osteoarthritis

[josepha]

I am afraid that I have developed osteoarthritis in my hands, esp. in the thumb joint.   I experience pain up to 5 on 1/10 scale, but not swelling.  After I ride my bike my hands hurt for several days, maybe the handlebar is too big around.  The symptoms developed shortly after I broke my wrist (Collies fracture) two years ago.   I realize that if I have this problem it isn't going away.   How do I keep the damage to a miminim?  I use Ibuprofen for pain with fair results.   Are there other medications that I should investigate?   Re:  PT, after heavy useage of my hand it hurts, should I continue to push?  And what about ice or heat, heat helps relieve the pain, if there is internal swelling am I increasing the scaring?

Thank you.  Josepha

[Nutter2017]

If you have osteoarthritis then have acupuncture for pain relief

[DrKalraMD]

Hi, this could be arthritis or de quervain's tenosynovitis which is inflammation of tendon sheath post trauma. For more information visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/de-quervains-tenosynovitis/DS00692/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Try following steps:

Immobilizing your thumb and wrist, keeping them straight with a splint or brace to help rest your tendons
Avoiding repetitive thumb movements whenever possible
Avoiding pinching with your thumb when moving your wrist from side to side
Applying heat to or icing the affected area
Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve)

[crohnic]

lo Josepha,
there's a reasonable chance you have developed arthritis ok....but of course you should confirm with docs.  As for meds....the doc may prescribe any number of anti-inflammatories...trial and error for what suits you best really. If you get pain in the area when working it...I suppose the only answer is your body is telling you to give it a rest.  If heat relieves the pain then go for it.  If the joints are inflamed regularly...well then get anti-inflammatories from doc.  Not sure what your age is, but over this side of the 'pond' there is a lot of interest in glucosamine+chondroitin+ omega3 combo's as a retardent/help for the disease; best began at an earlier phase I believe.  Do you no harm to check them out with your health professionals...they were recommended to me.  I personally don't like to take too much of any one strong med for a protracted period so I swap over to strong aspirin periodically.  Again, consult the doc etc and keep posting to this site....can only help.  Good luck.