Help with recent diagnosis of osteoarthritis in my thumb.

[Tolkienista]

I've had ongoing issues with my right thumb since May.
Started with pain/discomfort on my palm in the fleshy part below my thumb. Then in recent weeks moved round to the area on the front of my hand below my thumb.
Had a doctor's appointment on Thursday and within a minute of examining my hand she said it's osteoarthritis at the base of your thumb

To be honest I was shocked. Never had any issues with my joints. Not overweight, exercise regularly, eat well .....but here I am with a degenerative condition and I'm scared of what's to come.

Didn't get much in the way of advice, take painkillers when I need them, use ibuprofen gel
Keep my hands warm in winter. I did a few hours of gardening on Friday and my hand was sore afterwards. Took two paracetamol on Saturday & I was fine for the day. No painkillers today, but I did wince in the kitchen when I was unscrewing things, using a can opener etc. Ouch .

I really need any personal stories, advice, product suggestions etc
Thanks in advance

@DeirdreDragon so you have it in the opposite hand to me. I'm sorry it's degenerated so badly that you need an operation.
I too wonder if it will spread to my other hand.

Very helpful advice @OldWomanInACardigan thanks for taking the time to reply.
At the moment I'm newly diagnosed so I'm taking time to get to know this condition but there are definitely ouch moments in the day , yesterday when I moved a load of boxes in my garage ...... painful.

@Slimtoddyosteoarthritis isn’t autoimmune but rheumatoid arthritis is. You can get juvenile onset.

OP I don’t have osteoarthritis (I have rheumatoid diagnosed early 30s) but agree with compression gloves, wax baths are also very soothing. Try and see a physio specifically for hands as they will be the most helpful. My DF who does have osteoarthritis in his toes has steroid injections to help.

@MustBeThursday yes I agree, I need to see a physio who can give me exercises for my hands. Thanks for your advice.

....just remembered that the other food that sets it right off for me is refined sugar.

So in summary, to keep mine at bay I:

• do regular strength training, cardio and yoga
• eat a very healthy diet, avoiding sugar, alcohol, dairy and wheat
• take daily turmeric and glucosamine
• prioritise good sleep and meditation

Good luck, @Tolkienista . It is early days for me, but so far I have been able to manage this condition.

@KateShugakIsALegend great advice, clearly presented, thank you for taking the time to reply. All points noted.

Hi, can I please ask how the trapeziotomy was, did it help?
and do you remember how long / bad the recovery was?
Thank you so much