Q: I am in my 80s and have arthritis all over my body because it seems to ache in all the joints at once. I had both my hips and a knee replaced. They started giving me cortisone injections 10 years ago and at first, these took the pain away for six months, but now for only four or five weeks.
Can you please explain what I could do to relieve the pain because cortisone is not the answer? Vioxx and Celebrex don’t work.
A: Prescribed anti-inflammatory medications seem to have a lot of side effects, making them difficult or impossible for some people to take.
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Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis found in people over the age of 50. It is caused by wear and tear to the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones at the joint surfaces. Old injuries from sports or work and being overweight are contributing factors. It also appears to run in families in the form of a recessive gene that can skip generations.
Because you have had joint replacement surgery to your hips and knee, I assume that you are suffering from osteoarthritis and not rheumatoid arthritis. Cortisone injections are usually used in the latter type, so I am not quite sure why you were given them for so long. It is possible that they have added to your aches and pains by causing calcium and mineral loss to your bones. I suggest adding some calcium and magnesium supplements to your diet to help remedy this situation.
Omega 3 oil, found in oily fishes such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, is also thought to be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation of all types of arthritis. Losing weight will help reduce the pressure on the joints, but at your age, I do not recommend dieting. A gentle exercise program is helpful in preventing further deterioration of the bones and surrounding muscles. If you are fit enough, a water exercise program is easier on the joints.
Pain control should be the most important part of your treatment at this point. Most doctors recommend simple acetaminophen (Tylenol) or analgesics containing codeine. You don’t need to be worried about becoming addicted at your age. There are also a number of pain relieving creams to rub on the affected joints. These are not as likely to cause side effects, because they do not have to go through the stomach.
Is laughter the best medicine?
Bob Hope passed away recently at the age of 100. George Burns was also over 100 when he died. This made me wonder if humour helps to keep you alive longer.
Norman Cousins, editor of the Saturday Evening Post wrote a book called Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient. He described how daily doses of laughter obtained by watching funny videos and TV restored him to health after doctors gave him only six months to live. He discovered that for every 10 minutes of laughter he got several hours of pain-free sleep.
Clare Rowson is a medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont. Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding medical questions and treatments.
