Seeking Advice: Non-Medication Methods for Managing Hand Joint Pain Flare-Ups

[Sophieeeee]

Hello everyone,

I'm reaching out to this community for some advice and personal experiences. I have been living with lupus for six years now, and I've been dealing with joint pain in my hands for quite a while. I'm particularly interested in non-medication methods to manage flare-ups.

I've heard about several techniques, but I'm curious to know what has worked best for others. Specifically, I'm looking at:

Heat Treatment: Does applying heat to your hands provide significant relief? If so, what kind of heat sources have you found most effective (e.g., hot packs, warm baths, heated gloves)?

Ultrasound Therapy: Has anyone tried ultrasound therapy for their joint pain? What was your experience, and did you notice a reduction in pain or swelling?

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): For those who have used TENS units, how effective have you found them in managing hand joint pain during flare-ups?

I'm keen to hear your personal experiences, tips, and any other non-medication strategies you've found helpful. Your insights will not only help me but also benefit others in the community dealing with similar challenges.

Thank you in advance for your support and advice!😀

[MrsMarigold]

Good morning. I have not found anything with a lasting effect for pain of finger and hand joints that is not pharmaceutical. The methods you list offer temporary, short relief. I suppose if your joint pain is in a milder phase, any of those methods are worth a try. Personally I like my anti inflammatory medicine and hand exercises mostly squeezing a soft blobby ball. MM

[marypw]

I’ve never found anything that helps apart from hot wax manicures, but beauticians don’t seem to do them anymore.

Sometimes I use a wrist support, but I think it’s really important to keep everything moving, so don’t do that very often.

[WinterSwimmer]

The best remedy for pain in my hands and wrists has always been my resting splint. This is a hard plastic splint moulded to the shape of my hand and forearm by an occupational therapist. It is designed to use at rest and is the ONLY thing - including pain killers - that works quickly and reliably for any pain below the elbow. The tricky bit is that one cannot use one's hand - hence resting - and it is very difficult to fit a second one, if you are already wearing one. But seriously - see an OT if you can. The unsung heroes of healthcare IMO.

[Graystar]

I find some relief from using a heat pad, also soaking my hands in a bowl of Epsom salts. I never take pain medication due to the side effects, particularly from NSAIDS which affect both my gut and asthma. I use a use a TENs on my spine but I’ve never tried it on my hands. My hands are always painful from various historic fractures and it does stop me from crafting and gardening as much as I would like too. I did see a heated hand massager on the market but it’s a little on the expensive side. I think approaching any pain using alternative methods with or without pain meds is always soothing and helpful. It’s whatever works best for you as we are all so different. Hope you find what works for you 🤗💕💕

[Paprika60]

Everybody reacts so differently and the only way for each one of us is to try out with caution and gradually.

You didn't mention whether it is joint pain or odd pain on hands (stabbing or pinching for no reason). I have osteoarthritis on my fingers and eat lots of oily fish to help this. I have tried turmeric combined glucosamine supplement and also special joint supplement but none had worked well. For temporary relief I use MusselEx cream which works very well for joint inflammation. I also do finger relaxing movements to creat better blood circulation whenever I remember throughout the day. Hope that helps. Yes, warm water does help.

[Love2fish2]

Ice works best for me, if inflammation is the cause for your pain. I have used the heated mittens and the squeeze ball. Hope this helps ❤️

[MusicalFurbaby]

Hi Sophieeeee, resting in between intensive hand tasks (eg. cutting vegetables) helps. It’s all about the pacing for me. When it flares, I have to ask for help.

You didn’t say anything about non-prescribed medication, so I’ll go ahead and mention turmeric (sorry if that’s not the advice you’re after). Take a good quality high dose with pepper (any form) for absorption. I had to take it for a month before I felt the benefits, and it’s by no means a cure, but it does take the edge off my joint pain.

Hope you get some relief soon 🌻🌈