Think I might have Arthrtis in my Wrists and Knees.

[kase]

I am told by my GP that there is a possibility that I may have OA so have been looking into. So if any one has any good tips on coping with the pain love to hear.

[charlotte104]

Ooooo ibuprofen paracetamol. X-ray to confirm diagnosis.

[OliverCombridge]

Cycling either static or dynamic, strengthening of quads and glutes. Keeping it moving as much as possible. Ice/cold will likely stiffen your knee and wrists. 👍🏻

[Kneesandtoes in reply to OliverCombridge]

Agree. Keep it warm and keep it moving.

[syltownsend in reply to OliverCombridge]

Ice can be helpful for a flare, however, to keep swelling down which will in turn help prevent stiffness in that joint. Otherwise, yes heat can be helpful. I take a combo of Lyrica and Cymbalta for fibromyalgia and it does seem to help some with the OA pain too. I've about given up on NSAIDS including OTC because of unacceptable side effects, but they do help some people.

Agree too, strengthening the muscles that support the joint can help. I would start with a physical therapist and hand therapist who can help you learn which exercises are best and how to avoid overdoing it and making the pain worse. You have to work up gradually if you are out of shape.

[Kneesandtoes]

Check the Internet for exercises, start with just a few reps, increase gradually and have a rest day in between. This is what I have arrived at after eight months of knee pain with many set backs. It is paying off though. I walked for 45 min today, admittedly not very fast. According to one lecture I listened to on the net excercise can be four times as effective at decreasing pain as pain killers.

[syltownsend in reply to Kneesandtoes]

Right, and without the side effects!

[Hidden]

I use a wax bath for pain in the hands and wrists which works very well. I haven't tried to use a wax bath for knees! BUT when I was in Russia and twisted a knee they poured hot wax over my knee which worked fine.

[arthritis_action Partner]

Hi kase , thank you for your post and welcome to the group! We hope you find the supportive community here helpful.

We wish you all the best with your diagnosis and you can find out information on arthritis, as well as exercises for wrists and knees in our 'Resource Centre' on our website: arthritisaction.org.uk/livi...

All the best,

Despina

Arthritis Action's Communications Officer

[Nottobad]

Hi I was dx with OA in 2012. I was just given cocodamol for the pain by my GP.. I have it manly in my hands and feet. In 2015 I started to get lumps in my fingers with puss I inside. My GP refered me to the hand clinic to see if they could help. The doctor I saw refered me to rheumy consultant to see if it was Just OA. I had different tests done and X-ray of hands and feet. And he diagnosed psoriatic arthritis as well as OA. I probably have had it for a long time . So maybe ask to see a rheumytolagy consultant. As my GP was just treating me for OA .

[syltownsend in reply to Nottobad]

I agree, a rheumatologist is the best way to go.