I forgot to include info about me. I have nodules in left hand in palm under ring and pinkie fingers. There are 2 bumps. I received 4-5 steroid shots 2 days ago. Will this help? This morning they called an reported that I have Osteoarthritis. I'm Female, 51. I do wonder about the way I got this. About a year ago I was opening a really stubborn jar and I reefed on that lid. You know how your palm hurts when you do that? Well, it never quit hurting, for weeks- then the bumps appeared. It's like I can feel them when they are active, otherwise no pain until the shots. Wow-
I would really appreciate any info. My husband had a lung transplant 2 years ago, I can't get proper med. help as we've lost our insurance now. He was a Volunteer Firefighter and worked at a Hardware store. I was insured through him. Now insurance companies won't touch me. My local doctor did the injections. I was very grateful.
We are in the deep end of catastrophic illness and now this. I appreciate all info and advice.
I was a professional guitarist for years, that probably didn't help. But can't really play that or piano any longer.
Thanks for reading.
Blessings,
Pam

Welcome Pam,

Cortisone shots are the most powerful thing available short of surgical intervention (NA & OS). Yes, this will help. Give it time. A few surgeons believe they can greatly forestall full contraction with these shots. I will not hesitate to do them every few years if needed.

Yes, trauma can trigger Dups, if you already have the precondition. I doubt piano and guitar quality. However, doing anything that can make your hands hurt for a long period of time may. Don't stop playing or anything, just don't use you hands as tools. ***Stay away from hand drums***

You are probably a long way from needing to shell out 5-10K for Open Surgery. The next step up the ladder of treatment is NA, which is about $700 if you can find someone local. If not, add airfare. OS is the court of *last* appeal. Possibly consider radiation treatment if you can find it.