If you have arthritis, how do you treat it?

[OnionPatch]

I'm 51, have had osteoarthritis for several years and it seems to be getting worse. I have it in my hands, shoulders, neck, lower back, hips, knees and feet. (I guess I should just list where I DON'T have it, lol.) I have talked to my doctor about it and she mainly just says to take ibuprofen. She's done back xrays and seen that I have a degenerated disc but says there's not much except physical therapy to help that. So, I went to therapy for awhile for the back and do all the stretches and exercises now, I've lost about 15 pounds so that I'm no longer technically overweight. I walk at least five times a week, take high quality glucosamine/chondroitin, Zyflamend and omega-3's. But I still hurt a lot every day. It's not unusual for me to be limping about each morning from the hip and feet pain or even sometimes throughout the day. Every so often my knee "goes out". Even if I'm not limping, I'm feeling pain at almost every waking moment. I have trouble sleeping at night because my hips ache so badly. When I mentioned my hip pain to the doctor, she gave me a flyer of some hip-flexor exercises, but so far, they aren't doing squat to help. Taking ibuprofen and/or tylenol, etc. doesn't make a noticeable difference to me, so I don't take them much. I've heard bad things about all the prescription pain killers.....

I'd love to hear how others deal with osteoarthritis.

[hedgehog]

1. The best thing you could do is get a second opinion. I think you're doing

the life style changes.

The one thing that might help are some good quality insoles. My husband uses the ones advertised to ease back pain and they made his knees feel a lot better.

Hope you feel better soon!

[Warpy]

3. I second that, especially because your pain is bilateral

and in so many places. Dismissing it as osteoarthritis is a little suspicious.

In the meantime, a mild narcotic can make all the difference in the world since you are getting no relief with OTC medications, lifestyle changes, and the physical therapy you have been so compliant with. One dose in the morning will probably set you up all day.

But do find a doctor who will give you the workup for things like rheumatoid arthritis and check your trigger points for fibromyalgia if this doctor has not done so. You could easily be taking all the wrong drugs for what ails you.

[mopinko]

2. get another doctor.

there are way better treatments out there for arthritis. and a degenerated disc can be fused.
i will spare you my opinion of doctors who just let patients suffer when help is available.

[REP]

4. I get corticosteroid injections; hope to get surgery within the next year or so

I can't take NSAIDs due to kidney failure, and the corticosteroid is going to start doing more harm than good pretty soon. The surgery I need is pretty hardcore; one my left shoulder, part of my clavicle will have to be removed; on my right, I'll either need to have the humeral head replaced with an artificial one (mine has no cartilage and is covered with bone cysts) or have a 'reverse' jointing done. Neither will allow me to reach behind myself or overhead again, but may stop any further loss of range of motion and - after the six months or so of recovery - end the never-ending excruciating pain.

You might ask if corticosteroid injections or spinal nerve blocks or possibly a spinal fusion might be options for you. Long-term NSAID use in healthy people is very hard on the kidneys, and can lead to kidney damage/disease.

[Warpy]

5. Get a second opinion from someone who will prescribe adequate medication

As for painkillers, the opioid drugs have a safety and efficacy record thousands of years long. A mild opiate two or three times a day can make a huge difference in your quality of life. Most people don't run into problems with them. In fact, the main problem with most of the combination drugs is the Tylenol, not the dope. Tylenol is very hard on the kidneys and liver.

You've already proven yourself to be a motivated and compliant patient who follows medical advice and does the work trying to get better. Until you're ready for joint replacements, a mild opioid is probably going to be your best bet.

Personally, I have different chronic pain problems and have had very good luck with tramadol (Ultram) three times a day. It's all the relief and none of the buzz and has allowed me to stay functional.