No, no shots!! I'm a chicken! sounds like you're on the mend though. Nice.

I hear ya! Same for me. I also take as little as possible, but take the meds when I need them. I started with honey & apple cider vinegar today...Also, lots of Glucosamine. Anything!!!

was prescribed a thumb splint a few months back and it really helps.

I'm taking glucosamine and it doesn't seem to help. I know people who swear by it, though. I hope it works for you!

Lately I've been icing my elbows(chronic tendonitis/arthritis) when they start to hurt - instead of when I'm already in big pain - and that works.

The most useful pain reliever I have learned to use over the years is to do something that requires concentration. After years of working through the pain of fibro and arthritis just to do my job everyday, the ability to block out the pain is very well honed. It's amazing what a busy mind can ignore! Even so, there are days when the best that I can do is 'not much'. Those days are doubly difficult because I'm in pain and bored out of my mind.

I, like teacup, use Two Old Goats lotion. It doesn't get ride of all the pain, but it really does help a lot & cuts the stiffness. I get it at the feed store.