Not for me but for a loved one. She's been to the primary care doctor and has an appointment with a specialist as well.
He just suggested OTC medicine for her case
He just suggested OTC medicine for her case
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Any tips for managing arthritis?
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So I can't decipher whether they've seen a specialist or not ("has an appointment"), and I'm assuming that means a Rheumatologist.
There are different types of arthritis, that have different concerns, treatments, etc., has this person had a formal diagnosis?
Certainly, some people live with just using OTC, generally the recommendation is an NSAID, since they reduce both pain and inflammation (ibuprofen or naproxen). Obviously for more intense pain, you can consider opioids, but that can be a dangerous road to travel (it would be my last resort). They could consider a corticosteroid, even like a direct injection at fairly length increments. With either, some therapy, combined with - of course, based on their age, physicality - certain kinds of exercise, stretching, light yoga, etc., can help to improve some range of motion and even using some topical type creams to assist with pain reduction. A GP or Rheumatologist might also recommend a pain management consult, they sometimes have additional options.
I think I'd start with some better professional input as to their exact condition, options, etc.
There are different types of arthritis, that have different concerns, treatments, etc., has this person had a formal diagnosis?
Certainly, some people live with just using OTC, generally the recommendation is an NSAID, since they reduce both pain and inflammation (ibuprofen or naproxen). Obviously for more intense pain, you can consider opioids, but that can be a dangerous road to travel (it would be my last resort). They could consider a corticosteroid, even like a direct injection at fairly length increments. With either, some therapy, combined with - of course, based on their age, physicality - certain kinds of exercise, stretching, light yoga, etc., can help to improve some range of motion and even using some topical type creams to assist with pain reduction. A GP or Rheumatologist might also recommend a pain management consult, they sometimes have additional options.
I think I'd start with some better professional input as to their exact condition, options, etc.
^ My wife was a nurse before retiring and has had some arthritis treatment herself. Everything you said rings accurate. Take his advice, OP.
It's a marathon, lasting until the end of life. I'm sure the doctors will prescribe whatever is best to manage it as it progresses.
My doctor prescribes the following for my arthritis:
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Do you have the exact diagnosis, and details? You're asking for advice but there's different types of arthritis?
Arthritis Foundation
I would say that doctor may know better then strangers on an internet forum - especially since he has the lab results and we don't.
we are trying to get to the bottom of it. I’ll try to update in the future. Been seeing several doctors, waiting on tests etc.
Just got diagnosed with moderate to severe arthritis in my lower back. Rest and stretch. And stretch. And stretch. The pain was killer for a while, but it's backed down.
Naproxen didn't touch it, but acetaminophen helped oddly enough. Still haven't figured that one out.
Naproxen didn't touch it, but acetaminophen helped oddly enough. Still haven't figured that one out.
I have a genetic problem I realized at 44, which give me arthritis, I had it all my life, my entire body sore. I thought it was the matres or the shoes until I had an issue in one eye and a blood test came up with the genetic disorder. Yes, you can use all the medicines you want, what you need to avoid is coffee, all that acid will make the arthritis worse, inflammations. Gatorade, the salts will hurt. You need to reduce your acidic level in your blood. Red meats, I believe wine, those things.
Drink a load of water, like a gallon a day. The arthritis will not be gone but it will be tolerable, from 1 to 10 it will be between 1 and 2.
Drink a load of water, like a gallon a day. The arthritis will not be gone but it will be tolerable, from 1 to 10 it will be between 1 and 2.