Any "home remedies" for arthritis?

D

DarkPleasures

Guest
Hello there. Going on two weeks now I've had bad pain in my right hand. (I'm worried I may have something worse than arthritis - like diabetic nerve pain - but I won't be able to go to the doctor before Wednesday.) If I can do anything to ease the pain beforehand I'd be greatful. I tend to have sharp pain in all of the knuckles in the three middle fingers and pain along the "ball" of the palm under the thumb. (Sounds like a tendon to me then!) Also, my fingertips are numb most of the day. So far, I have taken Excedrin to take the edge off the pain and wrap my hand in a heating pad when home. I even went as far as to "massage" the hand.

Any other ideas/suggestions? I'd be ever so greatful! :)
 
Aleve instead of Excedrin. Most docs are fine with a dose of 3 to start, then 2 every 12 hours thereafter.


It probably won't work before you see your doctor, but you can start taking turmeric capsules (even our Walmart has them). Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory that can work well on inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It's a fairly inexpensive, natural solution that's worth a shot.

If you can get your hands on like 1/8 of high-THC marijuana without risking a legal nightmare, you can make a medicated oil with it. I know medical marijuana isn't legal in NB yet, but maybe you have a best friend who will share a few grams with you?

Other than that, you probably on the right track with the rest/heat/massage idea if that's giving you some relief. Have you tried topical analgesics, like BioFreeze or IcyHot?
 
Thank you for the reply, SweetErika. Excedrin always has been my go-to drug, but I guess I should invest in some Alieve as well. I have tried IcyHot and Bengay hut to no avail. I suppose, for the most part, I may have to just suffer until Wednesday. At least the over the counter drugs, heat, and massage help some. I'll also look into the Turmeric. I don't see the marjuana being a possibility here.

Thank you, again, for the ideas. Hopefully something will help!
 
2 extra strength advil, 800 mgs of ibuprofen is like injecting 10w30 into my arthritic knees.
 
Yeah, the Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) is worth a try, and will probably be the first thing the doctor asks you about to see how helpful and tolerable NSAIDS are if it's arthritis or some other type of inflammation.

Since you mentioned the tendon, is there any way it could be a repetitive strain injury?
 
Yeah, the Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) is worth a try, and will probably be the first thing the doctor asks you about to see how helpful and tolerable NSAIDS are if it's arthritis or some other type of inflammation.

Since you mentioned the tendon, is there any way it could be a repetitive strain injury?

Right now any guess is good. I wondered if it could be carpal tunnel, but I thought that was in the wrist. I have three guesses, myself, and have allowed myself to suffer this long...I guess another day and a half won't kill me. I am going to add to my medicine cabinet though!
 
A friend of mine suffers from RA, and because she doesn't want to take any meds (she's afraid of side effects), she started looking around for a more natural anti-inflammatory. About three months ago, she started a daily dose (about a teaspoon) of gelatin, and she says it's really helped her.

I don't know if there is any scientific evidence to back her claim, but it might be something to discuss with your doc.


Best of luck to you!
 
Have you seen a physician? Diagnosis and treatment in an online forum can be... tricky.

That said: You may find some relief with a topical ointment or linament containing methyl salicylate (MS) aka oil of wintergreen, a chemical cousin of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) aka aspirin. An MS ointment containing dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO] may be even more effective, as DMSO helps carry the MS through skin into muscles. I can't name specific brands -- I haven't needed these for some years and I just don't recall the product names -- but a little online research, and browsing at a feed & grain store's veterinary supply section (horse liniments are often strong), should be helpful.
 
I use hypnosis for plenty of my ailments. Hypnosis wont fix a medical problem but it makes the pain go away so you can function till you see an MD or dentist.

All hypnosis is, is discovering new uses for what you already know.
 
I have mild RSI in my left hand (No, you can never wank too much!).

What helps me is to do a little physio on yourself.

First off... Is the pain only there when the muscles are cold? It could be simply that your muscles are not working right rather than your joints.

