Hi Stu, I have been diagnosed with cheiroarthropathy for about 10 years now and it has got worse over time. I particularly find that when it rains and when there is cold weather, the pain is worse. I was referred to a doctor who gives me cortisone steroid injections in my hands roughly about every 6 months. I have 8 injections, 4 in each hand that are injected into what I think are called the flexi tendons. This does help quite a lot, it use to last for a good 4-5 months in the first couple of years, but now it only lasts for about 6 - 8 weeks, if I am lucky. Unfortunately, I find cheiroarthropathy very painful, my job made it worse, which I have had to give up because of it. Its unfortunate because I really enjoyed my job, which was working at Halfords as an Auto-fitter. I was one of the people who would change your car battery if you needed one and change your wiper blades and exterior car bulbs, often putting my hands in places they did not fit! The other way I manage the pain is with painkillers and I am no on some very strong painkillers, which I am trying to cut the dose down. The only other thing besides the cortisone injections and painkillers that is of help, is to soak my hands in a bowl full of hot water that has Epsom salt in. This does give good instant relief, but unfortunately does not last long at all. Hope this helps.
