swollen knuckles

[scratchalot]

How can I reduce the swelling in my knuckles so I can bend my fingers again? It's years since I could clench my fists and I drop things all the time which can be embarrassing and painful if I drop a tin on my foot!

[polly1963]

I get this too, and haven't found anything truly effective I'm afraid. I use anti inflammatories for the pain, and sometimes I just massage my hands with voltarol - but you can't do this if you have already taken brufen or similar. The dropping things is a nuisance

[Di Graham]

Have you tried taking Cod Liver oil capsules? They take a while to work but do seem to help with the stiffness. I had stiff/sore knuckles so started taking these. Also got a referral to the physio, who specialises in hand problems, at my local hospital for a proper diagnosis and practical suggestions as to what might help (kitchen tools etc), many items I already had, but was open to new ideas.Was given hand exercises to do, which eventually helped with flexibility. Also some special gloves to wear but didn't get on with them as the fabric aggravated my atopic eczema. However, I found some gloves on Amazon (Dr Arthritis) which are cotton based-- they help a lot--keep the knuckles warm. I sleep in mine.
There was no 'quick fix' for me. I had to find out what helped and keep at it. My knuckles are now OK, no swelling and I can wear my rings again and have gained full use of my hands.
Also look at your diet. Lots of acidic foods (tomatoes,onions,vinegary things etc) made me worse so I watch what I eat. It's a real problem when you keep dropping things.
Hope this helps.

[Dr Sandeep Bawa]

Hi

if your knuckles are swollen and boggy then this could represent inflammation.

I suggest you see your GP - he may refer you to a Rheumatologist. Have you had xrays? blood tests?

Hopefully they will recommend some treatment that should help you

[Tracy Corbett]

Hello

I agree with Dr Bawa. Making an appointment to see your GP would be a good place to start. A referral to a hands therapy unit might be helpful for you - they are specialist physio's, OT's and doctors who would be able to advise you on exercises and management techniques.