Hello newly diagnosed

jesst

hi everyone i had an xray done on my knee as it locked in the middle of the night for a few seconds after being sore for 6 months and it showed i have osteoarthritis , I also have arthritis in my fingers which are covered in nodules and recently they have been getting extremely painful. i am taking paracetamol and using an ibuprofen gel the doc gave me .Because i have stomach problems and cant take ibuprofen tablets and strong meds just make me feel sick . i'm going to see physio on wednesday . can anyone tell me if physio has helped them and does anyone have any suggestions on anything that could help my fingers , i'm 63 and still working . ive cut my hours from 4 days to 3 but still struggling.. PS can't wait to retire any advice would be helpful thanks jess

Sharon_K

Hello @jesst

welcome to the online community. I can see you have a history od arthritis nodules in your hands and now you have had osteoarthritis confirmed in your knee. I am sure the physiotherapist will be able to support you with exercises to keep you as active as possible. Manwhile it might be a good idea to read as much as you can so that you can ask any questions.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-knee/

I appreciate that you cannot take some painkillers but you may find some of the options on this page for managing hand pain useful. I confess that I did find wax baths useful for my hands.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hand-and-wrist-pain/

I am sure our wonderful members will share their experiences with you

Best Wishes

Sharon

stickywicket

Hello from me, too ☺ I hope the physio appt. goes well but I wouldn't expect anything for the hands if you've been r3ferred for your knee. These may well help, though https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-fingers-hands-and-wrists/

I've had RA and OA for years (knees and hips replaced) and I know how vital exercise(s) is/are for keeping our ,uscles stromg and supportive.

Good luck for tomorrow.