My gyn said that I have osteoarthritis and the only thing I can do is stay active. My symptoms are - enlarged finger joints (some grotesque), my hands are stiff in the morning, stiffness in my back and hips. I also have numbness in both hands with pain at time. I drop things frequently. I have had carpel tunnel surgery on my right hand - it helped temporarily (for 2 months) and now the numbness and pain are back worse than ever and my right hand is much weaker. The surgeon now says I have a pinched nerve in my neck and need traction. I went through physical therapy previous to my surgery, with little result. Am I spending unnecessary time and money ? Should I consider another avenue of treatment? I need some good advice, getting discouraged!
Discouraged in KY

Did you get tested for RA and various other common forms of arthritis? I'd start there if you haven't.
As far as treatment, ice and heat can help, antiimflamtories on a dialy basis will help. You can do wax dips which will help to ease the pain in your hand. I would also suggest occupational therapy.
As far as the back, pretty much the same regimin, not much you can do. If the pain is severe seek out a pain managment class, this will help you cope with the pain, as a very last resort seek out a pain managment specialist. I only say last resort because often they won't treat you until you've tried all other methods.
You can also try water therapy and exercises as well as find a suport group in your area by contacting the Arthritis assocation or your local hospitals.


Traction might help with the neck but did you have an MRI? I had it done and it made it ten times worse, it turns out I had 4 levels of herniations, they didn't realize this until after they tried therapy. I only did it for 2 days then they did an MRI and found the herniations. I had surgery a month later and at that point c6 and c7 crushed my spinal cord, the herniations grew very rapidly.

Good luck

Get MRI first before traction, I had same problem, several herniated disks in neck, annular tear and facet joint disease and it made it feel much worse, a chiropractor also worsen the situation. Active lifestyle seems to be the route with osteoarthritis, learn your body's responses to too much and take it easy at first. I have RA and osteoarthritis throughout my spine and neck as well as in the hands and feet. I had the carpal surgery both hands and ulnar decompression but they did not work(some people are more prone to this). Take whatever helps you stay actively moving. If I sit for about a half hour I am so stiff and sore it's just not worthy it to sit and watch TV or read, I move alot.not fast just move around. Don't let the Dr assume the problem is from the neck without doing an MRI, it could be neck or maybe not, they thought with my several levels of herniation and facet diease it was but it was in the wrist and hands, the neck was accentuating it but it wasnt where the problem originated.

I do agree, if you can get an MRI first because when it comes to traction they don't know what they are dealing with and as mentioned I got worse as well. I only did it for a few days and it was something I don't plan on doing again anytime soon.

I have osteoarthritis in my hand and knees. Most anti-inflammatories, whether they are prescription or over the counter, are very hard on the stomach. I have an interest in herbs. Over 2 years ago I came across a book by the author of The Green Pharmacy, Dr. James Duke, titled Essential Herbs. Dr. Duke, who is in his 70's, recommended Turmeric standardized to 95% curmumin or whatever the standardization get at least 1100 miligrams of curcumin per day. What I have done is take 5 capsules per day of turmeric standardized to 95% curcumin. I take 2 in the morning, one at lunch, and 2 at dinner. That keeps the inflammation down to the point that I walk normally without a limp or pain and my hands are well within the bounds of tollerance. Obviously, I know my hands and knees are not 100% healthy, but I can function very well.

Interesting never heard of that I'll have to check. I know that 1200mg of C every day will increase the longevity of the knee, most people are able to put off a knee replacement for twice the amount of years. So for example if you had to have one in 10 years if you do the C regimen it would usually only need to be done 20 years instead.
Mushrooms are very healthy too and quite a few other herbs and vitamins. The Arthritis Association published a pamphlet on the basic herbs and vitamins that can help with arthritis. I do think you can find it on their web site.

I suggest that you try taking Glucosamine/ Chondroitin/MSM.
My wife had a hip replaced on 12/18/94 and was told by 3 doctors that her other hip was not far behind and she needed a back brace. About that time Dr. Theo published his book -- "The Arthitis Cure" and my wife started taking what he said and she has never had the other hip replaced or used a brace.

I even take it 3 times daily for the pass 3 months -- it helps. WE have used many on the market but I guess we have settled on Doctor's Best and you can buy iy online at a good discount but there are many available as you may know.

We also take alot of Vitamins and minerals--- A, Bs, Ester C, D, E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Grape seed extract, digestve enzymes and there are others.

God Bless---Harry