Hand pain flare up

[DebsCoops]

Hi I'm new on here and was just wondering if anyone else get flare up with their osteoarthritis?

I have been told I have osteoarthritis in my wrists of both hands and thumb on my right hand. I get flare ups about every 3 weeks that last 5-7 days and its not just in that area, its also in the joints in my fingers. My right hand is worse than my left. The orthopaedic surgeon I was referred to stated that I need to be seen by Rheumatologist again as he thinks what I'm getting is more inflammatory form of arthritis.

Thanks

[Hidden]

I have OA, I take turmeric with black pepper in capsule form and they help to dampen the pain. (don't take them if you use blood thinners)

Why not give them a try.

[patriciawhite]

I have that but I mainly suffer worse if I get the sewing machine out or do more than usual .My Rheumy also says that is more Rheumatic than osteo.,Maybe a hand scan will tell you more . My Rheumy advised me to take a photo of any swelling and discolouration .Not something I would have done really .As she said ,by the time she sees me it has gone down again .Good point .Might be worth a thought .

[Keepstrong in reply to patriciawhite]

Hi Patriciawhite.

Your friend is totally correct .

If you buy a little scrapbook and when you have a flair up, take a photo of the affected area and put it on a page and over or under it write the date, time and what you were doing the time of the flair up. It's just like keeping a migraine diary. Only it's Arteritis.

There is a very good cream you can buy called Deepheat , you can place the cream onto the area affected and you also put a cool pad ontop. I know this sounds like a total contradiction. But it really works as I have what you described in my hands, feet also my cirvical and lumber spine. The cream named Deepheat is what it says on the box so there for the heat absorbs into the joint and it settles the cramping and the cool pad settle the inflammation . If you keep a facecloth in a freezer bag in your freezer so that after you finish using your sewing machine etc you can place it onto your hands and another around your thumbs then place the Deepheat cream on and place the facecloth back on . You will have relief from your uncomfortableness. I wish you a wonderful Pain free enjoyable weekend lass. Be well and stay strong 🤗🙏😇

[katieoxo60]

Hi DebsCoops, it is quite usual to get frequent flares in the Thumb& wrist, and some of the swelling usually is inflammation. I recall having an xray and being told it was so inflammed they could not see the joint. Naproxen helps reduce inflammation in the joint if you can take it , maybe your GP could help with this. I use creams, am trying a new one called Dynamint but it needs to be put on quite frequently and purchased of course, but its herbal rather than drugs. Creams containing Chilli work well too. Ginger & tumeric reduce inflammation in the system can be added to drinks or food to reduce the flare ups but with arthritis it is necessary to keep going on any treatment to keep the worst symptoms at bay. Good luck & best wishes

[Julesboz]

Hi there, I have osteoarthritis in my hands and have been tested for rheumatoid arthritis as I have flare ups but have been told it’s definitely osteo. I can’t work out what causes the flare ups. I’ve suspected iron/folic acid deficiency as I suffer from both of those, but despite supplementing, I still get flare ups. The same with hormones. I’m gradually coming to the conclusion that it’s just one of those things and I get flare ups. I’ve found heat helps. If it’s bad I use a heat pad, stick it in the microwave and use it on my hands and that gives me temporary relief. I have also been told about turmeric and pepper tablets but haven’t tried those yet. Good luck with yours!

[Kneesandtoes]

I used to have swollen painful finger joints. They returned to normal at about the same time as I changed from margarine and sunflower oil to butter and olive oil. Recently on holiday I ate rather a lot of chips and my long finger hurt. Read up about inflammatory diet.

[Catseyes235]

I get flare ups of something. Quite random like my knees though right one pretty constant. Last week it was right digit finger! Never had official diagnosis ...’wear and tear’ is as much as I get.

[Nuttyshirlz]

Hiya I’ve also got it in my hands I was told after an X-ray on them. Ijust use tiger Balm my hands hurt so much. I’ve also got arthritis in the rest of me. So any miracles would be nice lol