1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Erosive Osteoarthritis

Posted by anniebrook @anniebrook, Feb 12, 2021

I have been trying to get answers for many years to find out why my OA in my hands is so painful and debilitating. It doesn't look as bad to the eye as many other people I have met that also have OA but have huge joint nodes but say it's not too painful. I had the traditional basal thumb surgery on left and right hands,left went well 10yrs ago but right which I had one yr later has never been pain free.. About 6 mths ago the pain in the back of my right wrist became so much worse at the same time a large lump appeared.I thought this was probably a Ganglion then a few weeks later a softer round lump appeared on the dip joint on the inside of my right little finger which as made the joint very swollen. Eventually got Xrays of both hands which have now been diagnosed as Erosive Osteoarthritis which I have never heard of. Prognosis doesn't look good with this type of OA. Has anyone else been diagnosed with this and do I ask to be referred to a Rheumatologist ? How do I deal with this ? Is there any meds I can take for pain and to slow down the progression ? Thank you

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loriesco | @loriesco | 3 days ago
In reply to @msmcecelia "I know what you’re going through. I attached the MRI from 2019. Disc degeneration is awful..." + (show)
@msmcecelia

I know what you’re going through. I attached the MRI from 2019. Disc degeneration is awful and has been progressively taking more joy from life. Last year I had a fourth epidural injection and it made pain worse so I bought a mobility scooter. I am accepted into a Pain Clinic at a nearby hospital and they will try nerve ablation. I hope that is helpful. Their next treatment is meditation, deep breathing and counselling which I have done for 30 years plus I had acupuncture for years. For the last 15+ years I slept on the floor with a thin portable pad, necessary for some sleep. We finally bought a very firm mattress last year so helpful and not be bothered with the floor. Hah my knees have arthritis so getting up was a problem. It is helpful to know my condition isn’t unique. We can always feel the empathy from others.

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try exercise when you can. It helps keep us strong. Only through the low dose of opioid use can I exercise, and it helps a lot. Yes, the degeneration is unexpected in our lives. But what is the option? hugs.

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | 3 days ago
In reply to @msmcecelia "I tried topical Diclofenac (Voltaren) 2% in drugstore without a prescription, but it isn’t effective for..." + (show)
@msmcecelia

I tried topical Diclofenac (Voltaren) 2% in drugstore without a prescription, but it isn’t effective for me. I have a 10% Diclofenac cream through prescription.
It truly helps, I have often woken up 4-6 am to stop the burning stabbing knee pain. My knees are so eroded and severe to bone on bone. Also I take Diclofenac tablets 2x daily with a full meal. I tried Celebrex first for a few years and and it stopped working and I gained a lot of weight.

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Hi msm,

Thanks for this info. I take Diclofenac tabs 2x daily with food as well for my shoulder. I have tried Celebrex and IMO Diclofenac works better. It is harder on the stomach though, and I don't know if it's ok to use long term.

I was not aware that there is an Rx-strength version of the cream/gel. I'll check that out, and thanks.

Are you considering a total replacement for one or both knees? I had both of mine replaced, 4 months apart, in 2022. I was 68 y/o at the time. Best thing I've done for myself, all pain gone. Post-op rehab is a must.

All the best.

Joe

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