Connect
← Return to Erosive Osteoarthritis
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
I was diagnosed with Erosive Osteoarthritis in mid-2020. I was referred to a Rheumatologist who said it was rare but was "the bad one". I was told that they could try cortisone injections but they are pretty painful in the fingers and it hasn't shown to be all that helpful. The best thing that happened to me was being referred to Occupational Therapy where I was introduced to a lot of adaptive aids. I have compression gloves for both hands, custom made splints and braces. From what I have read, EOA only became its' own subset about 10 years ago and when only 3% of the population have it, research doesn't seem to be growing in leaps and bounds. I only take Tylenol for the pain, and just started taking Glucosamine with MSN again (I have an allergy to shellfish). I have two types of nodules or nodes on my joints. I had one uncle who had the same kind of hand problems and am told my fingers look just like his did. I used to think that ice to numb the pain would help but told "not so" and the OT was right. Wax therapy helps. For nutrition, the Mediterranean Diet seems to help the most, I try to avoid foods that can cause inflammation and use things like tumeric to reduce inflammation.
I would like to find a clinical study and possibly be able to join it. Information and support groups don't seem to be readily available.
Replies to "I was diagnosed with Erosive Osteoarthritis in mid-2020. I was referred to a Rheumatologist who said..."
I was diagnosed with erosive osteoarthritis 7 yrs ago by a rheumatologist. He said it was the worst osteoarthritis a person could have. I also have carpal tunnel-both wrists + trigger fingers. (Surgery soon)The treatments for the arthritis was cortisone injections. And I was also prescribed hydroxychloroquine. I decided to discontinue the drug since it didnt seem to be helping me and i was concerned about side effects. The doctor said since there was nothing else for him to do for me he was sending me back to my primary. At some point I remember going to OT for some hand therapy(i also had broken my arm/wrist-so was sent) and remember the hot wax treatments felt so good. I found compression gloves myself. But what about the splints and braces? From OT? The EO seems to be really flaring up. I am wondering if it would help? Do I Talk to my primary or go back to rheumatologist? I dont think many people have heard about or know much about erosive osteoarthritis.
Connect
Welcome @ljbrindle66gmailcom, I have carpal tunnel in my hands that causes me some minor aches and pain at times but I know it must really difficult for you. It's great that you found some help through Occupational Therapy and a lot of adaptive aids. I did see one actively recruiting clinical trial on ClinicalTrials.Gov but it's not in the U.S.:
-- Methotrexate in Erosive Inflammatory Hand Osteoarthritis (MERINO): https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04579848
There is a ClinicalTrials.Gov beta test website that makes it easy to search if you want to see what trials are available or have been completed - https://beta.clinicaltrials.gov/. You might also want to read their disclaimer about clinical trials they list - https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/about-site/disclaimer.
I did see a related 2019 article to the clinical trial above that sounds like it could be helpful --- Methotrexate Reduces Joint Damage in Erosive Hand Osteoarthritis Patients: https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/methotrexate-reduces-joint-damage-in-erosive-hand-osteoarthritis-patients
One thing that normally helps my hands is heat. Have you tried any type of heating pads to warm the joints in the hands?