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OA in the thumb??

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Osteoarthritis
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Posted 1/3/2012 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone have OA in the thumb, or more specifically the base of the thumb joint?? Also what about the elbows?
I have had horrific pain in both those joints and my DR says it's OA. We can even feel the bump/nodule on the base of the thumb. It no longer bends
properly & if I try to bend it myself it causes me to scream out in pain. Esp in the AM!!!
My Elbow is the same. It hurts so bad that sometimes I just want them to cut it off!! LOL.

Any help, tips, suggestions, information or just support from someone else that knows this pain I'm talking about in these areas- PLEASE
share with me!! Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Julie
Posted 1/3/2012 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, yes. My thumbs are painful enough that I've learned new ways to do things that don't include extending my thumb away from my hand. I also have adaptive tools to open jars, etc. My rheumatologist gave me a prescription for Voltaren to use when it's really bad. It's a topical anti-inflammatory gel that you rub into the joint, and it does provide me with a lot of relief.

I'm not sure if I have arthritis in my elbows, but I've had bursitis and tendenitis for years. I had to stop doing needlepoint because the repetitive motion of pulling the thread through made my elbow hurt too much.

Strangely, I find that pressing HARD with my fingers right over the painful point will often relieve the pain for me. My rheumy says this is a faily well-known remedy for joint and tendon pain. I just find the sore spot and put firm pressure on it for a few minutes.

Sorry you're living with OA pain. Are you on a routine anti-inflammatory such as naproxen or Mobic?
Posted 1/3/2012 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
My Lupus is causing those pains for me right now.
Heating pads alternating with cold packs and antiinflamatory medicine.
Posted 1/4/2012 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and thanks for the information on the OA in the thumb joint. I was using a thumb brace, but that seemed to make it worse b/c then it would get to a point where it wouldn't move AT ALL w/out UNREAL PAIN!!!!!! I ice it & it does help to keep the nodule swelling down, but the thumb
still hurts.
I haven't heard about pressing the finger over the painful area, but I can try! I am willing to try anything at this point. It's even began to
affect my writing!! My elbow affects my ability to type & I NEED to type b/c my business is ebay and craigslist sales.
I am NOT on any anti-inflammatory medication due to my Crohns disease. Those medications will tear my stomach to shreds!
So, my situation is very tricky!!! :-(
The Crohns disease and Ankylosing Spondylitis are related so the whole situation is terribly difficult!!!! I sometimes feel I am at the end of
my rope.
I have tried Voltaren, but not as much luck with that as with the over counter product called Theragesic. Not sure if you'd hear of it???

Anyway, thanks for your help! I hope you are having a pain free morn. as possible. :)
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