I know I'm not the only one who deals with arthritis in the hands, hips and other joints.

These cold mornings make it real tough to tie knots, or sometimes even open a snap-swivel. The hips and shoulders get to aching and the fun goes out of the day in a hurry.

I've been taking Vioxx and it seems to be a major help, and using the hand-warming pads makes the day much more pleasant.

Anyone else got ideas that help?

Mike

celebrex

I don't have arthritis but a few years ago I pulled some muscles in my back pretty badly and the doc gave me some celebrex to take. Good stuff!!!

The next best thing would be a warm DRY climate

Have you tried Glucosamine/Condroitin supplements?

Combine them with 3 months on a beach in the tropics somewhere and you should be good to go!

Ask your Rheumatologist about 'Enbrel'.. If you're just going to a regular sawbones, you are wasting your time..

My hands were 'claws' (and I was taking celebrex and prednisone), once I started Enbrel injections my hands straightened out, well, most of the way.

Howdy Bill,

If it comes to that, I would have no problem getting injections..so long as they helped. From the sound of it, they do!

Mine is not (yet) that severe though. Biggest pain is usually in the lower back and hips..makes it tough to scramble over the rocks when bankin it..and that is how I do 99% of my fishing at the moment.

Once the weather warms up a bit it'll be much better. I do take the Glucosamine/Condroitin, as well as the Vioxx. That stuff was an absolute blessing, as with it I can do things I haven't done in 20 years. A day in the yard working still brings super stiff joints...but much less severe than in times past.

Biggest problem is the cold weather, but I ain't about to let it keep me in if the fish are running. We buy those heat pads by the dozen, and they help quite a bit.

I'll have to quit that Vioxx before long, however, as it tends to mess up the liver functions if you take too much for too long. Better to be have stiff fingers then be expired from liver failure!

The one you suggested (shots) will be an option then. (Unless they come up with something else in the meantime...lots of good research being done.

Mike

Ambrotose

Finally, a topic that I may be of some help on! I have worked in the nutrition business for years (previously) and if you are looking for natural remedies I will list the best I know. Glucosamine, Chondroitin,and MSM (these are good for connective tissue and fluids in the joint), white willow bark (natural aspirin-salicylic acid as opposed to acetyl-salicylic acid or common aspirin) which is good for inflamation.
Bromalaine- an enzyme taken from pineapple. Bromalaine was first used for the digestion of proteins but has been found to be a super anti-inflamatory sometimes surpassing the ability of many prescription drugs. These that I have listed when taken together have improved the ability of many people with arthritis not to mention the fact that they are pretty darn safe. You should read about Vioxx and health related issues involved with it, it is not pretty. Good luck and God Bless.

I should have proof read my post I spelled some things wrong but I think I fixed them.