I don't have the swelling all of the time, only when I take walks and swing my arms and also my feet if I am on them too long. When I saw DianaA, she had the swelling all of the time. Everyone seems to be different. If I use my hands to much they will swell and hurt also.

As far as the Lidoderm patch, Kate is right. I think if a person can use them, they are great. I had a headace on my left side last night from PT and I threw a patch on the back of my neck and it finally calmed down after I found that over the counter meds didn't stop it.

I know we all overdo and that brings on these symptoms but when you have things you like to do, it's hard to give them up. I never sit still and pay for it later.

Hope your wife starts feeling better soon.

Ada