Early onset severe osteoarthritis

[Whitewhine89]

I've been diagnosed very recently with the above, am thankful it is not rheumatoid (inflammatory) arthritis.

I am 39 years old and it is affecting my hands very badly - deformed DIP joints, lots of osteophytes, pain and stiffness. My foot is affected to a lesser extent and no current involvement with knees or hips.

Tests also revealed hypermobile elbows and moderate hyperextension of 6 fingers which require splinting with a view to avoiding surgery. One of my fingers is badly deformed and is flexed in an abnormal position.

Otherwise very healthy (but overweight by a couple of stone which I'm working on).

Dos anyone have any experience of this? I've started 1500mg of glucosamine/chondroitin daily and take pain relief.

I feel too young to be starting with this, although in know OA doesn't discriminate. I'd like to hear from anyone who has similar and what has been recommended for them if possible? Thank you!

I'm also 39 with early osteoarthritis.

There are no treatments for this but you can use painkillers.

It helps to keep moving but not overdoing it. My pain is bad if I walk too much or do high impact exercise. Swimming is supposed to be good as it's low impact.

A hot water bottle helps mine, particularly good on my back.

I have it bad in my big toe joint (along with other places) and I will definitely consider having it operated on in the future.

Have you tried heat pads for your fingers?