RA Synovitis and Tendonitis advice please.

[L-ttie]

Hi this is my first post but have been following the site for about a year now.

I ve had R A for 3 years now and generally it's is reasonably controlled with weekly Methotrexate tablets and Naproxen when needed.My blood test result are all fine and showing a low level of inflammation.

However since September I've developed synovitis in one knee and tendonitis in one hand. I understand that these conditions can be RA related. I've had 3 electronic Mega Pulse treatments on the knee and still got 3 more to go.It has helped to reduce some of the swelling but still a way to go so I'm desperately hoping this is going to work.If it doesn't there is a suggestion I have a steroid injection.I was wondering if anyone else has had experience of Mega Pulse treatment and also any comments /advice on steroid injections in the knee. I ll try anything really but a bit anxious. Also what treatments have people tried for tendonitis in the hand other than ice packs, compression gloves and anti inflammatories. I stick to a low gluten,lactose,nightshade family and caffeine diet . Many thanks and hope your all having a good day.

[hedgehog45]

Hi. I'm quite similar to you in that I've had RA for almost 3 years. Thankfully it now seems mainly under control but last summer the synovitis and tendinitis in my right wrist were so bad I couldn't do anything as I could not grip and was in constant pain. After weeks of suffering and trying acupuncture I ended up having a steroid injection which sorted out the problem immediately and the relief was incredible. Since then through the introduction of another drug, leflunomide, and cutting out alcohol and Gluten amongst other things, it's thankfully under control again. Ice packs and a good splint worked well for me when it was at its worst. Don't suffer more than you have to though and get a steroid jab which will undoubtedly help. Good luck and I hope you get some relief soon.

[L-ttie in reply to hedgehog45]

Hi there and many thanks for replying. Your experience has helped me to think more positively about an injection and I'll certainly be heading down to the doctor to talk about one if things don't improve. Being pain freee is bliss! Like you I've found adjustments to diet have helped and yes for me splints are a great help. It does seem that we have to have a 'toolbox' of all kinds of things to live the best we can with RA. I've been lucky enough to find that a combination of medication, complementary therapies,physiotherapist and occupational therapy advice,adjustments to diet and lifestyle have helped me cope. Thanks again.

[hedgehog45 in reply to L-ttie]

That's good. I'd be interested to know what other complimentary therapies you've tried and whether you think they help. When I've been at my absolute worst and boy there have been a few low points in the last 3 years, a steroid shot has sorted me out every time. Good luck and hope the inflammation subsides quickly for you.

[L-ttie in reply to hedgehog45]

Hello again. I mainly use essential oils ,massage and relaxation techniques,currently mindfulness.I go to a weekly Pilates session and do strengthening and mobility exercises every day ...I've got osteoarthritis too so try to keep the joints moving.

My RA first appeared 3 months after my husband died unexpectedly and it does seem to flare up if things have been extra stressful or Ive just done too much.So I tend to use the complementary therapies to try and maintain some kind of mind body balance so by keeping the stress chemicals and hormones low I'll hopefullyl help keep the immune system happy and inflammation at bay. Also I think just by choosing and doing something myself helps me to feel a bit more in control of a situation that on the whole seems pretty random in how and when it reappears and clobbers you again.Of course there are times tho when it all seems a waste of time and money and too much effort !

I do use essential oils on the bits that are painful Sometimes they help I think but it's the MX and Naproxen that really hits it on the head. Although the oils can lift you spirits or relax you depending on what you use.

Tonight after another Mega Pulse treatment and a couple of Naproxen things seem to be looking up a bit 😎

Hope you continue to do well.

[hedgehog45 in reply to L-ttie]

Hi again. Thanks for that as I hadn't really thought about using essential oils before. I also do Pilates and try and keep my joints strong through exercise and practise meditation when I can. You're absolutely right that this wretched condition can strike at the most arbitrary times but stress or tiredness does seem like a trigger. I left my very stressful job which wasn't helping my RA in fact, was making it worse so now I have a much better balance and have the energy to concentrate on myself and my family better (I have two teenage girls!). I'm sorry for the loss of your husband and to hear that you had to deal with RA as a result. It's an unpleasant condition but thankfully can be controlled better now than when my mother first had it when she was only 25. Onwards and upwards as they say! It's been lovely chatting to you and long may we both keep it at bay!!

[Gigi71]

Welcome to this forum. Glad to hear you have been managing to cope and your diet is also helping. Unfortunately RA can flare up and cause more trouble. I don't have any experience of mega- pulse treatment. But have had many steroid injections over the years and they have been a great help. Now days they aren't given as frequently, which is a good thing, as there are alternative drugs, I am on an anti TNF, Humira which controls my flares with other medication. We are all different but maybe give it a try. Good luck. X

[L-ttie in reply to Gigi71]

Hi and thankyou for replying. it's good to know that you've had relief with the steroid injections and it's something I now will talk to my doctor about if the sinovitis doesn't clear up. The Mega Pulse is a treatment that I have at the physio therapists.....not NHS unfortunately. As I understand it it's an electronic and magnetic pulse treatment that reduces inflammation and encourages cells to heal. A bit like ultra sound in that you don't know it's happening when you're having the treatment. I've had it before when I had a knee injury and it was really successful. This of course is a different more long term problem with a different root cause.But I live in hope and will give almost anything a try! After another treatment today it's feeling easier so fingers crossed.

Thanks again and I hope you continue to feel a benefit from your medication.

[Gigi71]

Thank you for taking the trouble to explain about the Mega- Pulse. I am always interested in different therapies and treatments although I am restricted by finances. I also follow the Zoe Harcombe diet, adapted to me these days, I know it has helped me especially, gluten free and low sugar. Like you you feel, in some control. This also helps as I have Hasimoto's and b12 deficiency. I was dx with lupus /RA 32 years ago. The main treatment was steroid inj, into the joints and oral steroids, it's not a good idea to have too many in the joints in case they weaken them, once in a while is ok for the relief they give. although these days they use a depo shot into the bottom. I only joined this site last August and have found it very useful. All the best to you. X