Does anyone have Osti A. I cant use my hands in the morning to hols a cup of coffee. It is bad! I have tried all the new pills and either a bad effect or to expensive. Anyone have any over the counter ideas that work for you? Predisone works great but they won't let me stay on it for the bad side effects. I understand that but I am 54 and need some advice badly. Kathryn2

Hi Kathryn2: I believe I have posted to you before. How are you doing? Have you tried soaking your hands in warm water or water that is warm and on the hotter side? If you would rather sit and relax, try a moist heat type heating pad. If you have back pain (if yon don't want to sit up), you could try to lie down with the pad on your hands. Also, if you don't get any needed response here, you could ask your pharmacist. I wish I knew of an over-the-counter remedy, but my pain is beyond those medications. Perhaps there is a cream you could try. Anyway, just my thoughts on a few ideas. Take care, PatG

Hi Kathryn2.
I use FlexAll. It comes in a tube or a bottle; gel or lotion. It works great on my hands when NOTHING else will.
Its a bit stronger than BenGay and does not have quite as bad a smell (or maybe I am just used to it).
I wish someone would invent an arthritis proof keyboard. I love to type and it is so hard....
Good luck.

------------------
MollyB

Hi:
I have osteoarthritis in both knees and now it is beginning to affect my hands. I find that washing dishes first thing helps loosen up my hands. It was difficult to do at first, leaving dirty dishes out overnight, but it works for me. I also take chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM. I do not tolerate Celebrex or other anti-inflammatories well; nausea, vomiting...
Hope it helps,
Shelly

Thank you for all the responces about hands and Osti. Arthritis. I have found something that helps. Only for those of us in Fla., I guess. Two hours in the hot sun and I am pain free for several hours. It is only temporary, but most welcome for me. It even helps my back ( 4 operations on it)for several hours. I don't understand why the heating pad does not give the same relief. Even the moist! All the lotions on the market are to strong for my skin. I will try the pad in the am. Thanks sgain. kathryn2