Osteoarthritis in both hands

Sorry to hear of your pain samantha.  I too have OA in both thumb joints.  At times it is really horrific as you say.  I had an injection which was horrendously painful and really rather ineffective so I wouldnt recommend them.  I have issues with many pain meds, totally unable to take any opiates and anti inflamms either dont work or cause terrible stomach problems.  I am presently trying curcumin (its the active ingredient in turmeric) I buy high dose curcumin capsules from the health food shop.  Not sure yet if it's really effective but the pain has definitely lessened a little but not gone away.  One thing that has helped a lot is ginger.  The fresh root rather than powdered.  You can either buy the fresh root, peel and grate it or you can buy fresh grated ginger paste in indian stores - make sure its the one without too many added ingredients.  I mix it with hand cream and slap it on, put on some thin cotton gloves (got them from Boots the Chemist) and leave it for a couple of hours.  The pain relief is tangible - really lowers the inflammation.  I also drink ginger tea (there's a good one with lemon which is delicate flavoured).  I'm trying to avoid surgery as I have friends in the USA who've had it done and the recovery time is very long and painful.  Hope you find something to help.

Hello samantha. Im 45 and also have osteoarthritis in both hands. I saw a doctor at the hand clinic last week and he bluntly said im heading for surgery for my right thumb as the arthritis is so bad he said that he usually sees this much deterioration in someone over 60 and in his opinion its beyond treatment. I am waiting to be fitted with splints until i have the surgery. I know how you feel with the pain as even picking a pen up is excruciating for me. I hope you find something that works for you.