DEAR DR. GOTT: My doctor X-rayed my hands and said I have osteo in them. They get stiff and ache. What should I take for it and what should I not eat? Thank you for your help.
DEAR READER: I assume you are referring to osteoarthritis, not osteoporosis because of your claim that your hands are stiff.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the joints that results from a breakdown of cartilage. Symptoms include pain and stiffness of the affected joints. The condition is commonly associated with aging. As such, it is seen more in older people than in younger ones.
Healthy cartilage is smooth, elastic and flexible, allowing for easy movement. When osteoarthritis occurs, the surface of the cartilage softens, becomes pitted, frayed and/or cracked. As the condition progresses, some areas of the cartilage may wear away completely, exposing the underlying bone. The bone becomes damaged, and movement of the affected joint(s) becomes very painful. If further cartilage breakdown occurs, the ends of the bone may thicken and form spurs. Particles of bone and cartilage may then float in joint spaces, contributing to pain with movement. The X-rays you had must have revealed diminished joint space. The bones may be roughened and condensed.
Pain commonly occurs when the affected joints have either been overused or when they remain motionless, as with being bedridden. While in many instances the pain may be limited to the specific joint such as the hands, it may also spread to surrounding areas. The pain may diminish somewhat with rest but will exacerbate when the joint is moved.
Treatment is aimed at controlling pain, preventing joint deformity and maintaining movement. The most common over-the-counter medications are acetaminophen and ibuprofen for control of the pain and inflammation. When these medications fail to work, you may require prescription NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). You and your doctor will know when that time occurs.
Alternatives to medication include castor oil rubbed onto the affected joints, adding grape juice and pectin to one’s diet, an OTC combination of glucosamine and chondroitin, Castiva with capsaicin (warming) or menthol (cooling) and omega-3 fish oil taken either through the ingestion of fish or in capsule form.
Stay as active as possible, flex those fingers often, add salmon or other fish to your diet and follow your doctor’s instructions.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Understanding Osteoarthritis”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order payable to Newsletter and forwarded to PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print out an order form from my website www.AskDrGottMD.com.
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