I Have A Question; I Have A Very Painful Arthuric

Posted on Sat, 1 Jun 2019

Question: I have a Question; I have a very Painful Arthuric left Hand that begins about 3:am and continues till about 6:AM when I finally move around and get up for the day. I have had this problem for the last 20 years,To alleviate this pain I have been taking PREDNESONE, Now I learned that I can't take prednisone any more because my Blood Platelets has gone down to 100,000, which eventually I will Bleed internally. Do you have any suggestion of something that will releave my pain in the left Hand I have tried everything .

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Careful with medications at this age...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I completely empathize with your situation. It seems you have been dealing with this pain for a fairly long period of time. Prednisolone is a very strong antinflammatory agents; but as you have learnt it comes packed with a few adverse effects. Besides lowering platelets, long term use also diminishes calcium from bones along with few other side effects. There are non steroidal antiinflammatory agents that may be used. But I don't recommend it for long duration treatment.

In this context the best way and the most effective treatment option is through your doctor / Rheumatologist. He/she will be able evaluate the severity and then titrate medication coupled with few physiotherapy sessions to minimize side effects and improve pain relief.

In the meanwhile as you plan doctor visit, you may try topical pain agents with heat pads and over the counter antinflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. It is also important that we don't stop prednisolone especially if you have been taking it for more than 2 weeks.

Hope it helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (6 hours later)

Thank You very much, your advice and my Doctor agree with your assessment ,so I am using Topings and Herb to find best Treatment.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
Treatment should be monitored by your doctor...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Apologies for the late reply. I am glad I was of some help.

I insist that you should be treated through your doctor at this age. You should have minimal or pain free life with fewer medications and least side effects. You may try herbal treatment with your doctor consultation.

Hope it helped.

Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad