Question about minor arthritis pain...

Gosh, I feel like I'm getting really old even asking about this...but...

I have minor arthritis in my hands.  Occasionally I'll have a painful flareup, but most of the time it's irritating more than anything else.  I have been waking up, however, with really stiff fingers every morning.  I have to clench and unclench my fists several times in order to get them to really loosen up, and that can be a bit sore, but once things have 'loosened up' my hands are generally not really sore at all unless someone squeezes too hard while shaking hands or I have to carry/lift something hard and heavy.  I'm wondering if anyone has a suggestion for a)which otc pain reliever might be most effective for this kind of problem; b)whether it would be better to take it at night before I go to bed or in the morning before I go to work; and c)any herbals/natural remedies that I should be considering as well.  (Tried glucosamine, but didn't find it terribly effective...)

Sigh...I think my warranty has well and truly expired now...should have gone for the extended version!

Please be very careful if you decide to go with ibuprofen based products. They do work but are hell on your stomach. Take the lowest does that works and always always with plenty of food. Hope you find some relief soon!

Please be very careful if you decide to go with ibuprofen based products. They do work but are hell on your stomach. Take the lowest does that works and always always with plenty of food. Hope you find some relief soon!

I just wanted to second what Courtney said and add, try to avoid naproxen sodium as well (Aleve).  It's not good to take for an extended period of time. 

I found some extended release Tylenol for arthritis...supposed to be good for up to 8 hours.  I know it won't have any anti-inflammatory effect, but should help w/the pain.  (I can't remember the last time I got to stay in bed for 8 hours, so it should definitely get me through till morning!)

I use ibuprofen cream when I have a flare up.  Works really well for me. 

I'd think that some hand exercises might help as well.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arthritis/AR00030

Some of the rub in pain creams could be a good alternative to oral ones, too. (oops, Mindy beat me to it!)