Always do the range of motion exercises. Before I was given them, I ended up with a fused finger and very damaged toes.

But don't exercise with active flares, and just rest if you are exhausted.

I guess my next comment has to be - why are you not pushing for better meds so you don't have inflammation? It is not just about the pain, but the damage you are doing to your joints which is progressive and will debilitate you eventually. Tell your rheumy it is time to move to the next level of treatment. And keep pushing till you can pretty much live normally. It can be done, except in rare circumstances.

As I said previously, if you push against the pain too much, you might dislocate a joint. It happened to me. One of the results of inflammation in the joints is that the ligaments that hold the joint together can soften to the point where your bones dislocate. This is the main reason that long term RA sufferers sometimes develop RA hands with twisted joints. So, being gentle with your joints is a must. Using protective gear is helpful, taking it easy when you are in a flare is advisable and sticking to light DAILY exercise (like walking and swimming) is the best thing that you can do for yourself. Good luck!

Angela53510 - hi! I've had my 6th methx shot - not pills so it will work faster. No prednisone cause I'm diabetic. I was told give it 3 mos and then with my RA the rheumy expects me to have to add another med but we need to see what the methx does. It is working from the blood work that was just done after 5 weeks. I am also way better than I was which blows me away saying this with how I feel! I was told I'd get back to normal but had to be patient - I don't know how to do that part - the patient. Thanks

Have you been icing regularly to control inflamation? Sucks that you are in such pain and can't take prednisone. :(

Ice hurts terribly - even my dogs' noses feel terrible and heat is also no good but I appreciate it

If the ice hurts, leave it on. Seriously. My doc told me when it starts to hurt, leave it on. And I did, and I'll be damned, it works. Leave it on til it melts I swear by it.

JVDS. Are you saying you are an impatient patient? I was a patient patient, and I should have not been.

What about a DMARD (Naproxen or Celebrex)? Are you allergic to aspirin? I am and that sucks, too. But if you are in that much pain, I would advise you not to exercise vigorously. I have bunions on my thumbs from pushing through the pain.

Hindsight is 50/50. What I would change if I knew what I know now, having lived with this for 11 years.

I just went to PT today for the first time..not for the RA but that is part of it really but for the post surgery on my finger and getting the motion back in it and building the strength back in it..anyway she told me that the term "no pain no gain" is not for someone with RA. You are supposed to rest she said. She also mentioned the ice thing and that you have to get past the painful part of it then it numbs and helps and that even though heat seems to feel better it's not good all of the time. So I guess i need to start packing on the ice ugh lol

I tend to push myself, too, JVDS. I think it is our nature as women (gosh, presuming you are female! :) )....I have had inflammation in my hands which hasn't responded to treatment yet and it's going on 4 mos. Doc told me no lifting any weight, no weight bearing (pushups, downward dog, etc)...Kineret, I'm curious about what you mean by protective gear. Is there protective gear for the hands? I know you can get knee braces, even elbow ones, but not sure whats avail for hands and fingers.

Thanks for starting this topic.

Yes, am female. Yes, will try ice - oooohh just the thought. I also never got cold and now I'm hardly without a sweater or blanket at home. Anyway - rheumy said I could buy a brace for hands, wrists in the drug store BUT only to wear at night because it was afraid I'd get too stiff and it would do more harm than good if I wore it for the day. I decided I'd rather have my hands free at night even if it wakes me in pain--at least I'm moving.
Also no Celebrex, etc. I know the methx is working but I need to work and cannot. I'm commission sales.

Interesting comments....

I work FT . I push myself every day - I have to - I carry all the benefits!! I hurt every day, variable pain, but not so bad I'm incapacitated. I had to up my pred to 10 mg/day to have some relief (rheumy won't give narcotics)

When I hurt real bad, I do gentle range of motion at home and at work. I keep moving so I don't get stiff. I have wrist braces for work when needed. I wear compression gloves at night for warmth and support (IMAK - google them) and they feel heavenly on my hands.

I also have a rheumy on top of all the latest and greatest drugs and he pushes for me to get what I can (even arguing with my insurance company - and he WINS!!) he is great!

Hope you find some relief and can get to work!!