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Erosive Osteoarthritis

Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Sep 6, 2023 | Replies (100)

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@sueinmn

Hello, I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with this. It is hard to find good research on treatment, prognosis, etc because this is a fairly new diagnosis in arthritis. It shares characteristics with both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, with its own twist of these terribly painful fingers.

You are correct that there is no cure, however, with care and a good doctor pain can be managed and damage can be minimized. I do not have what they currently describe as erosive osteoarthritis, but rather the same thing but in different joints without the sero-confirmation of rheumatoid.

It is managed with NSAIDS, which do more than relieve pain- they also calm the inflammation to reduce damage over time. You may have to try several to find one that helps. If you can tolerate them, do use them.

Tylenol is not an antiinflammatory, but a pain reliever. It does not have the same effect as an NSAID, but it can help with the pain. Hot soaks, or alternate hot/cold therapy can also help. Before I retired, I sometimes soaked my hands and wrists during a break on reality bad days.

If none of these help, you can talk to your rheumatologist about a steroid injection in the worst joint(s) or sometimes they prescribe a course of methotrexate.

As to fatigue, any time you are fighting pain, it is extra taxing - it takes extra energy to get through the day, you may not be sleeping well, and your body is fighting the inflammation. Since you must keep working, be gentle with yourself in other areas, and rest as much as you can.

The same applies to lack of appetite. Be good to yourself. Keep healthy easy food in small amounts, and try to nibble your way through the day. Nuts, cheese chunks, yogurt, fruit, easy meals like healthy choice...

Here is another article you may want to read.
https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/what-is-erosive-osteoarthritis#outlook
What treatment has your doc suggested?
Sue

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Replies to "Hello, I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with this. It is hard to find..."

Thank you for your reply. I will know more once I visit the Specialist Sept. 17th. See where I go from there. Being a CNA, a bit hard to take it easy haha but I try. Also only being 49 and have two grandbabies, 3 and 1, I'd like to figure out all natural ways to help prior to popping pills. It's a bit scary to think of what the future holds. I do yoga, hand exercises I've seen on line with to try and get ahead but unsure if I am making it worse or not. Baffled.

For at least 12 years I have had steroids injections in both thumbs and both shoulders and in the last 6 months, the foot surgeon has been injecting my left foot right in the middle and my big foot. He says there is no surgery to fix the problem. So every 31/2 months I have injections forever. I have lost so many cushions, that I have so much bone-on-bone movement. I go to the pain clinic for the neck C3-C6, lower back L4 to L6(radio), both hips, and my tail bone which was broken back in the '70s ( a Ram got me good). This has lasted sometimes 2-3 years before we redo it again. I do my exercises for my shoulders. And chores outside help keep me moving. And lately, my fingers have become more crooked and larger knuckles. I am waiting to see what my Endo Drs. will start me on next. I never have a choice. But they are waiting till I have my dental surgery over and healed. As far as drugs go over all the last 15 years we have tried Fosamax, Reclast, Tymlos, and maybe next Prolia. I do not know if my experiences have helped but maybe a little. Stay healthy and safe. Keep in touch as to your progress.