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Community > Expert Q & A > Osteoarthritis > Inflammatory Osteoarthritis: An Oxymoron

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Inflammatory Osteoarthritis: An Oxymoron

Q: What is inflammatory osteoarthritis? Is this different from "regular" osteoarthritis?

A: For most people familiar with osteoarthritis (OA), the term “inflammatory osteoarthritis” sounds like an oxymoron. That’s because we typically think of arthritis as being either inflammatory (such as rheumatoid arthritis [RA]) or non-inflammatory (such as OA).

However, there is a form of OA that is clearly inflammatory. It typically comes on suddenly in middle-aged women, affecting the last (closest to the fingernail) and middle joints of the fingers. For someone unfamiliar with inflammatory osteoarthritis, it can easily be confused with other forms of inflammatory arthritis that affect the fingers, such as RA or psoriatic arthritis.

If you have sudden pain and swelling of the joints in your fingers, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis, because treatment for this inflammatory form of OA is different from treatment for RA or typical OA. Inflammatory osteoarthritis is generally treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and, very rarely, corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joints. The disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, such as methotrexate and leflunomide (Arava) prescribed for RA are not appropriate for this type of arthritis.

A physician who is familiar with your clinical, laboratory and X-ray findings will be able to provide the proper diagnosis and therapy for this condition.

Paul Howard, MD, Rheumatologist

lynn

03 Jan 2012, 20:42

P.S. to earlier post. I am and always have been to the low side of normal weight. I have tried every anti-inflamatory diet, every colon cleansing diet. my life was sports, running, cycling, hiking until back pain two years ago, now suddenly I can't function due to ioa.
is there an organization or pharmaceutical company who wants me as a lab rat. sign me up now please. seriouly, I have nothing to lose.

lynn

03 Jan 2012, 16:14

I am so discouraged. I have the classic destruction of joints in my fingers always preceded by inflammation, always diagnosed as osteoarthritis.

For the past seven weeks my knees and feet have swelled, the bones screaming at night while I cry. My leg swelled to twice their size and blood surface to the skin between the knees and ankles. I have bounced out and back between my internal medicine doctor, rheumatologist four times. My pain management doctor, who was prescribing lor tabs for lower back pain, was busy during the holidays and refused to see me or call either of my doctors. He said things could remain "status quo" without even talking to me. That medicine does not touch the pain. Three times I have packed for the hospital but did not go.
I did not participate in Christmas because I cannot stand to sit more than four hours without going to bed due to pain. I have ended a three – year relationship because I cannot participate in any activities and cannot stand for him to see me cry constantly. Seven weeks.
Neither of my doctors has used the word inflammatory along with osteoarthritis. Rheumatologist did lots of blood work and said there was no inflammation thus ruling out rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, then said the swelling I had must've been due to poor circulation… He never looked at my legs. The "poor circulation" resolved with steroids given to me by my internal medicine doctor. Amazing.

I cannot walk more than two or 3 min. due to the pain in my feet and in my knees. I cannot stand more than 2 to 3 min. even sitting in one position more than 10 min. gives me serious pain, and the nights are a nightmare.

Someone here said, I can't live like this. I get it. I don't know what to do. I am not depressed I am in pain. What are we all supposed to?

Marylin

27 Dec 2011, 15:14

After I make my medication comments, I go back & read some of the other comments. I, too am a nurse (retired) and yes the foot pain is where it started and it is the worse. I truly believe in the "no" high fructose corn syrup-I used to drink 4 to 5 diet cokes a day for 20 yrs. and I stopped. I also, think I had Aspartame Poisoning. I have changed my diet and lifestyle and have lost 70 pounds-down to 221 and still losing. I am much better off.