This is my old physio routine. (This may not work for you but won't do any damage)

Resting your hand in a bowl of warm (but not hot) water and leave it for a couple of mins to warm up and relax the muscles.

With your hand in the water still...
Gently close your hand into a fist and then release... Repeat 10 times.

Then try to touch each of your fingers to your thumb. Repeat 10 times.

Clench your fist then open your hand as fully as you cam. Repeat 10 times.

Take your hand out of the water and dry with a towel.

Remember NOT TO STRAIN YOURSELF. And always go with what a Doc says.
 
I have mild RSI in my left hand (No, you can never wank too much!).

What helps me is to do a little physio on yourself.

First off... Is the pain only there when the muscles are cold? It could be simply that your muscles are not working right rather than your joints.

This is my old physio routine. (This may not work for you but won't do any damage)

Resting your hand in a bowl of warm (but not hot) water and leave it for a couple of mins to warm up and relax the muscles.

With your hand in the water still...
Gently close your hand into a fist and then release... Repeat 10 times.

Then try to touch each of your fingers to your thumb. Repeat 10 times.

Clench your fist then open your hand as fully as you cam. Repeat 10 times.

Take your hand out of the water and dry with a towel.

Remember NOT TO STRAIN YOURSELF. And always go with what a Doc says.
That's always worth a try, too. I know the heating pad feels good.
 
I get bad arthritic pain in my two thumbs and forefingers, particularly when it's cold or I have been sewing a lot for some reason.

There was a big story on this natural oil here a while back, so I bought some expecting it to be a bit of nothing, but it always helps me greatly when it flares up. I'm not sure if you can get it over there but they probably ship.

http://elmoreoil.com.au

Thank you! :)
 
There are two groups of amazingly stupid humans: MDs and lawyers. I'm convinced any retard can get a law or medical license.
 
Had to look up the first one but I get it. Kim??? DP, sorry to go off topic. I do hope the dr had some good news for you.
 
Well, I found out I have carpal tunnel. Chalk that up to 22 years in the same line of work now. Starting with a brace and inflammatory. Will be checking in with her after a month, unless the main gets worse.

Thank you, all, for the ideas and remedies. Some were still helpful for the general pain. :)
 
Sorry to hear about the carpal tunnel but at least you now know what it actually is and don't have the fear of the unknown right? I always thing the worst. I'd have half convinced myself that my hand was gonna have to be removed. Hopefully it won't need surgery.
 
Home remedies for Arthritis

Dark Pleasure

Sorry to hear about your Arthritis.

I know how painful it can be as I was diagnosed years ago with RA. The original doctors who treated me- American- wanted to ply me with drugs. However, I found some great Indian and Chine Doctors who don't use drugs and use spices/herbs- I was told to try using spices such as Tumeric- Cumin- Curry Powder- Chili Powder-Garlic- and Cayenne Pepper- which I did- and lo and behold- my RA symptoms showed a remarkable improvement. I have and continue to use it daily- in my salads, on my fish- (Salmon)- when I eat jasmine/brown rice- .

Word of caution, thought- the combination of all these creates for one hot meal- you body and head will sweat- however, for some reason, it is the ingredients in these spices that work to reduce the swelling/inflammation. I know that for me, I will continue to use it everyday for the rest of my life- I find if I don't use these everyday- the swelling and inflammation- especially in my hands/fingers gets worse.

Oh yes, besides helping to reduce inflammation- using these are also beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke, and reducing the risk of onset Alzheimer's- as per all of the medical studies/research done.

Hope this helps.
 
Sorry to hear about the carpal tunnel but at least you now know what it actually is and don't have the fear of the unknown right? I always thing the worst. I'd have half convinced myself that my hand was gonna have to be removed. Hopefully it won't need surgery.
Yeah, knowing is better than not knowing. I'm certainly hoping it won't lead to surgery.
 
Back
Top