early mornings

[mamajoker]

When I wake up first thing in the morning I probably spend fifteen to twenty minutes massaging my fingers and wrists. Then when I go to stand up my knees ache so bad I can't straighten up. The bottom of my feet burn and the skin feels puckered. I have an appointment with a rheumatologist but not till Sept. I take hydrocodo for pain does anyone have any suggestions till my doctors appt? Someone suggested cherry juice pills but I can't find any in my small town. The pain is really bad in my left wrist all day long.  It is starting to affect my ability to pick things up with that hand and I'm left handed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you in advance

[carolanivey]

You're very welcome, sweetheart. Just feel better as soon as possible!

I wear the IMAKs with the fingertips cut out so it's easy to type. I also keep those slip-on, neoprene ankle and knee braces for my achy days, though those can sometimes be hard to pull on if your hands are hurting. Try the Ace bandages first.

Ice packs on your knees are worth a try, too. Also try a product called BioFreeze, if you can find it. If not, try MaxFreeze, which has the same active ingredient.

Here's an easy "recipe" for home-made, flexible ice packs. In a heavy duty zip top freezer bag, pour about equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. Double-bag it in another freezer bag to prevent leakage.

This solution will get icy in the freezer but not solid - it'll be slushy and flexible so you can wrap it around hot, swollen joints. Experiment with the amount of water to alcohol to get it the consistency you like it.

[mamajoker]

You are such a help. I have the wrist splints tgat they gave me for carpel tunnel but I always took them off at night when the carpal tunnel was acting up,I will start wearinging them at night. I will get some ace bandages for my knees. I can hardly wait till Sept for my appt, but his backlog was that bad. I made an appt as soon as I talked to you and that was the earliest. You have been very kind to me and I really thank you very much. If there is ever anything I can do for you let me know.

[carolanivey]

Try a pair of over-the-counter wrist splints that will keep you from curling up or clenching your hands and wrists at night. Compression gloves such as IMAKs worn during the day will keep your hands warm and hopefully ease some of the pain.  At night especially, wrap your knees and feet/ankles in Ace bandages (wide ones for your knees). This will keep the joints warm and the compression will ease out some of the swelling. If you can elevate your legs and feet on pillows or foam wedges at night, it might help, too.