relief for arthritis in hands?

[kangamitroo]

this summer, whenever it has been very humid, i have noticed sore/stiff knuckles in my hands.  my mom also has had early-onset arthritis in her hands, so i'm guessing this is it. 

does anyone have suggestions for ways to (1) relieve pain and discomfort, & (2) prevent recurrence?  tonight, after a solid week of tropical storms, i could hardly manage the soapy dishes.  they really hurt.

only things i know of are (1) increase weight-bearing exercises, such as push ups, and (2) i have heard that cayenne helps, but i already eat plenty of that.

thanks for any suggestions.

[Alenushka]

You need to see a doctor. Many thing can cause those simptoms and have different treatments. At the minimum you need an RA  and lupus panel.

[1jooj]

kanga, I second the recommendation to have RA and other autoimmune disorders ruled out. Personally, I do have osteoarthritis, and have had it in various areas since my 20s, but the hands have grown worse since 35yo or so. And now I am living in an extremely hot and humid climate, and this summer my hands have been very swollen, stiff and sore. Unfortunately, I do rely on NSAIDs, probably too much, to manage the pain, but I typically use them only to ease the initial stiffness of the day and do my AM exercise. Once I am loosened up from that, I feel much better. I have had a pharmacist recommend chondroitin, but I ended up pressured to pass that bottle along to my MIL and never did buy a new one for myself.

Unfortunately, I also have nerve tunnel problems in my wrists, too, which make the finger joint problems seem probably worse than they are. 

[cameragirl]

If you haven't seen a doctor yet, definitely get checked out. Eating a diet with plenty of anti-inflammatory foods helps. Avoid things like processed salt, trans fats, and junk. Making sure you get plenty of vitamin C, healthy fats like cod liver oil, and foods that contain quercetin and bromelain may help, too. I hope you're feeling better soon.

[Alenushka]

I had a rare abortive form of a RA arthrits since age 14.I have tried every diet and every modality know to man.

So, accupressure, accupucture works to a degree and temporarily. It is $$$.

No died modification or herb made a difference.

What works if regular exersies such as swimming and yoga. I swim 2-3 miles a  week and do yoga once a week.

I finally found an antiflmattory pill called Mobic that does not irritate my stomach and I take as needed.

Reality is that no form of  arthritis if curable, but a lots of research h shows that physical activity helps reduce chronic pain an helps with  mobility.

Recent study published in NYT showed that majority of people of arthritis do not exersise at the level that is needed because it take time and effort unlike other passive modalities

RA  is whole differe story and requires mcuh more involved treats.

[Imakcerka]

YAY Mobic. I don't like taking anything for my RA, however Mobic at dinner makes for an easier morning.

Your hands could use some warmth. I usually dip mine in warm wax. I bought the kit at a beauty supply store and it's wonderful. It helps quite a bit. However I would go in to see what it is. Sometimes it can be an Auto immune disease, and sometimes it could be just plain old arthritis. Either way it's uncomfortable.

[kangamitroo]

thanks so much for all the feedback & supportive posts. i'm only sorry to see so many other having to manage this kind of discomfort.  i will bring this up with my MD. meanwhile, i have another reason to get more regular, vigorous exercise and to eat right.  i fell out of the yoga habit, and yoga tended to help with everything.

i posted a week ago and it still is raining.  yikes.

[cameragirl]

Originally Posted by Imakcerka 

YAY Mobic. I don't like taking anything for my RA, however Mobic at dinner makes for an easier morning.

Your hands could use some warmth. I usually dip mine in warm wax. I bought the kit at a beauty supply store and it's wonderful. It helps quite a bit. However I would go in to see what it is. Sometimes it can be an Auto immune disease, and sometimes it could be just plain old arthritis. Either way it's uncomfortable.

I have pain in my hands for a totally different reason, but oh man does the wax feel good! Especially when it is cold out and they start aching. After trying it in occupational therapy, I bought a wax warmer to keep at home.

[Imakcerka]

OOOH and I got one for me feet too. It's much bigger and so nice! I have it in my knees and elbows... sadly my coordination does not comply with my want to dip a knee in!

[BubblingBrooks]

Have you tried going gluten free?

[philomom]

Originally Posted by BubblingBrooks 

Have you tried going gluten free?

I've tried a bunch of diets and supplements with my JIA daughter and lactose free produces less pain and less inflammation for her.

[Imakcerka]

Seriously before you change your diet get tests ran. It makes it easier to research the best course of action. Once I was diagnosed with RA, I cut out any food that made me feel worse. It wasn't a specific diet. We're all different. Also, I suffer from Migraines due to a tumor that presses against my pineal gland. I found a way to combat all of that by cutting out so much. I'm med free now, however I do still take Mobic during the cooler months or the rainy season.

[BubblingBrooks]

Originally Posted by Imakcerka 

Seriously before you change your diet get tests ran. It makes it easier to research the best course of action. Once I was diagnosed with RA, I cut out any food that made me feel worse. It wasn't a specific diet. We're all different. Also, I suffer from Migraines due to a tumor that presses against my pineal gland. I found a way to combat all of that by cutting out so much. I'm med free now, however I do still take Mobic during the cooler months or the rainy season.

Not saying just experiment willy nilly
If you do know you have arthritis, then ditch all processed foods and go gluten free. And experiment with eliminating nightshade veges.
And switch to raw dairy as well.