Easing The Pain
Happy Thursday ladies. Today, I’m updating a post from a few years ago because I see the error of my ways. You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks but you can remind them of ones they knew;)
Several years ago, arthritis in my thumb began inching toward excruciating. My doctor prescribed a hand brace and copious amounts of Advil to reduce the pain. The results were not terrific. Some days my entire hand burns and I have trouble using it at all so I decided to try an urban myth that promises great relief. Gin-soaked raisins.
I know that cortisone shots can relieve inflammation and reduce pain, but I’ve heard they may also degenerate the thumb joint, so I decided to not go that route.
Update- I have gone that route.
I have to admit, that shot was an amazingly uncomfortable excruciating procedure and no amount of numbing spray could make it tolerable.
Several years ago, a friend recommended something she swears by, which I thought sounded insane. The theory is that a daily regimen of ingesting gin-soaked raisins will help ease the pain of arthritis. I thought she was kidding but a quick look around the internet turns up many recipes and testimonials about its effectiveness.
It sounded so unlikely I checked it on Snopes, the definitive internet fact-checking resource for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors
Here’s my gin-soaked raisin recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 -2-cup gin (enough to just cover the raisins)
Directions
I let my raisins sit for 2 weeks, not to make them stronger but because they looked gross. Some of my raisins didn’t plump up. They actually looked pretty nasty so I assume they were too dried out to start with and I tossed them.
Gin soaked raisins are an acquired taste but if they help the pain, they’re worth it.
Update, this did help alleviate some of my arthritis pain so I gradually stopped taking them! Very dumb. I’m back in a thumb brace, waiting for the cortisone to kick in and preparing my next batch of gin-soaked raisins.
Have you tried this?
How do you treat your arthritis?
Thanks for reading ladies and have a great day!
I too have BAD thumb joint pain & went to the doc last year where he gave me a shot/a big ‘honkin’ brace. I want to get a smaller 1 so I can type. Can you send a link to the 1 you have to me?
This was the brace sold by my doctor’s physical therapy department. It was not custom made, but also not the best fit. Ask your doctor for a smaller option.
My husband and I both take Turmeric & Curcumin for ours. I start hurting when I DON’T take it!
My knees. Oh, my knees. Heat therapy helps. I take naproxen but don’t want to (it helps a little).
I have been using cbd oil that my son sent me and I find it does help. I’m unable to take NSAIDS and Tylenol doesn’t help a lot so I’m grateful for the oil. My arthritis has now spread to my other hand and I have some restricted motion in both hands so this was really a Godsend. Hoping you find relief soon.
I can’t take Advil, etc either. I’ve ordered some cbd to try also
An infrared mitt warms and soothes my hand and reduces inflammation, similar to the “red light” therapy found at a spa or cosmetic boutique. I have arthritis in the carpometacarpal joint of my right thumb, so common in ‘ahem’ mature women. I wear Dritz compression gloves when I sew and have tried many topical gels, hand yoga, pain relievers, and a cortisone injection. This mitt is the easiest and most effective therapy so far.
https://www.hammacher.com/product/heated-hand-pain-reliever?promo=personal-care-pain-relief
Thank you for sharing this, Laurie! It sounds great.
It really is interesting to hear what works and has helped others.
Something I read recently on another blog re RA – the person drank alkaline water and it really helped her.
My husband is now taking an infusion/biologic and he is noticing an improvement re his hands.
I have read that acidic foods increase inflammation. I’m going to learn more about it