So i am having an awful pain flare up and it used to be so easy to pop some pills and walk it off. Problem is i dont use any drugs anymore cause i abused pain meds for so long. Ive tried a few things to manage the symptoms but with the fall weather change its really bad today. I left work early cause i just couldn’t function. So I figured it ask some folks here for advice cause wow i want some opiates rn. Its for my wrists, im being tested for rheumatoid arthritis cause its genetic and my dad has it but currently im diagnosed with tendinitis. Any pain management advice that isnt tensor bandage/icepack/advil would be appreciated (cause ive done those and it hasnt helped much). Sorry if im grumpy, its just a rough day rn.
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Hello, I have RA and also my DOC was opiates. My most severe joint damage is my hands and wrist, and compression gloves work super well! Your finger tips are still exposed so easy to use your hands still. I did at one point try Tumeric, a natural anti inflammatory only to find out it is really not good at all for your GI system, worse then taking Motrin on an empty stomach every 4 hours 
, I got bleeding ulcers from it. This has been my experience at least and thought I would throw it out there.
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A lot of people can get relief from certain creams that are over the counter. I think one maybe call Voltaren I am not sure. Again you can ask your physician about this.
I’m very happy for you that you are not considering the narcotics that is a huge step forward for you and will be great.
Talk to the pharmacist about the over-the-counter creams that can help.
The Internet says at the generic for Voltaren is diclofenac. Ask the pharmacist or physician.
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I had awful tendonitis for years in my wrists and fingers. I feel you. I was more partial to heat vs ice, still am. I chugged a lot of ibuprofen. Compression helped. Diet helped…fewer carbs, less salt, less inflammatory stuff (dairy can bother some folks). I found some serious relief with acupuncture…tho it can take time to achieve it. Warm soaks in epsom salts helped as well.
Eventually I had to wear wrist braces for awhile and that helped.
I hope you find some relief that works for you.
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Update: compression bandages on both wrists, put voltaren on them, and took 1 advil. Still sore but slowly feeling better. Thanks everyone
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I have RA and being tested, diagnosed, and treated has made a huge difference for me. My rheumatologist doesn’t prescribe opioids - I take hydroxychlorine and Humira injections with gabapentin 3x per day and ibuprofen as needed. My kidney function is fine and rheumatologist recommended 2 ibuprofen because 1 wasnt cutting it. Hope your wrists are feeling better soon. It’s hard to do much during a bad wrist flare. 
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There are definitely things that can be done if it is infact arthritis such as injections as its an auto immune disease, hopefully your dr will push this through for you asap, sending love and hugs Amanda 
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