and organs if left untreated. Please see your primary doctor and request a referral. Your primary can also run some blood tests. For reluef, I live my paraffin bath. The heat is very soothing. I need to make an appointment. I have trouble with both hands now... I thought it was "only" trigger finger but it is more and more fingers...
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Post by flanz on Nov 2, 2017 7:50:12 GMT
I make a rub with coconut oil and lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and ginger essential oils. It actually helps a lot! Awesome! Is there a recipe/instructions you could share, Steph?
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Post by bianca42 on Nov 2, 2017 12:38:32 GMT
I have issues occasionally and these hot/cold gloves are very helpful. You know you're getting old when DH gets you arthritis gloves for Christmas AND it's one of your favorite presents.
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stittsygirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,580
Location: In the leaves and rain.
Jun 25, 2014 19:57:33 GMT
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Post by stittsygirl on Nov 2, 2017 15:49:45 GMT
My sister has ostoarthritis in one hand. I asked her what she used and here is her reply: flanz The cream is Voltaren. When we were in Canada it was only available by brand name, prescription (expensive). Since then a generic form is available, Diclorenac Sodium Topical Gel. Still need a prescription but it is MUCH less expensive. In the US a prescription is required, it is OTC in Canada and Mexico. I use Voltaren on my wrists when my carpal tunnel occasionally wakes me up in severe pain all the way up my arms. It’s a miracle drug for me because it’s so effective at stopping the pain. It would probably work well for arthritis too.
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Post by mellyw on Nov 2, 2017 16:09:19 GMT
Thanks everyone. I've been meaning to go to a gp appointment (I've only ever gone to my ob/gyn for checkups) and will talk to him/her about a referral. My sister has rheumatoid arthritis and didn't think this sounded the same but I'm sure it's different for different people. Please, please get to your GP for a referral. RA does present differently, some don't even have hand issues. As soon as I read your description, I thought some form of autoimmune arthritis. I've had several Doctors swear to me RA doesn't effect the neck, then they see my X-Rays. Good luck, and I really hope you get seen soon.
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Post by flanz on Nov 2, 2017 20:23:56 GMT
Fingerless compression gloves are nice during the day. In addition to the things mentioned above. I also have less stiffness and pain in the morning when I sleep with a heating pad or electric blanket -- we keep our house quite cool at night, which I like overall, but the old joints complain. I am always feeling boiling hot so couldn't do the warm blankets. I might try the gloves though. Is there a brand you could point me to, Rachel?
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Post by flanz on Nov 2, 2017 20:25:34 GMT
My sister has ostoarthritis in one hand. I asked her what she used and here is her reply: flanz The cream is Voltaren. When we were in Canada it was only available by brand name, prescription (expensive). Since then a generic form is available, Diclorenac Sodium Topical Gel. Still need a prescription but it is MUCH less expensive. In the US a prescription is required, it is OTC in Canada and Mexico. Thank you but I'm not clear from the first part of your reply - it IS available OTC in Canada?
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Post by flanz on Nov 2, 2017 20:27:05 GMT
I have issues occasionally and these hot/cold gloves are very helpful. You know you're getting old when DH gets you arthritis gloves for Christmas AND it's one of your favorite presents. Thanks for this rec! I'm going to get them for my mom.... I am always hot so def. can't use them. I would melt!
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,737
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
Aug 2, 2014 13:03:45 GMT
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Nov 2, 2017 20:41:59 GMT
I developed nodal osteoarthritis in my fingers when I began the peri-menopause. My mother had the same thing at the same stage in life, and had around a year of pain, swelling and burning in her finger joints before the inflammation burned itself out leaving her with stiff, lumpy joints, but no pain. I was recommended glucosamine with chondroitin. It's a food supplement that has to be taken every day, and it takes a month or so for the effects to build up. Mine may have been different from Mum's, I don't know. But taking the glucosamine with chondroitin (which Mum didn't have in those days) definitely helped the inflammation. I had 2 years of the pain and swelling, but that has mostly gone and I only have one joint that has remained deformed. I guess I took it for about 8 months.
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