Solution / ideas to beat pain?

[healingisgr8]

I have chronic arthritis in my hands, causing terrible pain and stiffness in particular, sometimes it's ok...but much of the time it's really bad...especially at night. Tried all sorts and wondered if anyone has a definite solution / ideas?

[cyberbarn]

First of all which type of arthritis do you have? What has your rheumatologist or GP said to try? Have you seen a physio or occupational therapist hand specialist? What medications are you taking? Do you have an exercise programme to follow?

I find wearing resting splints at night can really help give the hand a chance to rest so that they don't hurt when the fingers and wrist moves as I move around.

[healingisgr8 in reply to cyberbarn]

I believe is Osteo Arthritis, and as for medication, I've never been given any medication for it...just told to take paracetamol. I can't take anti inflammatories, as I'm asthmatic (and they should not be prescribed for the over 50's either). Never been sent to a physio or occupational therapist hand specialist. No exercises given. Will check into these suggestions. Thanks

[cyberbarn in reply to healingisgr8]

I can't take anti inflammatories, either so just take paracetamol. Are you in the UK? in some areas you can self refer to physio or OT, in other areas you have to ask for a referral from your GP. They can also advise on splints too, although like everything, some therapists are better than others.

[healingisgr8 in reply to cyberbarn]

Thanks.

[Mollycooper11]

I second trying to see a hand therapist. The one I went too helped so much and also made splints for both hands.

[PainConcernHelpline Moderator Community Champion Pain Concern]

Hello there,

The Pain Concern website provides a lot of useful information for pain caused by Arthritis - you can check this out here - painconcern.org.uk/resource...

You mentioned that your arthritic pain is worse at night which means it is likely this is affecting your sleep. Please see the following link for more information about 'Getting a good night's sleep' whilst living with pain - painconcern.org.uk/getting-...

What sort of treatment options have you explored so far? Are you familiar with Pain Management Programmes? You can find more information about this at the following link:

painconcern.org.uk/?s=pain+...

I can also direct you to other ideas for pain management using the following link:

painconcern.org.uk/resource...

I hope this information was helpful.

Moderator 4, on behalf of Pain Concern.

[hc75]

My physio advised me to carry on knitting or crochet to keep the beginning of arthritis away . One thumb has been bad for years and if I jolted it made me feel quite ill. Since resuming my knitting,, 2 or 3 hours a days my hands are great. Exercise is keeping rhuematism at bay too with my knees. Hope this helps a little, worth a try, I just take paracetamol for pain and a natural remedy from my physo of flax seed, gelatine and sesame seeds, tsp of each in joghurt every morning, I am 76 and this has helped me for past few years

[healingisgr8 in reply to hc75]

Oh...and I have heard about gelatine helping...so I'll give it a go.

[healingisgr8]

Thanks for the advice. I've had arthritis in my hands for around 15 years, and used to play piano, guitar and violin, but even with exercises, I was unable to continue playing at all. And the nodules on my joints mean I can't bend my fingers properly or grip very well. Life eh?