Question
I have some form of arthritis of the joints of my fingers.  My right hand is worse than my left hand.  On my right hand, the thumb joint has gotten a lot larger, is deformed and I cannot use it as I normally would although it is somewhat flexible.  It is sometimes painful.  The baby finger is more painful.  I have seen what looks like the beginning of a blister on the inside part of the 2nd joint (closest to the hand) and on the outside part of the first joint.

When I was on extended Keflex because of a recurring cellulitis infection, I noticed that my hand got significantly better, more flexible and pain free.  Even the swelling greatly diminished and my fingers looked straighter.  I was on the Keflex from August, 2007 through January, 2008.  After I was off Keflex for about 6 - 8 weeks, the arthritis returned.  Afterwards, I did see a specialist and wanted antibiotics to treat the arthritis but the medicine given hurt my stomach too much and it was not effective.  I felt that he didn't really have any answers for me.

I feel that medication just for pain is not the answer.  I want to treat the inflammation causing the arthritis.  Is there some treatment available to fight the inflammation?  I don't want to loose the use of my fingers.  I am 68 years old and an extremely busy person (working, raising a granddaughter, household, etc.).

I would appreciate any help you can give me.

Thank you.

Answer
Yvonne,

There are many types of anti-inflammatory drugs. They come in both subscription and over the counter. It is a good idea to see your doctor first. Finding the right anti-inflammatory is dependent on what is causing the swelling and inflammation. I would start at the beginning and look for a specific diagnosis. It is always better to treat the disease and not the symptoms.

Rusty

Here is a list of the most commonly used drugs to treat arthritis.

http://arthritis-symptom.com/arthritis-drugs/index.htm