Marylin McCormick

27 Dec 2011, 15:00

I was diagnosed with OA 14 yrs. ago and of course have tried all medications available. The best that I have come up with is the combination of Ultram(Tramadol)and Extra Strength Tylenol. Ultram 100mg.(2-50mg.tablets) + Tylenol 1000mg.(2-500mg. tablets)every 8 hrs.(3 times a day) as needed. By error with the holidays, I ran out of Ultram for 2 days and really suffered. I could not sleep until I took 2 strong sleeping pills, which I do not advise. I just wanted to share this and see if someone else could be helped.

carole

26 Dec 2011, 03:36

To the person who's symptoms don't match
I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis at age 37.By 40 yrs.old I was in so much pain in my hips and muscles and I was weak and very miserable.I also have a mental illness so I convinced myself it was all in my head and I think the medical people thought so too.lolBut I persevered and did my own research and came up with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.Now I am on proper medication and I exercise.It is painful to stretch and move my joits but over time it has actually helped the pain and fatigue.Please don't dispare.I am back to being positive even though some days are very hard.I actually found the exercise recommendations on this site for both conditions.

Thank You!!

claire

13 Nov 2011, 18:23

Hi to everyone, this is the first time that I,ve been able to come to this site and leave a comment, because after 7 long years of pain in my hands, feet, lumbar and neck, my diagnosis is Inflammatory OA.....although having a diagnosis doeant change the pain and the mobility problems, at least its a step in the right direction :) i,ve been given plaquenil and i,m optimisitic about the effects that i'll be seeing. I,m a nurse, and the GP that i was working with used to give me intrarticular injections when the hands were so obviously swollen and knarled...they worked like a dream and let me have my grip back for a while, but i,d need them every 2 months or so...and it didnt alleviate the problems with the other areas. Does anyone else have trouble with painful cramping, this can happen anywhere, not just the hands and feet. Due to the problems with grip and pain control i have had to put the idea of my nursing career on hold, but i remain hopeful that i will be able to return to the job that i love to do...best wishes to all xx

dmoore

17 Oct 2011, 18:00

My rheumatologist tells me that I have inflamatory ost. arth. I have flareups where the joint closest to my fingernail on just about all fingers are greatly enlarged, misshapen and painful. I think I've had a breakthrough in finding a cause. While looking for a trigger for migraines, one website mentioned, briefly, high fructose corn syrup. Then I saw it mentioned alot in diabetes articles (which I also have). I decided to avoid it for a while and see what happened. Guess what. After about 3 weeks of reading labels and researching this food additive: leveled out blood sugar that is controlled perfectly by my medication (a new thing for me), no migraines, smaller mid section, no stomach upsets, no raccoon eyes and sinus problems, no fatigue, much less pain in joints and muscles. My recommendation for anyone that needs to fix health problems is to try avoiding this stuff. It is in almost everything packaged or in a bottle or can. It was invented in the 70's by the Japanese and that is when I had my first migraines and was told I was pre-diabetic. Since then it has taken over the food manufacturing and prep world. I believe I have a severe allergy to it and my son also has this. Also, because it de-activates the chemical in the brain that says you are not hungry, you stay hungry and gain weight and crave it more and more. For me, it has been wonderful to eliminate so many symptoms. The pain management diet works....maybe because you don't eat the foods that have high fructose corn syrup? Food for thought.

Kane

15 Oct 2011, 02:45

Does any one know if it is normal for an inflammatory
Osteoarthritis sufferer to go for months and months
with debilitating arthritis in their feet. I have it
In most other joints but this pain is unrelenting.
I have tried everything the medicos and rheumatologist
have offered to no avail.

11 Oct 2011, 04:45

How scary is this inflammatory osteoarthritis? It has taken 12 months to get a diagnosis, I was so happy
Initially it wasn't anything like cancer(which I've already
had)but now I'm not so sure. I've been literally couch
bound due to unrelenting pain in my feet. I have the o.a. mostly everywhere but hands knees and feet are
the worst. I have never experienced pain like the pain in
my feet it is agonizing. I have been on strong codeine
Painkillers, anti inflammatory meds, presnisolone,and
natural remedies all to no avail.
Where do we go from here, has anyone had "bone on
bone foot pain" from this insidious disease? I feel for
all of you.

