Question:
"I have developed a swelling in my little finger at the place where there are horizontal lines before the knuckle-higher than the knuckle. This is very distressing to me. My father's fingers all have this deformity and his fingers are quite curved. Some of mine have started to curve a bit also. There is no pain in my fingers except my little finger if I press on the part that is swollen. It is hard; not soft as if it were soft tissue. What can I do?"

Dr. Friesen's Answer:

You are describing Heberden's nodes, which are the result of ongoing osteoarthritis. Some of these changes are in fact inherited. However, know that the swelling will most likely not persist. It may start and stop over a lifetime and then finally stay.

In the meanwhile, add glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg/day in divided doses. If you are allergic to shellfish, only buy the bovine source variety. Also add natural anti-inflammatory supplements such as curcumin and assorted polyphenols. It is important that you do not stop using your hands because of the swelling.

Osteoarthritis responds well to daily hand exercises such as squeezing a ball.

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