Osteoarthritis

Question: What does a blunt force trama to aknee with osteoarthritis do? My husband didnt know he had osteoarthritis in his knee until a car hit him while he was walking. The car hit his left knee (the osteoarthritic Knee). He had no pain or mobility issuse until the car hit him, so what would that do to increase the pain or add to the trama already there? I heard that it can cause frgments from the bone to dislodge no sure though.

Answer: yes, it can cause more pain along with a host of mobility problems and possible cartilage damage as well as bone fragments to move around, also fluid might build up in this knee now

Question: How to reduce body weight which help in reducing the osteoarthritis knee pains? My mother is aged by 65years, can anyone tell me the best way to lose her weight, she is suffering with osteoarthritis knee pains. She walks little but could not do exercise. Sincere thanks,

Answer: By any chance is there a seniors water exercise program in her area? This is a great non-stressful exercise particularly for people with osteo-a. It will not only give her better health and take off the weight, but Iit seems to help some people with the arthritis. Getting into a group may also introduct her to other women with similar issues - the group aspect tends to encourage all of us to get with the program!

Question: What is the difference between tendinitis of the elbow or osteoarthritis of the elbow? I have osteoarthritis in my hands, wrists and one knee. Now my elbow is hurting and I really don't want to go to the Dr.'s again. How do you tell the difference? Thanks for the help.

Answer: tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon and osteoarthritis is breakdown of the cartilidge in the joint

Question: What medication reduces swelling for osteoarthritis? I have swelling and pain in my left ankle caused by osteoarthritis, and I want to know what medicine will help reduce the swelling and releive the pain, which at times is so unbearable that I have to go to the hospital emergency room to get pain medication (morphine) to take the pain away. There must be something available that I can take on a daily basis to miniminze the pain and swelling. Please help me. Thank you.

Answer: no medication - exercise up to pain not into pain.(use it or lose it) rest and elevation + ice packs help relieve swelling

Question: what excercise can I do with osteoarthritis in hips and lower back, also in the neck to tone up? I have osteoarthritis in both hips, lower back and also have cervical spondolosis. I am on a lot of pain killers and due to see an orthopeadic surgeon for my hips. The pain killers are not taking all the pain away. However, I have alway excercised especially my legs. Now I don't do any and feel uncomfortable with my inner thighs which are not as toned as they used to be. Also I need some for my abdomen.

Answer: swimming is really good for all muscles, and good with OA as it's non-weightbearing, so won't exacerbate your symptoms.

Question: How do I deal with the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis? I'm still young, but suffering from osteoarthritis. Lots of pain (on movement) and stiffness. I feel like a rusty old hinge. I don't want to start taking prescription medications for this. Instead, I'm looking for some lifestyle changes or natural solutions.

