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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