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Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,936
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: osteoarthritis in fingers

I didn't know those nodules had a name.  I used to press on mine really hard for days and days.  Some of them actually absorbed back into the body.  Now I have two on my thumb joints that aren't going anywhere and are quite tender.  I can live with this, what really bothers me is my knees and hips, since they hinder mobility so much.  At times it is embarrassing in public standing up from a chair.  I lean on a table or whatever and pray it doesn't go over. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,913
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: osteoarthritis in fingers

 

@PMS 24-7

 

I have the first 3 fingers on both hands with osteoarthritis. I spent over 30+ years lifting 50-75lb. reels of telephone wire only being able to use those 3 fingers on each hand. Many mornings I have to soak them in very warm water, at times up to 15 minutes. 

 

I also cannot take any anti-inflammatory meds because of my colon bleeding issues, so it is not pleasant many mornings, and some days if I don't keep moving them, they start to lock up again. 

 

There are 2 good friends of mine that are Orthopedic Specialist, not the hands, but one works in a group that has a Hand/Finger Specialist. My friend told me as long as I know what helps my situation, he would avoid having any surgery, which could possibly make them worse.

 

Been dealing with this since the late 1980's and think I will pass on any surgery that has low percentages of doing me any good. You fingers, your choice. I fully understand your pain, and if you and your stomach are able to handle anti-inflammatories, that is a good thing that should help.

 

Best to you whatever you decide,

 

 

 

hckynut(john)

hckynut(john)
Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,913
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: osteoarthritis in fingers


@Mmsfoxxie wrote:

I have to laugh at myself because it seems that I can speak about so many of these maladies that there are threads about, lol.

 

Funny how you don't notice how often you use a body part until there is pain there.  

 

 

 


 

 

@Mmsfoxxie

 

Me too!

 

 

 

hckynut(john)

hckynut(john)
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,460
Registered: ‎05-12-2012

Re: osteoarthritis in fingers


@shaggygirl wrote:

I have considered it but can't decide which is worse, dealing with my issues or being without the use of my right hand for however long the recovery is. I have two things going on, both on my right hand.  First is arthritis in the joint at the base of my thumb. It's swollen all the time and some days it doesn't hurt at all, other days it's really painful and achy depending on what I do. I've had a cortisone shot in it and OMG never again, it was so painful and it's only temporary relief. I wear a brace kind of thing on my hand at night when I go to bed to rest the joint. I think it helps a little. Problem number two is the middle finger on that same right hand. No pain but my finger is bent inward (leans towards the index finger) from that joint closest to the nail on up to the tip of the finger. It looks weird. I can't imagine if I were to have these things surgically corrected how I would shampoo, blow dry, put on my eyebrows (have to use pencil to fill in) and the rest of my make-up, button and zip my clothes and a bunch of other stuff. The only activity I've had to give up so far due to this is the bowling league I was in, had to quit that 2 years ago.


shaggygirl-i had that same shot at the base of my thumb!  dr told me it would be very painful...and he didn't like having to do it.  i have a high tolerance for pain so i agreed to have the shot.  i blacked out for a few seconds!  never again for me, too!!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,905
Registered: ‎06-24-2011

Re: osteoarthritis in fingers

To All of you who suffer with osteoarthritis I can feel your pain. I was diagnosed through CAT scans several years ago and I have it all over my body, including hands and fingers. I have had shots, surgery and medications. 

This is just my opinion, but I think it's something I am going to be living with the rest of my life. It doesn't go away. If there was that magic bullet that would take the pain away completely I would be there in a heart beat.

I had both of my thumbs done and now my index fingers are acting up. 

I hope all the best to you all..

@hckynut

@depglass

@PMS 24-7@nana59 @LilacTree

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,913
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: osteoarthritis in fingers


@PMS 24-7 wrote:

this is a follow up.  iwent back to see my hand specialist/orthopod today to get some answers.  the surgery will be short and the osteophyties  can be taken down, but the recovery will be lengthy....6-8 weeks for  the joint fusion.  i can no longer stand the pain, so i am going to schedule surgery.  it is the fusion of the DIP joint.  wish me well because my husband is going to take care of me, since it is my pointer finger on my right hand,

 


 

 

 

@PMS 24-7,

 

Since you've already made your decision, I wish you well. Take my word for this, from one that has had many more recoveries than the average person! You thinking that a  6-8 week recovery is lengthy? Believe me, I know many here that would see that as a "bathroom rest stop".

 

During my rough physical and mental times, Optimism has always been my best friend and constant companion.

 

 

 

hckynut(john)

hckynut(john)
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,460
Registered: ‎05-12-2012

Re: osteoarthritis in fingers


@Leeny wrote:

To All of you who suffer with osteoarthritis I can feel your pain. I was diagnosed through CAT scans several years ago and I have it all over my body, including hands and fingers. I have had shots, surgery and medications. 

This is just my opinion, but I think it's something I am going to be living with the rest of my life. It doesn't go away. If there was that magic bullet that would take the pain away completely I would be there in a heart beat.

I had both of my thumbs done and now my index fingers are acting up. 

I hope all the best to you all..

@hckynut

@depglass

@PMS 24-7@nana59 @LilacTree


I also have osteo all over...and psoriatic arthritis also.  Since 2002, I have been on multiple meds, and a knee replacement last June that needs to be re-done.  I am currently on a double dose of Humira since October with no relief.  Nothing takes away the pain.  I'm at the point where I'm going to stop all meds and just learn to live with the 24/7 pain.  Just tired and discouraged dealing with drugs that don't help with the pain.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,140
Registered: ‎06-19-2010

Re: osteoarthritis in fingers

I don't think my pain is bad enough for medication yet except knee injections for my knees once a year for the last three years.  My doctor says every six months is better but I think my knees tell me when.  Everything has so many side effects.  If my pain was constant, I probably would think differently.

“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore to be happy”. (By Nightbirde, singer of the song, It’s Ok)
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,905
Registered: ‎06-24-2011

Re: osteoarthritis in fingers

@nana59 I am sorry to hear you have to have your Knee replacement replaced. I had my right knee done in 2014 and have not had a problem. I don't know, I guess I was a lucky one, because I have heard this from others that they need to have it redone. I had a great doctor and this year he is retiring. I hope my left one will hold out and stay good. I know that medications don't always seem to help, but I have found if I even miss a dose it's unbearable for me. GOOD LUCK and like @hckynut states try and keep a good attitude Smiley Happy and keep moving. 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,460
Registered: ‎05-12-2012

Re: osteoarthritis in fingers


@Leeny wrote:

@nana59 I am sorry to hear you have to have your Knee replacement replaced. I had my right knee done in 2014 and have not had a problem. I don't know, I guess I was a lucky one, because I have heard this from others that they need to have it redone. I had a great doctor and this year he is retiring. I hope my left one will hold out and stay good. I know that medications don't always seem to help, but I have found if I even miss a dose it's unbearable for me. GOOD LUCK and like @hckynut states try and keep a good attitude Smiley Happy and keep moving. 


Leeny-can i ask you what med works for you.  i will understand if you rather not say.  i am looking into medical marijuana.  it's legal here in RI, but it takes alot of paperwork. after 15 years of 24/7 chronic pain, i no longer have a good attitude...