Has anyone with RA hands had success with any remedy? If any?

cynl, are you on biologics?

Methotrexate and predisone

@cynl Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I hope you’ll find some answers here and maybe be able to help some others in return. Tell me a little more about your RA: when was it diagnosed and what treatment did you have?

I have had RA for over 40 years. The only relief I have gotten is from Low Dose Naltrexone.
I have used methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and Humira.
I have gotten some relief from curcumin phytosome, a formulation of the herb that has been shown to be more absorbed than just plain turmeric/curcumin products.
Low dose naltrexone has changed my life.

@cynl
Works for me. They both have side effects to be careful of. Your doctor will tell you. Prednisone is for a short time use. Works like a miracle drug. Problem is that it can harm as well as hurt.

@jdnc2023 thanks for sharing this... planning to ask my rheumatologist about the naltrexone. Want to add to the meds I'm currently taking, Leflunomide,hydroxychloroquin,and a combination of pepper, coconut oil, turmeric... there's a recipe to make this it's called Golden Paste. (This is good for inflammation. )I also take other vitamins and supplements.

@donna2008 My rheumatologist prescribed LDN for me, but when I asked for an increase in dosage because it stopped working, he refused. Im getting it from AgelessRX now.
Many rheumatologists aren't fully educated in LDN.

@donna2008 Question about Golden Paste. Do you put in ON your skin or take it like a pill?have you had any bad side effects from it? Does it need a doctor’s approval?

@becsbuddy I got diagnosed about 6 months ago. My hands are deformed it's like it happened overnight. I can't work been waiting on soc sec for a year and a half I had applied for other cause then this came along. It is horrible I have no income coming in. I can't come my hair my son has to help me get dressed sometimes I don't even have enough for meds. My parents started helping with bills everything was getting shut off. it is a nightmare. I already had agoraphobia major depression and anxiety, this makes it worst. One doc told me my hands wouldn't stay like this but RA specialist says there's no reversing damage and surgery will make it worse.

@cynl I was diagnosed with RA and osteoarthritis and it affects my hands and lower back the most. I started Plaquenil 5 mths ago and feel nothing from it. Had a bit of a struggle first taking it as it caused severe nausea and diarrhea but my body adapted mostly, still have a bit of that but I deal with it. When I tell my rheumatologist it still bothers me she says well then you can never take methotrexate, you wouldn't be able to deal with those side effects...so negative right? I thought the idea of these drugs was to keep the disease from progressing and hopefully give some relief. To tell your patient you can never take something puts such a spin on even trying it in my mind. Not sure what my next move can be....its so disheartening. wondering your experience with Methotrexate. thanks...