Answer: HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR ARTHRITIS without any side effects or complications of any sort, (Arthritis including Gout, Arthritis Deformans/Osteoarthritis and Rheumatism) :- Pain knee joints, worse by movements; better initial movements, continuous pain in joints, worse while rising from seat; pain in heels, worse by movements. Cassia Sophera 30X, 4 hourly Acute attack of gout of joints of the feet.Pain with bright red swelling Aconite Nap 200, 2 hourly Pain with inflammation, worse by movements. Bryonia Alba 200 or 1M, 6 hourly Complaints worse after rest and exposure to cold Rhus tox 200 or 1M, 4 hourly Complaints worse during menstruation; beginning at the time of menopause; more in hands and feet Caulophyllum 30X, 4 hourly When the origin of complaints is gonorrhoeal; worse during day time. Medorrhinum 1M. fortnightly (3 Doses) When the origin of complaints is tubercular Tuberculinum k, 1M fortnightly (3 Doses) Complaints of small joints with red or pale swelling; tenderness and shifting pains; worse by motion. Main remedy for gout during cold weather Colchicum 30X, 4 hourly When Rhus Tox cease to work; pain is worse in cold damp weather and better by movements Calcarea Carb 200 or 1M, 6 hourly (6 Doses) Nodosities in the joints with gastric complaints. At last nodules become painless (Rheumatoid Arthritis). Tongue whitish thickly coated Antim Crud 30X or 200, 6 hourly Complaints of feets and ankles; stiffness Drosera 200 fortnightly (3 Doses) Complaints of long bones; contraction of ligaments Causticum 30X or 200, 4 hourly Pain worse at night; in wet weather; Rheumatism of large muscles Cimicifuga 30X, 4 hourly Rheumatism; worse in damp cold weather. Gout.Pain in limbs and hip joints Natrum Sulph 30X or 200, 4 hourly Pain travels downwards affecting the large part of a limb and passes through quickly along course of nerve Kalmia Lat 30X or 200, 6 hourly Pains worse during rest, night and warmth, better by cold, open air and movements Pulsatilla 30X or 200, 4 hourly Pain :- violent; bruised or as if sprained ; cannot bear touch, feels somebody coming near him may touch him and hit the affected part Arnica Montana 200, 4 hourly Gout of great toe and joints with swelling; soreness and drawing pain on stepping; worse in warmth, pressure and motion. Pain travels upwards; better cold compresses Ledum Pal 200, 4 hourly Gouty nodosities of joints; tearing pain and extremities and contraction of the muscles Guaiacum 30 4 hourly Chronic nodosities of joints; hands twisted, out of shape due to deposits of water of soda Ammonium Phos 6X or 30, 4 hourly Gouty complaints with offensive urine Acid Benzoic 6X or 30, 4 hourly When there is red sand in urine in gouty patients Lycopodium 30, 4 hourly Severe pain with enlargement of the joints; worse during rest and when storm approaches Rhododendron 200 or 1M, 10 min (3 Doses) Almost a specific for gout (to drain out uric acid and urates) Urtica Urens Q(Mother Tincture) 4 hourly, 8 -10 drops in hot water Arthritic deformans (chronic rheumatoid, particularly of fingers) Picric Acid 30X, 4 hourly Rheumatic pains or arthritis after checked diarrhoea Abrotanum 30 or 200 4 hourly (6 Doses) Specific for pain with numbness; Pain so severe patient says that he would prefer death than the pain Chamomilla 200 or 1M, 1/2 hourly (3 Doses) Pain appear diagonally as right arm and left leg with sensation of cold, numbness and tingling Agaricus Mus 30X or 200, 4 hourly In weak persons; burning pain with chilliness, feels better by heat, while eating, and worse in cold open air Capsicum 30X or 200, 4 hourly Unbearable pain; rigidity and stiffness. Superiority / inferiority complex Platina 1M, weekly (3 Doses) Pain flies like electric shock; due to exposurse of damp cold weather. Better by warmth and rest Phytolacca 30X or 200, 4 hourly Rheumatic pain, worse after washing clothes, doing laundry work Sepia 30X or 200, 4 hourly Pain in long bones; may be due to injury or rheumatism Ruta Grav 200, 6 hourly Pain worse on slightest touch specially after loss of vital fluids like excessive bleeding, diarrhoea, vomiting China Off 6X or 30, 3 hourly Pain in the small joints of extremities with swelling. Backache, worse in the morning before rising Staphysagria 30X or 200, 4 hourly Pain heels; better by putting most of the weight on them Berberis Vulgaris Q (Mother Tincture) 4 hourly, 8 - 10 drops Stiffing pain in all parts of the body; worse by movement Stellaria Q(Mother Tincture) 4 hourly, 8-10 drops in warm water Rheumatic pain without swelling; pain joints; worse at night Iodium 30X, 4 hourly Osteo-arthritis of large joints with degeneration. Pain, swelling, stiffness and tenderness of joints; worse by motion (cracking joints) and cold ; better by warmth O.A.Nosode 1M, weekly (6 Doses) Chronic muscular rheumatism of back and neck. Intense pain along with sciatic nerve. Numbness alternates with pain Gnaphalium 30X or 200, 4 hourly Muscular atrophy; rigidity and stiffness Strychninum 3X or 6X, 4 hourly Rheumatism accompained with skin ailments and itiching; cannot walk erect Sulphur 200, 10 min (3 Doses) Rheumatism of knee joint; with round worms Natrum Phos 6X or 30, 4 hourly For defective bony growth; better by warmth and worse by cold Calcarea Flour 12X or 30, 4 hourly Take the remedy which is similar to your symptoms. No side effects or complications if taken as directed, please do not exceed the given dosage and under any circumstances do not try to mix any remedies and avoid Chocolates, Mints, Coffee, Red Meat, Alcoholic and Carbonated drinks, Spicy Rich Food while taking any Homeopathic remedies, and keep the medicines away from direct sunlight, heat strong smells and perfumes and do not store them in the fridge. Curing without any side effects or Complications Thats the Beauty of Homeopathic Medicine (Cures Par Excellence) Take Care and God Bless you.