Braiellen

07 Oct 2011, 21:58

I'm reading these posts and seeing so many similarities to what I've been experiencing that it's overwhelming. I was "possibly" diagnosed with RA a couple years ago. My blood work is in the "gray" area. I'm in constant pain and about to turn 44. It came on slowly and progressed quickly since. I'm not dealing with this well. They say now that they think I have "severe inflammatory osteoarthritis, but from everything I've read on this disease, it isn't matching up! This chronic pain is NOT in the last two joints of my fingers.. it's everywhere else! My hips, elbows, feet, and especially palms of my hands and neck (where it meets the skull) are constantly inflamed and in pain. There is no escape. It's an invisible disease and sometimes I want to give up. No one can see it and so they can't comprehend why I'm sick, weak, limping, no energy, in pain, nauseous half the time, and just miserable. I'm normally a very upbeat, humorous, fun person and this has taken a toll on me that is noticeable to those who know my personality, but invisible at the same time. I think it's hard to comprehend unless it's experienced. I tried stopping my meds and within a week was almost completely immobilized, helpless, and in extreme pain. It sometimes feels like my joints are being pried apart by a crowbar. RA and osteoarthritis do not run in my family that I've found. They don't know why it's happened. I used to lift weights, jog, was involved in kickboxing and other athletics and now am unable to any of it except swimming which isn't too horrible. My range of motion is limited now. They put me on methotrexate recently, but everything I've read says this isn't beneficial with osteoarthritis. I have yet to see if it works and my weekends (I can only take once a week) are spent sick, vomiting, dizzy, flu-like symptoms that start to dissipate late Sunday, just in time to get back to work and appear as if everything is normal. i can't continue living this way and my daughter sees me sick and cries because she sees how it affects me even though I try to hide it. I work in the medical field at a university and that has no help either. Sometimes I think that my rheumatologist isn't sure what I have, but it would be helpful to hear at least, "I just don't know." rather than a diagnosis that isn't explaining what I'm experiencing with almost all my joints. They all become inflamed.. not the ends of my fingers.. everywhere else. It's taking it's toll on my life. I know my husband tries to understand.
Reading everyone's experiences here helps me to know I'm not alone. Is there a support group somewhere??? I don't want to live like this. I can't live like this. My body is falling apart and in constant pain and I can't make it stop. I pray for all of us. This is a debilitating disease and it seems it's not entirely understood in the medical field. All I know is I feel like my life is being shortened and I have to constantly 'act' like I feel great even when it hurts. My kids don't need to see me like this. They don't understand and it only causes them to worry. Sometimes it's hard to hide sick. :(

Lisa

17 Jul 2011, 06:32

A few months ago the first nuckle near my fingertips stated hurting and becoming boney on all of my fingers. My hands really ached and the tips of some fingers had a stinging sensation from time to time. I went to the doctor and he performed blood tests. My RA factor was positive, but low, at 20. Other blood test were performed and I was told I don't have RA, but I do have osteoarthritis. When I read the description of inflammatory osteoarthritis, it sounds like what I am experiencing in my hands. Otherwise I am in wonderful health with incredible enery, for whcih I am blessed. I decided not to take medication for the pain, as I wanted to first try the antiinflammatory diet, per my doctor's recommendation. I read everything I could find on-line and started religiously following the diet. It may not be easy for many people to follow, as I no longer eat meat, dairy, bread, chips, fried foods, or sweets. I have increased my consumption of fish, veggies, beans, nuts, fruit, and tofu. I am also taking Omega 3, Glucosamine, and Calcium as directed by my doctor. I am happy to say that since starting the Anti-inflammatory diet two months ago, my pain has decreased 75%. Although I was already slender and pretty fit, this diet has caused me to lose 10 pounds, which happens to bring me to my ideal weight. At first I was a little tired on this diet, but then realized that I probably wasn't eating enough carbs since I am not eating bread (although some grains are OK). I ate more beans and sweet potato (this is on the Diet) and now I feel fine. I had my blood test the other day, and all was good. I will most likely make an appointment to see a Nutritionist to make sure that my diet is balanced and I am getting all of the nutrients, since I have readically changed my diet. My doctor asked pre-approval for a Nutritionist, but warned me the health insurance would probably not pay it. They denied coverage because they do not cover Nutrtionists, even when the anti-inflammatory diet is being followed for pain management in lieu of covered medications! I suppose they would rather pay drugs for me, which could potentially cause other medical problems, creating even more medical bills for my insurance company. What kind of a business decision is that? What about trying the healthiest approach to medical issues first? I do not know if the Anti-Inflammatory diet will work for your hand pain, but I would definitely talk to your doctor about it. I promise you that after two months I see a huge difference and I am thrilled I decided to stick religiously to the diet. I will most likely have to eat this way for the next 40 years or so, but I actually enjoy this healthy way of eating and the results are well worth it!

