OA and hand pain

breane

Hi, I was diagnosed with OA end of last year due to re occuring severe pain in the hands and wrists.An xray ruled out RA.My hands become very painful,stiff fingers,numbness and tingly at times and the back of the hand puffs up.This usually lasts a couple of days and then if I'm lucky,I get a couple of good days before the pain returns again.My GP suggested I take paracetamol and I have been taking solpadine but they do not give any relief.This week I changed to Paramol and again they have not been of any help.I am finding the pain and lack of sleep very debilitating and I feel my GP does not take my pain seriously.My liver function test has been slightly abnormal for the last few months and I am having regular blood tests to keep a check on it.I understand anti inflamatory tablets can effect the liver function so I am not too keen to start taking those.Any advice would be much appreciated.Thank you,Breane.

helpline_team

Hi Breane

I imagine it is a horrible time for you, lack of sleep in addition to the pain. Ask your GP if its ok to use Ibuprofen gel on the hands. I understand your anxieties about anti-inflammatorys and liver function however by using the gel you will not be ingesting it. If this is not suitable you could try Capsaicin cream. Just ask the GP.

Have you also though about supplement such as Glucosamine sulphate. the recommended daily dose is 1500mg per day. there is also a relatively new substance called Lito Zin made from a particular type of Rosehip and said to have anti inflammatory properties without the side effects. It is available off the shelf in most high street pharmacies.

Also tell the GP about the effect your pain is having on you sleep, he may have some suggestions.

Best wishes

Simona

tanith

I would also advocate trying the Rose-Hip tablets.. I have been taking them now for 4mths and have had good reduction in pain especially thumbs and wrist.. I have now been able to reduce my Naproxen by half and am going to try stopping it altogether and see how I get on.. The Lito Vin is expensive but I managed to get a different brand online buy 2 get 1 free and they seem to work just as well and for less money...
Worth giving them a try anyway

helpline_team

Dear Tanith (and everyone),

I'm attaching a link to ARC's new research summary on the effectiveness of supplements

http://www.arc.org.uk/arthinfo/patpubs/6300/6300.asp

But all arthritis experts emphasise that supplements are not risk or side-effect free, so 'natural' does not mean that they without any problems. Your GP or arthritis specialists must be informed of any you may be taking. Drug interactions can happen.

Just because we may mention that some supplements have good evidence for their effectiveness, does not mean that they may fit with your medical history.

Hope that helps
Guy