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Otherwise - arthritis

• Message 1. 

  Posted by conductor (U2040502) on Wednesday, 24th February 2010

  Any ML experience I can draw on for this? Just found out that I have 'minimal' osteo-arthritis in my right hip. Apart from miserably feeling I'm too young to have this, I want to be pro-active and try to mitigate it or even reverse it (which I'm told can be possible).
  
  I'm being referred to a musculo-skeletal clinic - to assess whether it's caused by bad posture (I'd be amazed if that were the case) and to look at pain relief and other possibilities such as steroid injections.
  
  I also know a nutritional therapist who says the right supplements - lecithin, magnesium and fish oils for 6 months, followed by glucosamine and chondritin - can reverse it. But presumably only if it's not caused for what you might call mechanical reasons, i.e. wear and tear.
  
  Another friend says that yoga can stave it off, and has showed me various hip-specific positions which are supposed to keep this particular joint supple. (I'm not a bit supple.)
  
  Anyone got any advice? My tab's behind the bar and a slice of Victoria Sponge is always available.
  
  

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Wednesday, 24th February 2010

  Hi Rose
  
  Commiserations.
  I had the same at a relatively young age, hips and fingers. Some of us have a genetic predisposition to arthritis of different types and this can be triggered by some sports or injuries.
  
  There is a feeling of shock at first but we find ways of dealing, and life goes on.
  
  To start with, there are 2 excellent charities which will give you information:
  Arthritis Care
  
  Arthritis Research Campaign
  
  These are in UK and there are others elsewhere as it affects people in all countries.
  
  Won't deluge you with too much info to start with, but very happy to answer questions.
  Good luck.

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 2.

  Posted by conductor (U2040502) on Wednesday, 24th February 2010

  Thanks sagethyme.
  
  Much appreciated. I'll have a look at those.
  
  

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• Message 4

  , in reply to message 3.

  Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Wednesday, 24th February 2010

  Arthritis Care has a free Helpline staffed by people who are affected themselves, and will send relevant booklets which I found useful. These include unbiased background information and tips on coping.
  
  The other charity, ARC, is more research oriented but there is some overlap.
  
  What can I say to cheer you up a bit? I am not the type of person peddling false hopes!
  
  If it really is osteoarthritis, and not eg rheumatoid, you might get a regime of exercise and possibly diet which will stabilise it for years. The diet thing is controversial. Some diets work for some people, not me.
  
  Exercise, oddly enough, is what I find helps, and am off with my Cycling Group on Sunday.

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• Message 5

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by politebirder (U4482231) on Wednesday, 24th February 2010

  Arthritis in hands, knees & shoulders.
  
  Keep active, eat healthily & take glucosamine & fish oil. It really works but you must keep it up.
  
  Cut down on citrus & other acidic foods.
  
  Keep relevant bits warm in cold weather.
  
  The right posture & footwear is really important.
  
  It is an hereditary condition, afaik.
  
  The worst thing is inactivity.

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• Message 6

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by one who posted here once (U4064841) on Wednesday, 24th February 2010

  Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:03 GMT, in reply to Compassrose
  
  There was a thread about osteoarthritis a few weeks back but unfortunately I deleted it from my discussions.
  
  I have had one orthopaedic bloke tell me that there is proven scientific evidence that glucosamine/chondroitin are beneficial, another didn't deign to comment, a third said there was no scientific evidence that it was worth taking.
  
  In the meantime I saw this recently:
  
  

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• Message 7

  , in reply to message 4.

  Posted by Sunny Clouds (U14258963) on Wednesday, 24th February 2010

  Exercise stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint, but on the other hand, it can contribute to wear and tear.
  
  Therefore, if you have osteoarthritis in weight-bearing joints, low-impact exercise, and exercise involving other joints or weight being borne elsewhere is best. The classics are walking, cycling, swimming and some exercise machines such as some of those peculiar oval-movement things you find in gyms.
  
  Running, jumping and using heavy weights on gym machines involving the relevant joints or lifting heavy free weights are best avoided.
  
  It's all a question of balance, though. I used to run with heavy army kit, despite having arthritis, and it made it worse, but I had a good few years of enjoying my exerise. These days, I mostly walk but it doesn't seem to do much for my cardiorespiratory fitness. Choices, choices.

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• Message 8

  , in reply to message 6.

  Posted by one who posted here once (U4064841) on Wednesday, 24th February 2010

  Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:13 GMT, in reply to flo in message 6
  
  here's the other thread:
  
  

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• Message 9

  , in reply to message 6.

  Posted by Gayer-Anderson Cat (U13637930) on Thursday, 25th February 2010

  replying to flo in message 6:
  "I have had one orthopaedic bloke tell me that there is proven scientific evidence that glucosamine/chondroitin are beneficial, another didn't deign to comment, a third said there was no scientific evidence that it was worth taking."
  
  I take high dosage fish oil and glucosamine daily to help - I have osteoarthritis in my wrist and thumb (site of old injury), which my doctor recommended, and they do help. My doctor has the same condition, and that's what does. He also very kindly (tactfully?) diagnosed it as "early onset arthritis" so I didn't feel that it was all downhill and the Zimmer frame would arrive on my next birthday.
  
  Good luck.
  
  G-AC

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• Message 10

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Herb Robert (U14072548) on Thursday, 25th February 2010

  Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:35 GMT, in reply to Compassrose in message 1
  
  Osteoarthritis (OA)is not caused by wear and tear; the generally accepted opinion these days it that there is a substantial genetic component. However, exercise can help, and for the specific exercises for your particular case you would probably be best to see a physiotherapist first.
  
  About five years ago I went to the doctor because I could not sleep for the pain in my legs. After x-rays had determined that I had OA in both hips I was referred for physiotherapy. This helped quite considerably.
  
  However, the pain eventually became so bad that I could no longer function normally - all the activities I had previously enjoyed (going to the theatre and concerts and striding about the hills) were completely out of the question. I was referred to the hospital and two years ago had two total hip replacements (six months apart.)
  
  These operations have given me my life back. I can now do all that I did before with complete confidence. This may not be the route for you, of course, but if it turns out that way, be assured that in terms of quality of life it is absolutely fantastic.
  
  And that really is the crux of it. Hip replacements are routinely given to younger people these days purely because it improves their quality of life so much. I am in that "young" category (seems to start after 45 or so).
  
  There is a lot you can do before you get to that stage, but all I want to say is that if does turn out this way for you, then have no fear. I had never been in hospital before in my life and on the initial diagnosis felt that I might as well end it all there and then. Now, I simply cannot describe the difference between before and after - it is such a huge improvement and I give thanks for it every day.

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• Message 11

  , in reply to message 10.

  Posted by conductor (U2040502) on Thursday, 25th February 2010

  Thank you all - I've very grateful for your kind help.
  
  I do try to walk, and I am planning the fish oil and glucosamine route. I think I'd better buy a pedometer to check what I'm actually doing.
  
  The thing is I don't care for exercise (though I used to enjoy playing cricket) but I have done quite a lot of walking. We have a dog but most of the walking is done by my o/h because he's at home and I'm at work. Also I've suffered a lot from ME in the past so my legs are not my strongest point physically.
  
  As usual Mustardland has provided its customary kindness and information, and I am very grateful.
  
  

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