Think I might have arthritis in my finger joint - treatment suggestions pls

[Sundiamond]

My PIP joint on my right hand is very sore. There is a strong history of OA in my family. I'm early fifties.

What can I use to ease it?

It depresses me - I'm a writer!

[MrsMcCarthysFamousScones]

I have osteoarthritis in my hands and wrists. I’m prescribed naproxen which does help a lot.
Have you tried taking some ibuprofen?

www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/ibuprofen/

[TheDuckSaysMoo]

Heat helps me - a microwave bean bag. I'm dreading winter.

[Bluemoooon]

Plunge hand in warm water for several mins. Loosens my hands up.
Long term I'm not sure, the information nowadays seems to be keep using the joints rather than rest them.

[Sundiamond]

Thanks all. How do you know for sure that it's arthritis?

[Stegasaurusmum]

I have the same, I'm only 42..both parents have OA and my dad has both OA and RA...
I've started taking turmeric capsules, with black pepper, apparently can help.
I've found it's actually worse recently, but I think it's because I'm working from home, using my laptop and phone loads.. I'm an art teacher, the thought of it getting bad terrifies me, I'd be stuffed.
So just giving the tuneric a go - worth a try..

[Juo]

You can only know for sure if you see a doctor.
I have OA and RA. At times my hands have been so painful I couldn't do basic things like lift a mug of coffee but it does vary. Winter is worse for OA.
The OA came first and soon made writing uncomfortable. I never hand write anything. I type using the least painful fingers.
I once saw a hand physiotherapist who was very useful, showed me lots of hand exercises and recommended arthritis gloves which help a lot. She also suggested using cohesive bandage wrapped firmly around the joint and that also gives some relief.
I'm not a great believer in dietary or alternative medicines but have tried lots in my desperation. None Of Them Worked.

[Anjelika]

I had OA in the PIP joint of my index finger. The pain was bad especially in the winter. I asked my GP about cortisone injections and had a couple at the surgery but it's a difficult place to inject as there's not much space to put the fluid. Anyway it certainly helped and then I got referred to the hospital to have it under guided ultrasound and that was amazing the first time. The second time it was OK but not as good and then I decided to have a bone fusion where they take the affected joint out and pin the 2 bones. It means my finger no longer bends at the PIP joint but it was so worth it as I no longer have any pain. I have OA coming on in other fingers too and would do the same again with them. I am going to look into those gloves though as the winter is awful for the pain I find. If anyone has any heat remedies they could recommend for the hands that would be great.

[BlessYourCottonSocks]

I've been taking turmeric every day since New Year. (Resolution) I've not had the arthritic pains in three fingers on my right hand this year, which is great. I'm assuming it's the turmeric which has helped. I've also had magnesium suggested (but that gave me the runs...)

[Juo]

@Anjelika I agree heat therapy works well. When my joints are bad I use a hot water bottle or warm ice packs.