Question: what is the best treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs? My 9 year old bulldog was given previcox for treatment of osteoarthritis. His symptons were improving but now have taken a turn for the worse. He is in pain and I have used all of his meds. The vet won't be available until Friday. Is there anything I can give him over the counter untill then for pain?

Answer: I cant find anything for over the counter Hun sorry but I found this website which does give some very good help for different drugs to try if yours isnt working. Sorry!! Do you have an emergency vet that could maybe give your dog an Injection until Friday. http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dogarth.html#Arthritis%20pain%20control

Question: How long does it take to get osteoarthritis? I am only 23 but I have had a knee injury since a year ago off and on and now I am experiencing osteoarthritis symptoms. (stiffness in the knee joint in the morning followed by pain of and on during the day) Could these symptoms be caused by something else or do I have arthritis already?

Answer: Go to www.medicinenet.com. One of the founders is a great Rheumatologist. The section on arthritis is especially good.

Question: What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and severe degenerative osteoarthritis and treatments? I had a car run over me two years ago and since then I have gotten severe osteoarthritis in both of my knees, feet, hips, lower back and hands. I have no synovial fluid left in my knees and rubbing bone on bone. When I get up in the morning, I have to shuffle because my feet will not function. I think that is all I can explain at this time. Thanks

Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis involves a physical examination, the patient's clinical history, and diagnostic tests. The rheumatoid factor test is among the diagnostic tests commonly ordered to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. The rheumatoid factor is an immunologic marker in the body, found in low titre in a number of diseases, including infectious mononucleosis and other viral diseases, chronic bacterial infections, and other acute and chronic conditions. Rheumatoid factor is also found in approximately 5 percent of healthy elderly persons. The concern is that when found in higher titre, it does suggest rheumatic disease. rheumatoid factor are usually found in rheumatoid arthritis. Clinically, higher titers tend to correlate with more severe and sustained disease, joint deformities, rheumatoid nodules, and other extraarticular features of the disease. While rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods without symptoms. Typically, however, rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability. There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. To date, the goal of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is to reduce joint inflammation and pain, maximize joint function, and prevent joint destruction and deformity. Early medical intervention has been shown to be important in improving outcomes. Two classes of medications are used in treating rheumatoid arthritis: fast-acting "first-line drugs" and slow-acting "second-line drugs" (also referred to as Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs or DMARDs). The first-line drugs, such as aspirin and cortisone (corticosteroids), are used to reduce pain and inflammation. The slow-acting second-line drugs, such as gold, methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) promote disease remission and prevent progressive joint destruction, but they are not anti-inflammatory agents. Newer "second-line" drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis include leflunomide (Arava), and the "biologic" medications etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), anakinra (Kineret), and adalimumab (Humira). Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis. Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common. Osteoarthritis occurs more frequently as we age. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After age 55 years, it occurs more frequently in females. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. Most cases of osteoarthritis have no known cause and are referred to as primary osteoarthritis. When the cause of the osteoarthritis is known, the condition is referred to as secondary osteoarthritis. Primary osteoarthritis is mostly related to aging. With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates. Repetitive use of the joints over the years irritates and inflames the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling. Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate by flaking or forming tiny crevasses. In advanced cases, there is a total loss of the cartilage cushion between the bones of the joints. Loss of cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and limitation of joint mobility. Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate new bone outgrowths (spurs) to form around the joints. Osteoarthritis occasionally can be found in multiple members of the same family, implying an heredity (genetic) basis for this condition. Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by another disease or condition. Conditions that can lead to secondary osteoarthritis include obesity, repeated trauma or surgery to the joint structures, abnormal joints at birth (congenital abnormalities), gout, diabetes, and other hormone disorders. Aside from weight reduction and avoiding activities that exert excessive stress on the joint cartilage, there is no specific treatment to halt cartilage degeneration or to repair damaged cartilage in osteoarthritis. The goal of treatment in osteoarthritis is to reduce joint pain and inflammation while improving and maintaining joint function. Some patients with osteoarthritis have minimal or no pain, and may not need treatment. Others may benefit from conservative measures such as rest, exercise, weight reduction, physical and occupational therapy, and mechanical support devices. These measures are particularly important when large, weight-bearing joints are involved, such as the hips or knees. Resting sore joints decreases stress on the joints, and relieves pain and swelling. Patients are asked to simply decrease the intensity and/or frequency of the activities that consistently cause joint pain. I add a link for both of these subjects http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Osteoarthritis http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/ articles/article.aspx?articleId=321 Hope this helps matador 89

Question: What does it mean to have Osteoarthritis AND scoliosis? I'm 26 and I just found out that I have Osteoarthritis and Scoliosis in my lower back. What exactly does this mean for me? My doctor was kind of vague with me with this diagnosis. I have a LOT of lower back pain and it hurts all the time and I don't know what to do. My doctor recommended physical therapy, but my work's health insurance doesn't cover it. I have tried Aleve, but it doesn't phase it.

Answer: Osteoarthritis basically means that you have some degenerative changes of the joints in your spine. This is a normal part of aging but if the doctor is pointing it out it may be advanced for your age. Scoliosis means a curvature of the spine. Just because you have a curvature does not necessarily mean that you need to get treated. However, considering the fact that you are having symptoms, you should. I would take the referral from the physician to a physical therapist at least for a consultation/examination. The will perform a thorough exam and give their findings and educate you on what is going on. They can also possibly give you some exercises and other treatments that you can do on your own. Since your health insurance does not have physical therapy benefits you can self pay and go intermittently (instead of 2-3x/wk may 1x every 2-3 wks). Just remember you will not see progress as quickly with the lower frequency. You must be very committed to complying with the instructions and recommendations of the PT.

Question: Osteoarthritis? I have osteoarthritis in my lower back lumbar disk, and doing excercises like sit-ups can be painful. Does anyone else have this, and if so what excercises can you do for your abs without hurting too much. Plus in fourteen if it helps. Thank you!

Answer: I have had osteoarthritis since I was fifteen. I also have rheumatoid arthritis. I had a laminectomy on my lumbar spine which has given me relief. Do not do any exercises without your doctor's permission. It can cause major damage. I have had surgery on the cervical spine with cadavar bone wedges, a titanium plate and screws. I've had a total knee replacement and will have a total hip replacement in two months. Next I will have surgery on my toes because they are bending sideways. Taking care of my joints and vertebrae is an ongoing process and I'm determined to keep going as long as possible. I'm 65 and have no intention of giving up. I wish you all the luck in the world. You need a good rheumatologist and/or a surgeon who specializes in spinal surgery. Mine is in Nashville, Tennessee and he is worth the world to me.

