I’m a Union Ironworker by Trade. I’ve been diagnosed with RA. I’m having a hard time managing the pain in my knuckles and doing my job safely looking for any advice besides pills.

For me, I go through arthritis compression gloves like water. I have a pile of used, old, gloves, (which I should really throw out), and those have been keeping my hands from completely going out on me for years now. Of course, that’s for me, RA is such an individual and unique illness, it’s very hard to say what will work for one person will work for another. I also assume you already wear gloves for safety in your job, so you may or may not be able to wear compression gloves (of course check with your physician first), but that’s what works for me. If the pain gets to the point where it is preventing you from working and other ADL (activities of daily life), it may be time to think about seeing a pain management specialist. I had to do that and it gave me back a quality of life that I would not have otherwise had. Just remember no matter what you are not alone! If there’s anything we can do from here just let us know! Keep on keepin’ on, DPM

Hi . On top of the excellent information from Daniel (I know a lot of community members swear by compression gloves), I want to share with you this article from our contributor Kat, who also happens to be an occupational therapist, on exercises for stronger hands: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/stronger-hands-exercises. You may want to speak with an occupational therapist to see if they have any ideas for your specific case. I also know that some people swear by paraffin wax. Kat mentioned that and some additional tips in this other article: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/tips-for-hand-pain. My brother is an engineer in a factory and says the paraffin wax helps him. Hoping these tips help and that others chime in with their ideas. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

I did hand therapy twice a week and injections in the hands by knuckles,the injections are painful but the outcome will work.

I'm also going to second DPM's suggestion on compression gloves. They have worked wonders for me on days when my hands are inflamed beyond control. I have also utilized warm water baths on my hands, and those have seemed to help, too. Same with cold compresses (alternating with the warm water baths).


-David (RheumatoidArthritis.net Contributor/Moderator)