What do others do about inflammation?

Posted by lindasmith1222 @lindasmith1222, Mar 10, 2023

What do others do about inflammation? For the first time I have received a shot of cortisone in my right hand. But I am experiencing inflammation everywhere. Any suggestions other than cortisone to rid my body of this painful inflammation?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

I don't know exactly. but doctor says overuse of the hand and the fact that I have arthritis everywhere, i.e., feet, hands, fingers, neck, spine.

REPLY

The ominous words of my rheumatologist are "There is no cure for inflammation". But...
There are medications for arthritis talk to your doctor for this.
I find any and all of the supportive techniques and equipment is helpful:
This includes rest on a comfortable mattress, hot &/or cold packs (I have five), splints
( properly fitted, of course), hot or cold showers/baths, stretch exercises and mild exercise. Distraction ...T.V., movies, documentaries, music helps 'move ' you above the pain. Chatting with a friend. A gentle hobby - keeps your spirits up too. As well as a support group to learn from each other and remind you that you are not alone!
If all else fails, there are pain meds. I use Emtec-30.... these are like the old '222's', but do not have caffeine...but try everything else first.
This is a long road. Only you will know what helps. All the best to you, my fellow sojourner!

REPLY
@thisoldewe

The ominous words of my rheumatologist are "There is no cure for inflammation". But...
There are medications for arthritis talk to your doctor for this.
I find any and all of the supportive techniques and equipment is helpful:
This includes rest on a comfortable mattress, hot &/or cold packs (I have five), splints
( properly fitted, of course), hot or cold showers/baths, stretch exercises and mild exercise. Distraction ...T.V., movies, documentaries, music helps 'move ' you above the pain. Chatting with a friend. A gentle hobby - keeps your spirits up too. As well as a support group to learn from each other and remind you that you are not alone!
If all else fails, there are pain meds. I use Emtec-30.... these are like the old '222's', but do not have caffeine...but try everything else first.
This is a long road. Only you will know what helps. All the best to you, my fellow sojourner!

Jump to this post

Acceptance is part of the answer; however, I am having a difficult time accepting this is going to be my condition for the rest of my life. But I know it is. What about diet? Is there anything I should avoid? I read a Mediterreon diet is the best. Any truth to that?

REPLY

I have found 'acceptance ' is the journey. It takes lots of learning from reliable sources and others. It is a life long adventure.
Eating good nutrious food and weight control is really important. The key is to experiment until you find one that you enjoy eating.... this is a pleasure we can enjoy!
I followed the Mayo Clinic diet, lost the weight and still enjoy those recipes.
My best advise for you would be to find others who provide you with Support.

REPLY

I didn't know Mayo had a weight loss program. That is good to know. I am overweight. Lack of exercise, overeating and emotional snacking is the cause. As for looking for support, I am working on that. We chose to move over 2000 miles to be near family thus I live in a different state and have culture shock. Life is good bottom line and better every day. Thanks for writing. It really is helpful.

REPLY

@lindasmith1222
Inflammation is everywhere in my body. I have several autoimmune diseases, osteoarthritis, and an eye disease that is caused by inflammation.
I hurt just about every day whether it be in a few areas, or all over.
The fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis are the worst of them. As you know, joint pain, especially in the hands, fingers, and knees is not fun.

Before I had any surgeries, I did the shots. I got them in my hands, and knees.
They helped for awhile, but eventually I had surgery on my thumb, both knees were replaced, and carpal tunnel surgery.

Inflammation really doesn’t go away. I think there are some dietary changes that can be helpful.

I wish you the best.
Susan

REPLY

Aside from an anti-inflammatory diet (well described by reputable sources like Mayo Clinic), I have found that the judicious use of NSAIDs, especially ibuprofen, to be fairly effective, taking one 200mg tablet with the last meal of the day. It offers better sleep with overnight improvements and beyond. If you are sensitive to NSAIDs, skip a day or two and then repeat if necessary. It is a way to dial down the pains from near intolerable to more manageable.

REPLY
@thisoldewe

The ominous words of my rheumatologist are "There is no cure for inflammation". But...
There are medications for arthritis talk to your doctor for this.
I find any and all of the supportive techniques and equipment is helpful:
This includes rest on a comfortable mattress, hot &/or cold packs (I have five), splints
( properly fitted, of course), hot or cold showers/baths, stretch exercises and mild exercise. Distraction ...T.V., movies, documentaries, music helps 'move ' you above the pain. Chatting with a friend. A gentle hobby - keeps your spirits up too. As well as a support group to learn from each other and remind you that you are not alone!
If all else fails, there are pain meds. I use Emtec-30.... these are like the old '222's', but do not have caffeine...but try everything else first.
This is a long road. Only you will know what helps. All the best to you, my fellow sojourner!

Jump to this post

Blue Emu spray or cream is very good for pain. I have arthritis and it does help.

REPLY
@lindasmith1222

Acceptance is part of the answer; however, I am having a difficult time accepting this is going to be my condition for the rest of my life. But I know it is. What about diet? Is there anything I should avoid? I read a Mediterreon diet is the best. Any truth to that?

Jump to this post

Find yourself a good functional medicine doctor. Mine prescribed an anti-inflammatory diet (high alkaline/low acidic) and several supplements, as well at physical therapy. It helped a lot. You can also have IV infusion therapy, but it's expensive.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.