Arthritis in hands

[DavidBarkey]

Hey guys , for those of you like me have a few miles on your hands in the trades . How are you dealing with arthritis ? I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hands . Most concerning of which is in the base of my thumbs at the CMC joint where the thumb meets the palm of your hand . This has made grasping things like a pen or nuts and bolts very difficult at times . Everything I do revolves around using my hands so this is a major issue . I have cut out sugar , alcohol , seed oils which are all inflammation causing . I drink a glass of homemade V8 juice loaded with a lot of thing said to fight inflammation . This is helping somewhat , but not enough . What have you guys found that helps . Note I am allergenic to most pain meds .
help needed with this one .

[Harry]

I get numbness in my thumbs and fingers when I use them a lot. I have a Doctor visit scheduled for a possible carpal tunnel operation. I’ll keep you posted on what they say.

[RoamingGnome]

We can feel your pain... Kelly was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her wrist - and I have/had it in my hips ( I have one aftermarket hip now and that eliminated the pain on one side )

Have you looked into supplements with Glucosamine and Chondroitin in them? They are supposed to be component parts of the cartilage that wears out and causes the inflammation / pain - didn't really help me that much with my hips, but there seems to be some studies that suggest it may provide some relief for the joints in hands and wrists.

Do your own google search though - some Chondroitin is sourced from shellfish and not so good for people with allergies to shrimp etc...
Remember I'm only certified to comment on wear and tear on mechanical components, not give medical advice

[propane1]

I take cod liver oil pils, and they say to eat oily types of fish. This helps oil the joints. This is what I found on the internet doctor advice.
Im like Gerry, I can’t give medical advice.

Noel.

[Spike188]

Dave, I have the same issue in both knees. 5 years ago I could do 1000 stair steps several time per week on an exercise machine. Now getting in 50 is a chore but an increase from nothing. Diet change and core strength is what I attribute to the improvement. I was drinking to much coffee back then, 12 cup carafe plus coffee shop at least 3 times per day. Cutting back to 1 cup, eliminating processed meat (Bacon ), eating more home processed breads, and cutting back on salt.

My doctors response was, "Did you ever think that you might be getting old?" My response was "Have you ever thought you might be overworked, stressed and need to cut back?" The next visit she said, "I am cutting back but keeping you."

Scans show small bone spurs and arthritis on both knees .

[Harry]

I had a Dr appointment this morning for my left knee which has been giving me a little pain when going on walks. Dr said the partial knee implant which was done twenty years ago is starting to deteriorate my shin bone. He said it’s not to bad but in time I’ll need a full knee replacement. I’m getting to the point I don’t want any more operations. So I guess I’ll have to learn to live with the pain.

[DavidBarkey]

Have cut out and almost all sugar . it seems to be making a small improvement . But I think it is negatively affecting my blood sugar levels as I have felt low on energy ever since . I am going to try upping my fruit intake to see if that helps untill body gets use to the changes . is going to pick me up cod liver oil (remember grandparents taking it and the Glucosamine and Chondroitin