Resolved Question

it's the only place that hurts. i take anti inflamitants like ibuprophen) and Tylenol, but it doesn't help. it's keeping me awake at night. what can i do? surgery?

Since you are female and over 50 I'm going to assume that you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and not osteo arthritis.

Remember that rheumatology is not my specialty and that I would take the advice of a specialist over anything I say.

Given that, if nsaids (such as ibuprofen) are no longer effective. You should see a rheumatologist and get started on a medication in the class of drugs called DMARD, usually methotrexate is first to be used.

The problem is, if you have not been diagnosed then there is a bunch of tests that must be done before you are referred probably by your primary care. The even may start you on the above medicine if they are comfortable with it. In any case it will take the methotrexate about 6-8 weeks before it starts working, if it works. (though it usually does). Your primary care provider or your specialist should give you pain control until then.

As always this is the "abriged" version. There is a lot more that is not being said.