Osteoarthritis Q & A

Can u tell me what are the special tests that can be done to differentiate osteoarthitis and chondromalaciae patellae?

My father is 83 and suffers from OA that is manifest in many joints but became severe in his knees 5-years ago. In the last year and a half severe pain occurs in his hips and an ankle. Recently he went through a surprising three week period where the severe pain in his hips and ankle was -uniquely in his experience- vastly reduced (while the severe knee pain remained unabaited) There was no change at all in medication, or change in nutritional habits, excercise or daily routine when the hip and ankle pain dimmished -or 3 weeks later returned to its’ previously high pain level. I haven’t read anything about remissions in OA, can that happen? if so are there classical triggers we should look for? (He has also been diagnosed as early stages of Parkinsons) Any assistance is appreciated. Thank you for your time.

I read your answer to the question re Synvisc efficacy for a runner with knee osteoarthritis (posted 2/13/99). I had already gathered that hyaluronate injections would not be very helpful to runners. I run 5-15 mile races, and I am not going to stop until I am wheelchair-bound. I have tried hot packs, cold packs, analgesics, NSAIDS, physical therapy, Cho-Pat strap, knee braces, and two arthroscopic surgeries over the last 7 years. So, what can I do to reduce the pain in both knees from osteoarthritis so that I can keep running these races? The Bionicare BIO-1000 device? Unfortunately, acupuncture, acupressure, and massage are not covered by my insurance.

What is bone marrow edema?

What kind of treatment will help hip pain? Had one hip replaced the other hip acts up as it willneed to be replaced but not right now. Any suggestions?

In 1995 I was hit by a car while crossing the street. I had surgery for a torn cartlidge in my left knee and was told then that I had arthritis. I was only 22 years old. Now in 2003 I have also got rheumatoid arthritis. Could it have been osteoarthritis in my knee and could it be casued by the car crash? Could there be a link between having oteso and now having rheumatiod?