ginny smith

17 Jun 2011, 20:55

Hi. I had surgury on my right thumb due to osteoarthitis 3 and 1/2 yrs ago. I is doing well. However I just had surgery on my right thumb 1 month ago, having alot of pain and swelling in it. My fingers on both hands swell and the joints are painful all the time. Never was told anything except it was osteoarthitis. I also had surgury on the left big toe. I was walking bone on bone, and now the right toe is starting to hurt badly. Seems to be causing much pain in the neck area as well. not sure what the future holds. I also have fibro, but no one ever said I could not have surgury because of it.

Kate

09 May 2011, 21:08

I have been diagnosed with Erosive OA.
My left little finger has Sawtooth and Gullwing appearance. My right middle finer is currently causing much problems.

Can erosive OA be controlled/ stopped/ in its progression?

Steve

12 Feb 2011, 11:08

I have been in mechanical work for about 30 years. I have also played bass guitar in a rock bands for the last 30 years. 3 years ago I started to get pain in my hands. Now my hands hurt all the time, wrists, and feet. I have tried many drugs but none work. my doctor said it is ioa. Im not sure what to do at this point. I cant work or play music.
I need prayers and med. help

Sherri

18 Jan 2011, 12:12

Hi, I am a 38 year old female diagnosed with OA of both hips in September 2009. I was advised it was due to early degeneration because of a structural abnormality I was born with. My right hip joint was bone on bone so I had to have a hip resurface done in March 2010. My recovery has been slow, I still have days where the stiffness, muscle aches, are just unbearable. Problem is now I have pain in several joints, and having a family history of RA (cousins). I am now being advised to be tested for RA. This past weekend I had an awful flare, burning sensation in muscles, very painful to get up from seated position and barely able to walk. I currently take ibuprofen nad ma treated with Celestone steroid shots into the hip joint for pain. Is it possible to have RA without having swollen joints? I have been going to an orthopedic doctor but will be visiting a rheumatologist very soon. I pray for relief. Its so hard dealing with this condition. I pray the best for you all, chronic pain really takes it toll physically and emotionally.

dave

10 Jan 2011, 23:14

i just got diagnosed with oa in my left thumb. I have been cutting insulation(I am left handed) for 25 years, at least 1000 cuts a day. not to mention 5-10,000 staples per day. i am in trouble it sounds like after reading the posts. I make great money and have very little options. i really appreciate all your stories, and empathize with you all. I am 45 and who invented this getting old anyway? I was happy just the way I was. oh well i am still handsome...

Mags Bright

30 Nov 2010, 06:09

I have Osteoarthritis mainly in my thumbs and have been on Anti-inflamatories for years only now to be told i have Barretts disease so due to acid and other problems i cannot take them anymore .G.P wants me to have injections which did not work in past .Please anyone know of other treatments .Some days its so painful .

Bill Stewart

07 Nov 2010, 12:09

Having much arthritic pain over a number of years and having taken every known painkiller that exsisits my 70 year old body woke up a few months ago with swelling in my fingers and pain in the rest of my joints that were above the usual , after quite a few visits to my G.P. I was told that there was nothing that could be done other than anti-inflamatory drugs and pain killers that will only give temporary relief, I have been super active all my life and relatively healthy other than I am a type 2 diabetic on insulin and metphormin Is my fate as described or is there things I can do that will help me get through the pain and discomfort that has not been detected or diagnosed?
Thanks for any help .

roberta

05 Nov 2010, 23:18

Dear KL,
Your concerns are so valid. The core of all degenerative diseases, silent yet progressive inflamation is not being dealt with by doctors. There are many who think Dr.Barry Sears should recieve a noble prize for his articulated understanding put forth in his Zone diet books. His last book :Toxic Fat with procedure has made a difference in my joints and overall wellbeing

