Mary,
Wonderful to see you.
I am an arthritis sufferer. Some the result of earlier injuries and some through wear and tear.
Unfortunately for me I am not allowed anti-inflammatory drugs so the general medical methods aren't available.
I have tried everything. Devils Claw, turmeric, omega oils etc.
I'm convinced that Omega oils work, but it needs time to work and you must get the amount right for you.
Other than the oils I have had little success with alternative natural supplements or with herbs. In my case I have had few problems with foods. Many claim that coffee is bad. I drink gallons of it. I tried avoiding it and using decaffinated coffee. NO DIFFERENCE. But that's me.
I am a hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner (and I'm good at it). I have had good results with clients using hypnotherapy and some longer-term improvements using NLP.
I KNOW that a certain amount is in our mind. When you have been a long-term sufferer it is likely that you have learned to ignore a level of pain. I am not good at self-hypnosis so I do take regular pain-killers, but keep it to a minimum. At 5 pm I take a painkiller and can tell, almost to the minute when I need to take it. Does the pain get worse at 5 or does my mind say "time to take tablet"?
I also Know that STRESS definitely triggers the symptoms.
My advice is, excercise and keep as full a range of movement as is possible for as long as possible, even if you have to apply some pressure to do so.
I have one finger which now refuses to fold completely so I use my other hand to gently push it home.
Avoid stress and if you can't avoid it then find a way of de-stressing.
De-stressing is personal. It is not the same as meditation or relaxation. I can play with my grandchildren and have a noticeable reduction in pain. I can lie in bed at night with pain. I can cut a hedge and suffer no ill effects.
I teach people to control pain. It is possible to tell your body NOT TO FEEL THE PAIN.
That's enough from me.
Roger