Answer:
anthropic / claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929
Alternatives to cortisone injections for DIP joint pain include: **Conservative treatments**: NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), topical anti-inflammatory gels, ice/heat therapy, splinting for rest and support, and physical therapy to maintain range of motion. **Other injections**: Hyaluronic acid injections may provide lubrication, though evidence is mixed for small joints. **Advanced options**: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections show promise but need more research. For osteoarthritis, joint protection techniques and activity modification help. **Surgical options**: If conservative measures fail, DIP joint fusion (arthrodesis) or arthroplasty may be considered for severe cases. The best approach depends on your underlying condition (osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, injury). Consult your doctor or hand specialist to determine which alternatives suit your specific diagnosis and severity.
gemini / gemini-2.5-flash
Score: 9
The answer is highly accurate, comprehensive, and relevant. It covers a broad spectrum of alternatives from conservative treatments to advanced injections and surgical options, along with crucial advice to consult a specialist. The only minor point for refinement is the discussion of surgical options. While DIP joint arthroplasty (joint replacement) is mentioned, it is significantly less common and generally less successful for the DIP joint of the fingers compared to arthrodesis (fusion). Fusion is typically the preferred surgical intervention for severe, painful DIP joint arthritis, as it provides reliable pain relief and stability. This distinction regarding the commonality and success rates of these two surgical options for the DIP joint could be more explicitly stated.
openai / gpt-4o-mini
Score: 8
The answer provides a comprehensive overview of alternatives to cortisone shots, covering a range of conservative, injection, advanced, and surgical options. However, while mentioning that hyaluronic acid injections have mixed evidence, it's important to clarify that they may have limited efficacy specifically in the DIP joint due to its small size. Additionally, while PRP injections show promise, current research may not sufficiently support their routine use for DIP joint issues. The mention of specific conditions such as osteoarthritis is relevant but could benefit from a brief description to enhance clarity.
cohere / command-r-plus-08-2024
Score: 9.5
The answer is comprehensive and accurate, covering a range of treatment options for DIP joint pain. It provides a good overview of conservative treatments, including NSAIDs, topical gels, and physical therapy, which are standard first-line approaches. The mention of hyaluronic acid injections is relevant, but the evidence for its effectiveness in DIP joints could be further elaborated on. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a promising area of research, and the answer appropriately highlights this. Surgical options are reserved for severe cases, and the answer correctly identifies fusion and arthroplasty as potential procedures. The only potential improvement is a more detailed explanation of when surgical intervention might be necessary, as this could help readers understand the progression of treatment. Overall, the information is highly relevant and factually sound.
Scores are 0–10. The selected AI’s score is a self-rating.