Wendy Luba

04 Nov 2010, 13:49

I recently have been diagnosed with Inflammatory errosive osteoarthritis. Over the past 10 years, I've been plagued by painful inflammation of my hands, feet and back. I've had to have an achilles reconstruction and two surgeries on my right foot to remove painful boney protrusions. Three years ago, I had surgery on both feet for hallux rigidus and bunions. My local rheumy has had me on sulfasalazine for 1-1/2 years because of documented intestinal inflammation of the intestine on two ocassions and chronic diarrhea. The rheumy who recently diagnosed me with Inflammatory OE is starting me on plaquenil. I'm wondering if all these things are related.
In addition to that, I also have orthostatic tremors, which is classified as a rare, debilitating disease that causes fine tremors of the legs, which have now affected my whole body. Having these two conditions together is rendering me basically non functional. I am 60 yrs. old

Casandra

12 Oct 2010, 18:34

I was diagnosed with seronegative inflammatory arthritis after unexplained swelling in both knees. The rheumatologist recommended Plaquenil. I decided to try Zyflamend and this has been a miracle supplement. It took a few weeks to work, but I went off of it twice and each time after a few weeks, the swelling returned. I am so thankful for this herbal supplement. It is a Cox-2 inhibitor and promotes a normal inflammatory response. This supplement is amazing.

Marion

30 Aug 2010, 05:36

After several years being treated for Rheumatoid Arthritis i have been diagnosed as actually having Inflammatory Osteoarthritis. My rheumaologist advised pain killers and Glucosamine. It got worse and I had to give up work hardly able to stand or use my hands forany time. I am about to have my second knee replacement. However my chiropractor goton my case and recommended some homeopathic medications for inflammation and pain.
I have combined these with accupuncture and am nowable to go for short walks(15 mins. Go talk to a Homeopathic doctor and an accupuncturist. what have you got to lose?

Marianne Byrd

23 Aug 2010, 09:50

I was first diax. w/RA when I was 33 years old. Thru the years I've been told no, yes, maybe, IOA, Well folks just wait.

I am now 72 years old and the drs. are telling me - what do you expect? It's one of the symptoms of the body ageing. So what was wrong when I was 33?

Why don't the drs. even listen. At the very least they could just say "I don't know". Instead of contradicting each other and me.

21 Aug 2010, 18:57

I have been diagnosed with Inflammatory Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis and Asthma. I can't take NSAIDs because of stomach issues and high blood pressure. I am taking Plaqunil for four months now and it is really helping. I stopped taking it for two days, and I soon noticed the difference. I also had a high dose of steroids a while back for a really bad asthma attack. Too bad that can't be taken on a regular basis.......too many side effects...........but what wonders it did for my aching joints. My orhtopedic said both of my knees will have to be replaced in the near future. Someone posted she couldn't have surgery because of the fibro. I have never hard that before. Does anyone else know of fibro being a barrier to surgery?

Cathy

28 Jul 2010, 14:52

I came down with a mysterious disease while on vacation last summer in Hawaii-painful swollen joints in my feet, hands and shoulders. Prscription strength nsaids helped for a while, but then seems ineffective. I was referred to a rheumatologist and we went through a couple of siagnoses until it was labeled inflammatory osteoarthritis.I was on steroids and painfree-however, they were not something I wanted to be on for a long time. I was weaned off of them by my rheumatologist but would have flare ups that essentially left me bound to a lounge chair and not able to do anything. She put me on plaquenil last Nov. and by Jan. the flareups were gone. I get small aches and pains from arthritis but that is a small price to pay compared to the disabling pain I had before. There are also some side effects to plaquenil that I have to keep an eye on(liver damage, alchohal intake needs to be very limited if used at all, and colorblindness), but again a small price to pay for the huge pain relief I have. I do take prescription NSAIDS when I know I'm going to have an active hand day(I teach prechool part time and always take it on that day). I really hope all of you find relief from your pain-please ask you doc about plaquenil(it is mainly used for malaria, but they have found it helps those with inflammatory osteoarthritis on the side). One other thing I'd like to mention to-if there are emotional things that are causing you stress, it may be worth the time and money to look into counseling. I realized there some major events in my life that were taking a toll on me and the counseling really helped with that too.

betsy

11 Jul 2010, 09:46

I had a very hard time coming to terms with I.O.R. and my family is having a hard time as well. We have been given very little hope. It's like a wild fire consuming by body that no one can put out. There seems to be very little awareness of this condition and I'm going to do what can to change that. I've started with my family and friends and I e-mailed Dr. Oz and any one else I could think of. The squeaky wheel gets oiled first! Spread the word, hope every body has as little pain as possible.

