OA flare up in the hands

breane

Hi, Does anyone know what causes sudden flare ups of OA in the hands? I can be fine for a few days with just the usual discomfort in the hands,then suddenly,usually into the evening,I get a severe flare up of pain(never known such severe pain before)and this can last well into the following day.I can't relate the pain to anything strenuous that I have done,it just seems to strike without reason.My GP has told me to take paracetamol but even that does not help with the pain anymore.He has not suggested a stronger pain killer nor has he referred me to a specialist.My liver function test has been slightly abnormal the past few months and I am having regular blood tests done to find out the reason why but so far nothing has shown up.I have to wait another 4 weeks before the next blood test is done. I wondered if flare ups could be the cause of the LFT abnormality.Anyone else had this problem? Regards,Breane.

jenny68

I don't know any more than you as I am newly diagnosed with OA in my left hand (I'm left handed). But like you I can have the usual discomfort/pain and then get flare ups where I feel I could cry with the pain. I'm back to splinting my wrist again but this doesn't really help my thumb that much. I had carpal tunnel syndrome before and finally had the op for it last year and the surgeon muttered something about arthritis mid op but I was in too much of a state to take it all in. I'm only 41 which I thought was young for OA.