Thank you for your response. I am not using ice. I wasn't aware that would help. What is NSAID? I am wearing an elastic wrist/hand contraption and it seems to help a little. They gave me a wrist (cast looking thing) but I can't wear it because I can't type with it on and I work in an office on a computer all day.
Getting old IS tough....LOL.
I am sorry the cortisone injection did not provide relief for more than 4 days for you! Have you contacted the doctor to let him know? Are you icing the joints to relieve the pain? There is not a way to rebuild the cartilage. You can try glucosamine as some people swear by it. Are you taking an NSAID? This type of arthritis is not hereditary but is associated with osteoarthritis. Usually treatment is NSAIDs, cortisone injections and reducing pain inducing activities. For many people, the standard treatment provides relief during flares. If you're not getting relief with the standard protocol and the doc still does not want to do surgery, it will be time to get a second opinion. Hang in there. I know it is tough!