Bless You All,
Betsy

07 Jul 2010, 13:03

Greeting, pain sufferers, and my complete sympathy. Why is is it so difficult to get a decent diagnosis of inflammatory OA, or any kind of arthritis? I have suffered with moderate pain for ten years. Most recent x-rays showed minor to now moderate hip, sacroiliac, knee, and lumbar spine degenerative changes (most from very old injuries and decades of working like a pack animal). I have had MRI, x-rays, dexascan, that all show the damage and deterioration. My GP has done the inflammatory blood tests, over and over again. My bone scan numbers and density is good. My blood work numbers are borderline for RA (which runs in my mother's family. All her sibs had it, and an aunt died from scleraderma and RA complications). I'm currently in so much pain from my right hip, right knee, sacroiliac (S1-S2 sublimation damage), 4 herniated lumbar disks with moderate damage shown in my MRI, and have gone through Ibuprofen, meds for Fibro, Celebrex, Meloxocam, now Arthrotec with Darvocet for really bad pain days. It takes the edge off. The pain started with Menopause 4 years ago, and then worsened with a move to the Midwest and the weather/barometric pressure patterns. The onslaught was quick, as Menopause completed, I couldn't even comb or wash my own hair when it started, couldn't lift my arms that high (above my chest), pain in my wrists, hands, and fingers were like claws and hurt. My feet and ankles swelled up and hurt. My left shoulder cracked and popped most audibly (bursae injured years ago), and sometimes very painfully. I slept with my wrists and hands in cold packs, and if my husband accidentally hit my hands/wrists in his sleep, I shrieked in agony. He was afraid to get close to me, and I couldn't bear to have my shoulders or arms rubbed or massaged, so there was no pain relief. Right before all this, I had lost 40 pounds, was walking several miles a day and working on our farm! Now cannot move without a severe limp, and using a cane most days to save the right hip & knee. I quickly researched and went on an anti-inflammatory diet, have used all the natural therapies and supplements for two years (still do), started reading all kinds of books and medical journal reports on therapies, but cannot get past the medical views of hip replacement, more NSAIDS, drugs, possible back surgery, and get used to living with it, you're 54. My life turned upside down in two really painful years, and I'm now looking into SSDI since my savings are gone and I can't sit, stand, or work at anything with the pain. Is anyone else going through this kind of frustration with their doctors, and the current trends that don't help or sympathize with your issues? I had an active life before this happened, now after going through all the pain, depression, research, and now anger, I'm wondering what the future holds? Arthritis is a major health issue, with all kinds of inflammatory conditions branching off the core diseases. We aren't alone. Why isn't more being done? Why does it take so long to find a good doctor who actually listens and cares about your OA and inflammation? The only good news is that my Fibromyalgia finally got under control at last (without the standard drugs--ugh!), Fibro pain is so different. The OA is bad enough! I'm sorry to vent, I guess nobody else cares about your pain, except those who also share it. Thanks for letting me rant. I hope all find relief at soonest, we all deserve it!

mags

30 Jun 2010, 22:37

Hi everyone, sorry to hear about all the pain you are suffering- I now know that i'm not alone. I am 47 years old and have been suffering with back pain off and on for quite a few years. The last few years the back pain has been more frequent. At the moment it is every day and I also have groin, hip and knee pain. I am also having pain in both thighs when Im out walking. My doc gave me a letter to go for an x-ray, she thinks it is osteoarthritis. How long do you think it will take for the hospital to get back to my doc with the results?

betsy

29 Jun 2010, 22:12

Dear Mrs. Bea Richards

Your recent life experiences sounds almost idenical to mine, I was diognosed today with inflammatory OA, 6/29/10, that's why I'm at this web site. I real do feel your pain,just please don't give up. You are not alone on those sleepless nights, because I'll be there to and I'm sure many other as well.
Thanks to everyone for sharing, I don't feel so alone how.

Bless You all, Betsy

Denise C.

