No inhibitors or medications of any kind during the onset or most of the progression.
I find exercise useful too. Not much can keep the cold and wet conditions from making my hands scream, but when I climb and deadlift it has the odd effect of reducing pain after a half hour or so, and keeping it at bay for hours.
People have told me this means it can't be arthritis, but I've met others with a diagnosis who have the same experience. So long as the activity doesn't involve impact or to much opening and clenching of my hand while under stress, it's very relieving (though painful at first).
