Connect
Erosive Osteoarthritis
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
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.
Connect
@choosejoy and all... Both hands' ring fingers are trigger fingers. The right hand needed surgery long ago, but we delayed it and had surgery on my right thumb to release the shaft and hopefully allow some movement and less pain. It was a terrible surgery, light anesthesia and heavy local. Painful, frightening, difficult for the patient. And, there was no benefit. Both thumbs continue to be almost useless and very painful. They at times lock in place pulled into my palm with severe pain and I can only unlock them with gentle massage using Kenalog cream. They will eventually release, but have residual pain for several hours and are extra weak.
Prednisone is helpful for all my joint pain. Currently, I'm holding at 14mg after tapering from 20mg beginning last May 2025 for a muscle paralysis following a coma high level glucose scare that left me on daily insulin and paralyzed my hips and legs for several days. I now have increased muscle weakness, occasional loss of legs muscles and increased pain, so I'm holding at 14mg Prednisone. 15mg is better, but I can handle 14 perhaps. We'll see. Really need to get lower.
Now, my hips are adding to my lower back pain to affect my mobilty. I need hip replacement that will never happen at this point. Too bad.
So, the Reclast infusion in 2024 was successful in that I have had several bad falls that may well have caused hip or vertebrae or pelvic fractures, but did not. I was spared any breaks! I'm thankful I had the 1 Reclast infusion, but it was a very difficult experience. I experienced every side effect, no allergic or dangerous issues, after the IV. I was bedriddern for 4-5 days in bad pain, fever, headache, everything I can think of... It was not fun. But I reminded myself this was temporary and the benefit of not having a broken hip next fall was worth the agony. It was. But, I refused and will never have a 2nd Reclast infusion. Very difficult experience.
My bones are apparently doing fairly well. No tests yet and will wait since I'm dealing with other health issues currently. But, muscles now are the focus.
Hope you folks continue to do well on this crazy journey...Blessings, Elizabeth