26 Jun 2010, 14:15

Hi everyone,
After reading all the comments about OA I can't help but wonder why only RA and not OA is considered a disability. I,ve got OA in both the basal joints of my thumb and am currenly recovering from replacement surgery of the right one. I'm sure I will need the left one done as well.and even when I've recovered I doubt I'll have the strength or dexterity in my hands to perform my job. I also have arthritis in the other fingers of my right hand which causes alot of swelling.
All the jobs I've ever worked relied on my physical abilities. Well, time for retraining! Anyway, thanks for letting me vent.

BEA RICHARDS

18 Jun 2010, 07:48

After several years and many visits to my GP i have been diognosed with inflamatory Osteo Arthritis . At the moment I am going through a bad spell , pain, sleepless nights, depression, meds help but dont take the pain away completely, i am always tired and find it difficult to function.
My dear husband is a true blessing,
Bea

Dorinne

26 Mar 2010, 21:06

I have had inflamatory osteoarthritis as well as two other types of reactive arthritis for almost 10 years. My rheumatologist gives me a Medrol shot every 3-6 months and it helps a great deal. It also allows my nsaids work better. Don't know what I would do without it.

maggie knight

04 Feb 2010, 11:57

I have recently been diagnosed with I.OA.I am just coming to terms with my disability if you can call it that as I don't consider I am. Yes I can't open jars and tins, peel potatoes and carrots or write for very long but I can still move about - just, as I also have it in my spine, R.hip, and L. shoulder and knee. I am lucky it is not in my feet like some of you. I am on a lot of meds. some of which make me sleepy but I keep going. I go to aqua fit classes twice a week, the gym once and do water walking and jogging on another. I also walk my Australian cattle dog every evening so I am trying to keep positive. I've had one thumb joint replacement and am due for the other sometime but don't think I will as it has made the I OA worse. funny but I am also type 2 diabetic- do you think that plays a part in it. I am waiting now to see the Rheumatologist to get some "help" if it is at all possible. I tell others whom I have met to stay positive as I do believe it does help. Good luck to you all.

Maria

02 Oct 2009, 03:42

I had been having pain all over my body lately, so bad I can't let anyone barely touch me. And stabbing pains as well .I saw a specialist this week and he says it is Oa inflammatory. I guess I never thought anything of it I have had chronic pain for years since my motorcycle accident. I am also type 2 diabetic just started meds months ago and still not good control rhuemy says it is affecting my stomach as well and that I have been a diabetic longer than my recent diagnosis and that is contributing to my pain as well as apnea. I am up and can't sleep because of gabapentin. No sleep, burning eyes, constant pain what next lol... at least I am not snorring poor hubby...whine whine whine.

SarahBeth

23 Sep 2009, 13:06

I have demineralization in the bones of my feet and have had surgery to fuse some of the joints, which has helped. However, I will face more operations in the future, as my condition is degenerative. It is in both feet and is steadily eroding them.

I have osteoarthritis in both hands and have a hard time doing much with them, although I slog on as best as I can to take care of my family.

I also have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the past several years. I am able to have excellent control through diet and exercise.

I am very worried that I will end up in a wheelchair because of my feet. My rheumatologist says that I have osteoarthritis. The radiologist who read my CT scan said that the bones are full of holes (cysts) and that it is consistent with a systemic type of arthritis. The surgeon agreed. My rheumatologist disagrees. My primary physician would like me to get a 2nd opinion from a rheumatologist. Does anyone know of an excellent one in the greater Boston area, possibly in Maryland?

Linda

11 Sep 2009, 09:21

Hi, as I said before, I was devastated because I loved my job and wanted to work til I was 65. I didn't quite get my 30 years in so had to take early retirement.
My former Rheumatologist has me on Plaquinil. Is anyone else taking that for arthritis? He said what I have is erosive (inflammatory) osteoarthritis. I am worried that SSDI might not see that as a disability. Rheumatoid is disabling but Osteo is not. My finger tips are very red and painful during a flare up, or when I lift something that weighs more than 5 pounds. My newer Rheumy just reffered to it as Osteo and I corrected her that it is Inflammatory erosive osteo. I also have immune system problems. The Endocrinologist told me that. The newer Rheumy was surprised to hear that. I wish I knew what I had. I did recently get a bunch of tests done for arthritis but they probably won't show anything.

