zkosh

So glad to read all of the hints for dealing with arthritis. I knew that I needed to keep the hands moving, but some of the other advice is new. Last week I started crocheting a baby blanket for my niece and I've noticed some stiffness and soreness (no surprise) so I will follow everyone's advice and hope that will help. You're the best!

levada

Hi Annie,

Have you ever heard of MMS? (Miracle Mineral Solution). I use it for arthritis. Also what helped my knees (I could barely walk from the pain in both knees), is something called Diatomatious Earth. A few tablespoons of that a day for a few weeks completely healed my knees. Yippie, no knee replacements for me!

A google search on both these things will give you information on them, and I won't have to write a book here...lol

Note: both these things are "alternative" health remedies, and are very very cheap. I got the MMS at Ebay and the Earth on Amazon. Both last a long time.

Hope this helps. I tell everyone I know about these two remedies.

Levada

iamjanet

I take tart cherry juice concentrate everyday - twice a day - 1 TBLS. I can testify that it really helps. Mine are Montmorency cherries -- not sure if this makes the difference, but that's what I was told. I can get it at my local market, but it's also available on amazon.com.

nativetexan

be sure if you take something orally that you let your Doctor know. good days!!

Pete

Ask your rheumatologist for a consult to an occupational therapist for some ideas or splints. Mine offered to write one last month but I said" "no. Next appointment I am asking for a consult....

pal

I've had RA for 25 yrs. Please try the wax bath - dip your hands in 4 or 5 times, wrap them in plastic wrap and then in a large towel and relax for a few minutes. (an extra bonus is that your hands looks beautiful!) Also, as everyone else said "keep them moving" even if it's only squeezing on an underinflated balloon, or a piece of clay.

Alondra

I got some stuff at the quilt show in Houston last year called Gel-Out (MSM flakes) - every morning I put one little scoop (comes with it) of it in my OJ, and in a couple of days, I can really tell the difference. The same guy also had a Gel-Out gel, which I rub on my arthritic knees, and it's next to miraculous. You can check out his website at http://www.gelout.com, or his phone number is 1-800-866-6299. I prefer not to use arthritis medications, because they have so many adverse reactions and counterindications, and I don't have any liver cells to spare, thank you. No, I get no commission for telling you about this... I just really appreciate being out of pain!

redquilter

I see a rhuematologist for my awful hand arthritis. While most of the above suggestions are fine - and some even suggested to me by my doctor- if it's really that bad I suggest you see a doctor - preferably a rheumatologist. There are cortisone shots that will greatly help and also a prescription ointment. When all else fails, surgery may be the answer. Mine is scheduled for Sept. That means I'll be out of commission for a couple of months, but it's worth it to finally be free of the pain. Also - perhaps you want to take an NSAID every morning. It helps.

margaret53

I have had two cortisone injections in my thumb joint. The first one lasted six months. They have helped me 100 percent.

homebody323

I made a pair of rice bag mitts for my MIL by stitching channels and then putting a tsp of rice in each channel and stitching a line accross the channels i got a section of rice that can't shift - just keep repeating till it's twice as long from wrist to finger tips. Then fold in half and stitch the sides up. I then took a bar towel and folded in half lengthwise - stitched across the end and up one side. Turn it right side out, slip the mitt in it and tuck the extra to the inside of the mitt. This allows you to remove the towel and wash it to keep the mitt fresh and clean. I am going to need to make some for myself soon. One finger is starting to act up. My time has come.