Hi all,
I'm not positive if I mentioned my hand and knuckle pain in a previous post, but I have been having horrible pain in both hands. The knuckles, behind the thumbs, and the wrists have been killing me. They feel like somebody cracked my knuckles with a hammer and I never know which hand will start and when. Most of the time the "episodes" are in full swing for a couple of weeks and then ease up. I wear the hand braces at night when this happens and have tried everything that I could think of. All the OTC meds, including the capsacin, the arthritis creams, and the freeze sprays have failed to do anything (as have my prescription meds for pain). I've talked to all of my Dr's and both the endo and the PM Dr have now suggested using Voltaren Gel (prescription) even though I have severe stomach problems with NSAIDS. My husband had a large prescription of this stuff filled by our PCP and couldn't use it because it broke him out in terrible rashes. Both Dr's made a note and told me to try his. I have been referred to a reumy but the apt cannot be made before June or July (don't know which yet).
So, the bottom line is that I woke up in horrible pain this morning with my hands again and took two pain pills but got NO results with the hands. I gave up and tried the Voltaren Gel and within one minute (literally) my pain was GONE! I could not believe it. I wanted to kick myself for not trying it sooner. When the pain came back, I used it again (very little on a small tissue rubbed directly on the knuckles and wrist exactly where it hurt)....again, the pain was GONE!
I am telling you guys this not for a "yea the pain is gone" but to send out an idea of something mild and easy to use that may help anyone with hand/knee/wrist type pain. It's certainly worth checking in to and has to be a prescription, but I'm amazed with what it did. Also, I found a link at the web site for the product for a rather substantial discount coupon. I think it was a pretty high co-pay, but I filled it a couple of months ago for my husband and I honestly don't remember. It comes in tubes of three to a larger box (at least that's what they gave him) and you use so little that it goes a very long way.
Just food for thought for anyone who may want to ask the Dr about it.
Best to all!