Lately my hands have been swelling and when I wake up in the morning they are hard to get mobile. They are stiff and sore. My wrists are starting to bother me now too. Wondering what is the best antiinflamitory to take for the pain? I was busy today and my wrists are throbbing now
Arthritis pain and antiinflamatories - PBC Foundation
Arthritis pain and antiinflamatories
My hepatologist was okay with me taking ibuprofen when my wrist hurt. He said a few ibuprofren here & there is definitely okay. But not sure if this advice applies to everyone since he knows my medical history & is treating me for pbc.
Hi Tootoot
I remembered that hot and cold treatments may bring temporary relief so I have had a quick search and found this link which may give you an idea of what can be managed, this may be an interim help until you can speak to your doctor.
Hi Tootoot
I have suffered with wrist and hand pains for many years prior to being diagnosed with PBC - this was one of the reasons leading me down the path to my diagnosis.
I take hydroxychloroquine twice a day which really has helped. Ibuprofen didn't help with the joint pains. I still have flare ups where my hands and wrists hurt so much even the slightest movement hurts. I describe them as feeling like glass and think they will shatter into pieces. I just have to try and manage and push on through - difficult when have to work and 2 young children.
The hydroxychloroquine was prescribed by my Rheumatologist who is aware of my PBC and treats me alongside my Gastroenterologist. When they suggested I drop down to taking it just once a day I found the pains started to return more regularly. It might not be suitable for you but worth discussing with your medical team.
I've now started to struggle with what is possibly 'trigger finger' - every morning for past few weeks my index finger on right hand is curled into my palm and I have to sooth and massage it straight in bowl of warm water. I have an appointment on 26th for them to look at it - another ailment to add to the list! 🙄🙈
Take care x
It might be worth asking to have your mineral and vitamin levels checked. PBC can interfere with the absorption of vitamin D (and other fat-soluble vits) and this then leads to a drop in calcium absorption. Worth checking and having a good vit D supplement prescribed - at the right level!! But don't just start taking vit D, as it could be something else.
Take care.
Hi Toottoot, have you tried copper gloves to wear at night? I got mine on the internet and it certainly does stop the stabbing pain in my first and second finger at night. - I don't take pain killers so Im glad I have found something to help me sleep. Kandiepat
I would check with your doctor. I thought I had arthritis pain/swelling in my hand joints and it ended up being my ulna nerve was stuck in my elbow joint on both arms. It requires surgery but now I have no pain or swelling in my hands and wrists. Just a thought.
Just saw my orthopedist due to finger pain & he gave me this cream to use. He is aware of my pbc & this cream is safe even for pregnant women. It is over the counter.