Hello HYI aka Helen and welcome to HealingWell.
It does sound like you have had a bit of stress going on and why Osteo flairs for some and is constant for others is a tough thing to figure out at times.
Rest. If you're experiencing pain or inflammation in your joint, rest it for 12 to 24 hours. Find activities that don't require you to use your joint repetitively. Try taking a 10-minute break every hour.
Use heat and cold to manage pain. Both heat and cold can relieve pain in your joint. Heat also relieves stiffness and cold can relieve muscle spasms. Soothe your painful joint with heat using a heating pad, hot water bottle or warm bath. Heat should be warm, not hot. Apply heat for 20 minutes several times a day. Cool the pain in your joint with cold treatments, such as with ice packs. You can use cold treatments several times a day, but don't use cold treatments if you have poor circulation or numbness.
Osteoarthritis pain that persists despite initial treatment may require medications in addition to initial treatment options. Don't assume that taking a medication is all you need. In order to get the most from your treatment, continue exercising when possible and resting when you need to. :)
Because you have swelling or stiffness in your joints that has lasted for more than two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor.
I am so glad you joined us and please know that we care so stick with us.
Kitt