Question: Which part of the body gets affected most in Osteoarthritis? Is there any way to control Osteoarthritis if anyone gets it and what are the ways to avoid this.

Answer: Bones. In particular ball and socket joints. The best way to avoid it is to live naturally, in harmony with the nature.

Question: How should treat with knee Osteoarthritis? I am 27 and play basketball. Recently injured my knee while playing. Orthopedist says I have a knee osteoarthritis. Thanks in advance. Thank you all for answering. They took the X-ray first then the MRI. Thanks again all!

Answer: At this age you want to protect the knee as much as possible. To do this you want to do activities that strengthen the knee muscles and keep trauma to a low point. Basketball is not a low impact activity so the choices there are somewhat limited. First put gel inserts into the shoes to help with absorption and keep your shoes as new as possible. When the shock absorption feels like it is going they must be replaced. Playing on cement is not a good idea but if you must play try the hardwood. Short of that you must exercise the entire leg. Super slow exercises are the best way for you to go. All movements should take ten seconds to do in each direction. You only need one set per exercise movement. Weights are really low in super slow patterns as the speed of the movement requires more effort but there is significantly less stress. The use of machines is a better choice for you than free weights. A switch in exercises might also help you. There are plenty of them out there that have low stress levels to the knees. Remember just building up the quads is not the answer but the entire surrounding musculature must be addressed. As the doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. They will be able to help you in this endeavor.

Question: Can osteoarthritis be misdiagnosed from an x ray? I am having the usual blood tests now as I suspect I may have other problems, but a recent foot x ray result came back showing 'early signs of osteoarthritis'. I am only 26 so naturally, I am worried. My GP does not seem too concerned, but the pain from the base of my big toe was terrible a few months ago (still not great but much better that I have been resting). Is it at all possible that this is a misdiagnosis? Could it be reactive arthritis instead?

Answer: Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by breakdown of cartilage, with eventual loss of the cartilage of the joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a "cushion" between the bones of the joints. When the cartilage deteriorates (degenerates), the bone next to it becomes inflamed and can be stimulated to produce new bone in the form of a local bony protrusion, called a "spur." A very common early sign of osteoarthritis is a knobby bony deformity at the smallest joint of the end of the fingers. This is referred to as a Heberden's node, named after a very famous British doctor. The bony deformity is a result of the bone spurs from the osteoarthritis in that joint. Another common bony knob (node) occurs at the middle joint of the fingers in many patients with osteoarthritis and is called a Bouchard's node. Also common in feet. I have some very good pictures which would show you how easy it is to spot on an x ray but unfortunatly they will not copy. What you see is the 2 bones with a usual gap(filled with cartilage, but when ostearthritis is present there is either a very narrow gap or no gap at all so the pain is of bone rubbing on bone as the cartilage cushion has gone flat. I am sure you get the picture but a good idea would be to ask to see your xrays and I am sure your consultant will explain to you what they see and it will become clear. good luck.

Question: Anyone know of a link between deafness and osteoarthritis? I have both hearling loss and osteoarthritis, and wonder if the two are connected. My hearing loss is worsening and thusfar unexplained.

Answer: Well, I have osteoarthritis, and no hearing loss, so I would hazard that the answer is no. Why don't you do searches on both then do a little reading?

Question: Has anyone experienced nerve problems after an injury resulting in osteoarthritis? About 7 years ago, I had a broken ankle which now has resulted in osteoarthritis. About a month ago, it felt like bugs were crawling on the top of my foot. They weren't & I'm not on drugs. Now if I touch the back of my ankle, I can feel it in the front. Should I be concerned? It doesn't hurt; it's just annoying.

Answer: It is possible that the arthritis or calcium deposits from your injury press on nerves from time to time causing this effect. You always have the option of seeing a Dr. and having xrays to see if the arthritis has progressed or bone spurs, calcium deposits are now there.