There's no treatment for arthritis in fingers, is there?

[BlackInk]

I've had gradually worsening arthritis in my fingers (and elsewhere) for a good few years – painful, hot, knobbly, weak joints that seem to flare up then settle then flare up... but never completely resolve.
I had an x-ray a few years ago on a finger and it was confirmed as osteoarthritis. I'm 49.
The little finger on my right hand has been swollen and very painful for a few months now with no sign of improvement. Swelling is centred around the top joint of the finger but the whole finger is visibly fat.
I have similar issues with other joints – especially my hips, elbows and feet – but it's the hands that bother me most. I feel like a gnarly old lady...
Is this worth bothering a GP about? I have other health issues that I'm already struggling to resolve, so don't want to mention this unless I'm likely to get help! I can't take anti-inflammatory painkillers (Ibuprofen etc) at all due to stomach trouble, and can only take Paracetamol sparingly.

This is me too! Telling everyone as it’s such a revelation I was so resistant to hrt and it sorted quite a lot out very quickly.

You can take nerve blockers to deal with the pain and poor rest from it - amitriptyline or gabapentin/pregabalin.

Curcumin (from turmeric) capsules.

I agree that you should push for a rheumatologist appointment. Your symptoms, plus a positive ANA, even if it later cleared, are valid reasons to be insistent about this.

That said, arthritis in my fingers was my first menopause symptom. It disappeared completely when I started HRT and hasn't come back. My rheumatologist has explained that there are oestrogen receptors in our finger joints which are quite sensitive to drops in levels.

Hope you find a good resolution.

I have recently had my hands X-RAY because all the finger joints are swollen and I have general weakness in my hands. Find it really difficult to write,use scissors,unscrew tops etc . This post has reminded me to call GP after she text me this week to get results!!

That sounds good. A 91-year-old friend had arthritis but went to a naturopath doctor, changed her diet and took up washing in cold water, etc. and stopped the arthritis in its tracks. She follows a different diet from yours though

@Coyoacan
Do you happen to know what the diet is?

I had joint pain in my hands and toes until HRT which has been a real relief.

Following

Diet things that can help:
Avoid tomatoes and rhubarb (2 of my favourite things 😢)
avoid high sugar and processed foods
try adding a spoon of molasses to your breakfast
plenty of green leafy vegetables

book to try ‘eat to beat arthritis’ Marguerite Patten

Practical pain relief try a cabbage leaf poultice on it. Must be dark leafy green, wash it and break the spine a bit to release the juices then wrap it around whichever bit hurts. https://nutritionfacts.org/2022/05/24/cabbage-leaf-wraps-for-arthritic-knees/. Interesting article on it that the cabbage leaves worked almost as well as the proper medicine

I teach piano so spend alot of time looking at fingers and have had a fair few adults who suffer with it over the years. They have tried and found the cabbage leaf helped to relieve the pain. One also used to swear by acupuncture that she had every 6 weeks or so and I could definitely see an increase in the range of movement that she had.

it’s also important to keep them moving despite the pain. We would often work on slow scales which they would do daily.

Wear splints at night. Makes a difference for my wrists and fingers.

With the finger being swollen, bloods fine etc, inwould push for a rheumatologist as could be psoriatic arthritis. And there is lots of treatment available.

There is LOTS that can help. I was diagnosed with arthritis aged 26, not osteo at that time although I do have that in one finger now.

The list of things that can help

physio
pain killers
anti inflammatory drugs - pills or gel
TENS machine
hot / cold treatment
steroid injections
resting splints
hot wax treatment
chamomile tea

There might be more and these are in no particular order

My poor DM has arthritis in her fingers from working as a swing machine all her working life. It's awful things like car seat belts and buttons are impossible for her.

@Billybagpuss
Thanks for that.
I will certainly have a look at the book.

@SparkyBlue You can get a button fastening device. Where I live there is a drop in centre where you can get equipment.
https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/daily-living-aids/dressing-aids/good-grips-button-hook?sku=F22739

@sashh thanks I'll take a look at that for her

Chersfrozenface · 13/04/2023 17:21
I get a prescription only ibuprofen gel from my GP - it's much stronger than Voltarol and definitely helps.

So yes, contact the GP”

Yes, this.

@SparkyBlue It might be worth looking at other equipment eg a dressing stick.

Although I tend to go for clothes that can go over my head to avoid the buttons.

As I said where I am is a drop in centre but your council should be able to put you in touch with an OT.

@sashh thanks but I'm in Ireland so it's funny trying to imagine the council here having input into things like that. Her public health nurse is due to visit my dad anyway next week so I'll ask her to mention it when she calls

You can be put on immune suppressing drugs. I've also been told removing a joint would help if the steroids don't work

@Robin233 No, all I know is that she is vegetarian but I'm pretty sure the treatment was much more complicated than the little I have outlined here. I do think it is worth looking for a reputable naturopath though

@SparkyBlue Sorry, I forget there are quite a few Irish users on MN.

@Coyoacan
Thank you

I was the same. Had blood tests etc in my late 40s to rule out inflammatory arthritis and was told it was osteo and nothing to be done.
Then in my 50s I went back and they repeated the tests only to find I had rheumatoid arthritis as well as OA.
The big difference is that RA is considered more serious but is treatable. I take drugs that make it completely manageable. My hards are still gnarly as damage can't be undone, but I'm not in constant pain as I was before. It does flare up, often after an infection.
I would add that NOTHING helps diet wise. You can take as much snake oil as you like it's all a waste of time. If I had a £1 for every person who has suggested turmeric or GF or anything else I'd be rich but I'd still have arthritis.

Superficial fixes.
Diclofenic gel is a good option as it doesn't affect the stomach.
"Arthritis gloves" help me. They are basically compression gloves and were recommended by a specialist hand physio.