I have arthritis in both hands as well as carpal tunnel with trigger fingers which makes for great difficulty in using my hands. I had joint replacement for my left thumb (joint arthroplasty) last September (because my thumb was almost in my wrist). If I knew then what I know now, I would think twice about having the surgery. There are days when it's just as painful as the arthritis was in that joint. So many times the outcome of surgery is dependent upon the surgeon.
Here's what I learned for arthritis -
1. stay away from the nightshade family - tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and sweet & hot peppers (including paprika, cayenne, and tabasco). I have found when I eat too many tomatoes, my arthritis seems to hurt more.
2.Keep arthritic joints warm, particularly in cold weather.
3. hot/cold water baths -- total time approximately 15 minutes. Hot water for 3 minutes then cold for 1 minute, keep alternating until time is up. Surprisingly this loosens stiff joints.
4. keep moving so your joints stay loose and warm