New diagnosis

EdT

Good day to fellow arthritics!

My journey started out with a swollen toe on my left foot, the one next to the big toe. The GP suspected gout, but this just shows a lack of familiarity with my medical records as I've been on 300mg of Allopurinol for gout for at least 20 years. So the blood test came back with urates on the low side of normal. So off for an X-ray which revealed osteo arthritis, but is it usual just in one toe? As a spin off, he had my hands X-rayed also, and this showed severe arthritis, but I think the hospitals tend to err on the negative side as they are not as bad as my mother's hands at my age (68). Yes, my fingers are stiff and occasionally painful if I catch them at an odd angle. The best the GP could suggest was taking Ibuprofen or Paracetamol when experiencing pain, but neither are good for my stomach, so it looks like I'm going to have to grin and bear it. The practice physio suggested some exercises to push the joints against resistance and noted that my right hand has better musculature than my left, which fits as I'm right handed. I like to make things and do DIY, so I'd like to keep my fingers working as long as possible and would welcome any suggestions.

Thank you for reading!

EdT

Sharon_K

Hi @EdT

welcome to the community, lovely to meet you. Sounds like you are having problems with pain in your hands and your feet. Sorry to hear that. I understand your wish to keep your hands going for as long as possible so let me find you some information.

Some people find a regular wax bathe can help to keep hands flexible and also help with pain in the hands. I have used them in the past and thy are lovely

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/wax-bath-therapy/

You might also find these exercises for hands and fingers useful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-fingers-hands-and-wrists/

I am sure our lovely members will also be able to share their experience with you. If yu have any more questions please ask and let us know how you get on

Best Wishes

Sharon

stickywicket

Just a bit of a tip. If taking ibuprofen, or any other stomach-irritating meds, your GP can, and should, also prescribe a stomach-protecting meds such as omeprazole or lansoprazole. Also there are other anti-inflammatories designed not to irritate the stomach. They are called Cox 2 Inhibitors. Just might help. Worth asking?

EdT

Thanks All. I do have some omeprazole that the GP provided when he tried me on Colchicine for my non existent gout. Will check out the Cox 2 inhibitors and possible interactions with current meds before tackling the GP.