Is this arthritis and can massage do any harm?

Question

My middle finger of my left hand does not want to bend forward and make a fist as it is too stiff and very painful if I try and make it. It also does not want to straighten out.

I showed it to the GP who just said "nothing". I do know I have RA serum negative and OA.

Point is if I massage it a little and it is very painful to do that, it will allow more movement. Or if I deliberately bend it and it is painful, I can get some movement. This is all of a sudden, well within the last month.

So any arthritis sufferers or professionals out there...

Is this normal?

What can I do?

Any ways of making it work or am I storing up more problems for myself?

Allergic to painkillers including anything to do with aspirin, and also dairy milk that is on the outside of most tablets.

Do take supplements and this is not the only place that is painful but I can sit down if my hips hurt.

Please help me? I am really fearful of having to give up my hobbies of music playing and embroidery and other crafts.

I do take glucosamine etc but are there any sufferers who can tell me if this is what they get. REASSURANCE needed badly and if I can do any harm by massaging it.

Answer 1

Hi, my clients with arthritis often use a therapeutic grade of essential oil called wintergreen and recieve alot of relief from it.  Sometimes people will find that their diets also affect joint pain and mobility.  If it has been going on this long though I would probably make my doctor look at it again... and then I would look at some natural remedies to relieve the discomfort topically.

Tara

www.innerbalancebodywork.com

Answer 2

There is an ointment that I have been using for a couple of years that helps the movement in my hands and knees. It is put out by Nature's Way and it is called  BONE, FLESH and CARTILAGE.  It is also put out under the name of the Dr. that created it years ago; his name is Dr. Christopher. It keeps my knees and fingers and thumbs flexible. I apply the ointment every night before bed and every morning. I have since asked my local health food store to stock it, but you can also get it online at HerbalRemedies.com. Note: they also make capsules, but I've only ever used the ointment.

Answer 3

If you are RA serum negative, then you do not suffer with rheumatoid arthritis.

It is possible that it could be osteoarthritis, but it simply is not possible for anyone here to diagnose that for you. If you are not happy with what your doctor is telling you, then go back and request a second opinion. That is your right.

As for the "breaking up of some stuff", that is not strictly true. What massage will do is increase blood supply to the joint, thus increasing nutrition to the component parts of the joint, help to reduce inflammation and increase range of movement.

Does your Glucosamine have a chondotroin supplement too? Other things that may help you are green lipped muscle and flaxseed oil.

I suffer with severe rheumatoid arthritis and some days I can hardly walk. But I deal with it. My condition lives with me, and it has to do what I want to do, not the other way around. :-)

Massage is a huge help to me. In fact, it was getting massage therapy that inspired me to go on and do my training. I was nursing at the time.

Now, I'm a qualified nurse, massage therapist and reflexologist. Oh, and I love sewing too. :-)

Answer 4

I am afraid my friend that you are suffeing from Osteoarthritis. This is mainly due to wear and tear on that particular joint.As a long time sufferer  of this disease I can assure you that the only and best form of treatment is strong painkillers like Tylex taken with Omeprazol in order to protect the lining of your stomach and Ibrufen massaged into the affected area.Warm bathing is also quite effective.Unfortunately these remedies provide only short time relief. My sympathies are with you.

Answer 5

You can massage it but be careful. You are breaking up some kind of tissue that is restricting your movement. That's why you can move it better after, and that's why it hurts so bad, but this also causes inflammation. Try giving it a massage and then using ice on it after wards. It might help the swelling stay down and reduce the pain. Sometimes it's best to just work through the pain to break up that tissue, but if you're worried about it see a professional or don't do it. I think it will do more good then harm though. Good luck!