Deb

27 Aug 2009, 17:25

This has really surprised me, because I think it explains the pain in the balls of my foot (where I have had multiple metatarsal stress fractures) as well as the sudden swelling and severe pain in the IP joint of my right thumb a few months ago. On X-ray the doc diagnosed severe osteoarthritis and said the cartilage was virtually gone. I got a brace and put Coban wrap on the joint. Within a few weeks the same joint on the other thumb went bad, though not so spectacularly.
After I read this post, I checked out erosive/inflammatory osteo on other sites and discovered it also occurs in the feet exactly where I have had intractable pain for years. The orthopedic specialist couldn't help me. I can't have surgery because of my fibromyalgia.
Since I can't take anti-inflammatory medicines because of bleeding (even from fish oils), I'm going to try an anti-inflammatory diet. I'm also trying to find every tip I can for protecting these joints.
Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Janet

19 Aug 2009, 23:24

I too have erosive osteo of the hands. Started in my mid 40's affecting on finger and now is in all. About 5 years after the inflammatory arthritis of the hands I developed osteo in most of my other joints and all of my back. I am having a hard time with the disability people understanding that erosive OA of the hands is different than the OA in the rest of my body. Hence my struggle to get a pension disability benefit since I can no longer work. Started working with the inflammatory arthritis in on finger so they say the OA in the rest of my body, which is the reason for my disability is pre-existing. Can anyone shed light on whether Erosive inflammatory arthritis of the hands is a precurser to OA in the rest of the body?

Linda Weidner

10 Aug 2009, 06:47

I have inflammatory ostoearthritis for several years. One year ago, after recovering from basal thumb surgery,because of my sore fingers and my sore thumb I could no longer lift. I had to leave my job in the school cafeteria one year short of my 30 years. I had a hard time accepting it. I left my Rheumatologist who I went to for several years. He really upset me when he wouldn't give me a note to try and go back to work (I had been out for 3 days, so the school requests a doctor's note). I took early retirement. Lately I'm always tired, very emotional, worry about everything that coould wrong with me. I now have Hashimotos Thyroiditis and I have a very poor memory. I don't like my new Rheumatologist. I saw her twice and she said to call if I have any more problems, and that I didn't need to make another appointment! Now I have been breaking out with itchy things that appear to be hives. My general practitioner is very nice. But sometimes I think she believes I worry too much. She dwells on the fact that I no longer talk to my one son for years. She thinks I need councelling. I'm too tired to go to any more doctors. Sorry this is so long, I had to get it off my chest. Any feedback would be appreciated. I am almost 62 years old. Thanks, Linda.

matilda

30 Jul 2009, 01:33

I have just been diganosed with erosive (inflammatory) osteoarthritis in my fingers

Carla

08 May 2009, 15:34

To comments from Shirley Wilson;
I see a doctor of oriental medicine about once a week. He always uses acupuncture but sometimes also other treatments. I find the acupuncture helps. It does not make all the pain disappear but it does make a difference. Also the attitude of my doc is so compassionate that is probably half the benefit I see...he does not just "blow-off" my pain and stress. I feel like he really does care about ME. I hope you will be able to find someone just as good near you.

Veronica

23 Apr 2009, 16:24

Have OA throughout most of my joints. Had
a hip replacement 23 years ago and that is
still holding up,however my knees are giving
me much pain. Received a speriod injection
in one knee last week and find that the knee
is in more pain than before - has anyone had
such a problem? Thank you for any suggestions.

Shirley Wilson

16 Apr 2009, 10:17

Hi, I have osteoarthritis in both joints (two near the top) of all my fingers also at the base of one thumb. but I am sure I will get it in the other thumb as well. also in one of toes, my hips and one knee. I recently fell on the ice this winter and fx a vertabrae in my spine and I am suffering a lot of pain there also., I cannot take nsaids because of high bp which we are having a hard time getting contol of.So every day tasks are becvoming difficult. I still work part time and try to do some exercise. but what else can I do?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Bunny

07 Apr 2009, 10:33

Thanks for the info. I always like to know all I can find out about a condition I have. Thanks and God Bless: Bunny

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Inflammatory Osteoarthritis: An Oxymoron

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