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Osteoarthritis
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Posted 5/6/2011 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
My hands are a mess, I have possible OA, tendonitis (rt thumb), carpal tunnel in both hands and trigger finger (primarily in my right). For the past few years, I have been going in to my primary to have a cortisone injection at the base of my left pointer finger because the pain is unbearable. That knuckle (on the inside of the hand) swells and is twice the size of my right one. My finger swells too and it hurts to bend it.

When I go to see my primary, she gets frustrated because there isn't more she can do for me but I don't feel that she is doing everything she can. I know that I can't keep getting these injections because I have heard they can weaken the tendons over time yes? She has never referred me over to a hand doc for this but even if I was to see one, would they even be able to help me?? I have never had xrays of my hands nor MRI's - no testing done. That is why I think I may have OA in that joint but I can't know for sure. Btw, I do have a Rheumy for Fibromyalgia and he recently tested me - negative for RA.

I can't take anti-inflammatories due to gut issues and I'm allergic to many narcotic pain meds. All I know is that this hurts and it limits what I can and can't do. So any advice you give me would be great!
Posted 5/6/2011 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sherry,

My PCP dx my OA in my great toe and my tumb joint with  Xray in the office.  The injections for my thumb were administered by a hand specialist. My OA in the back was dx by MRI. 

Perhaps it is time to see the hand specialist so some xrays can be done. I hate to hear of all your pain.

Take care,

Kitt 

Posted 5/6/2011 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
Try Prolotherapy - it worked like a miracle for me - not my hands though, it's my sacroiliac joint (horrible pain for 1 1/2 years) just had my 3rd injection (not steroids - steroids and anti-inflammatories hinder the healing processes God put into our bodies).  I can't tell you how much better I am now - only 3 months after my first Prolotherapy injection.  It would probably work for you as well - look it up - and best of luck!
Posted 5/7/2011 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Sherry, I have erosive osteoarthritis in my fingers and thumbs. The bone spurring in some joints is so advanced my joint no longer bends.

My rheumy sent me to a hand surgeon. I have had steroid injections in some joints because of the swelling, inflammation and pain. I was prescribed Voltaren ointment which helps on lots of my joints except the hands because I was them so much. My left index PIP and DIP joints are so bad that the hand surgeon recommended surgically fusing the joints. The other option was to have a splint built for that finger, wear it almost 24/7, in hopes that the finger would fuse on its own.

The problem with doing nothing, is that my finger could continue to grow additional spurs and cause the finger to fuse in a position that would hamper my hand/finger dexterity. Surgically fusing it the proper position would allow me maximum usage. I opted for trying the splint. I wore it for 3 weeks until it literally drove me nuts.

Then funny thing happened. I was put on Simponi [anti-TNF med] for my AS and my finger no longer hurts. The knuckle is huge, but its not swollen or red anymore. I do not have full flexing ability but it is a position that allows me to do everything except make a closed fist.

Sorry I don't have any answers for you. Thought perhaps my story would let you know what was offered to me.
Posted 5/7/2011 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone...I'm keeping this short because my finger is VERY swollen today and EXTREMELY sore. I can hardly bend it and even the slightest pressure makes it hurt.

I think I will call my primary on Monday and possibly seeing a hand doctor.
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