Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.

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Krimzyn 08/01/2013

Hi All,

I've been dealing with mild arthritis symptoms for several years now. Mostly swelling in the morning or when it rains. I've really beat the crap out of my body in my younger years and figured this is how I'm paying for it. No biggie, I thought... I've been through worse.

After some prodding from my husband, I've made an appointment with my dr for next week. My hands wrists and fingers have been swollen and stiff for a week now. Several days, I could not grip my steering wheel. I can't take the wrapper off a straw or candy bar and I can't open a pen cap.

This has gotten to be rediculous. Nothing I have taken before is working. Ibuprofin, naproxen, biofreeze, icy hot, cold/hot compresses... nothing. The swelling won't budge and the pain is pretty darn severe.

I used to be able to type over 70wpm, but now I'm hunt and pecking which is even more frustrating!

Has anyone else had this type of flare up? What is up with this? Next Thursday is my appointment, not sure I can wait that long.

oceangypsy 08/03/2013

So sorry to hear you are dealing with this swelling and joint pain. I do hope the doctor helps you and determines what is going on. There are several types of arthritis so I'm sure they will do blood work as well as a physical exam to determine your problem. I have OA and do have occasional flareups in some of my joints. I use ice and heat and take long baths to help ease some of the pain. If you can try to keep moving as this will help to keep the muscles and joints loose. I find the more I move, the less stiff I am. Some days are worse than others. , Depending on what your doctor diagnoses he may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication or some other arthritis med.

I hope you feel much better very soon. Check back in and let us know what you find out.

deleted_user 08/03/2013

Hi, I have osteo and RA but find that for both I tend to treat similarly when I flare. Firstly, I rest the joint, even splint it if it helps. Anti-inflammmatories, heat packs and pain killers are necessary (but use meds prudently). After a couple of days , start gently stretching the joint(s) and see if you can get it moving. Please check with your Doctor when you take any medications, as for example, anti-inflammatories are not recommended if you are taking Methotrexate for RA. Your Doctor will be able to identify which type you have. Find a Doctor you get on well with and this will make a huge difference to the quality of care. Good luck, keep your chin up

Krimzyn 08/05/2013

Thank you, oceangypsy and siany. I have an appointment on Thursday, though I wish it were right now. The mild pain was no big deal, but the sudden onset of excruciating pain is rediculous. I went to put my legs up yesterday and noticed I could FEEL the grinding outside of my knees. My husband put his hand on my one knee and got totally grossed out and concerned, not just because he could hear and feel it, but because he swears there is no cartiledge in my knee.

I do like my doctor. He is actually a replacement we were "stuck with" when our primary doctor decided to leave the practice. We didn't really like her, but this new guy (been over a year) is really cool.

deleted_user 08/05/2013

Im new to this group i have athritis in my hands and boy can they swell and hurt so bad. I ice them and it does help with swelling. All i can say is go to ur appt. maybe something is going on besides arthritis.

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