Osteoarthritis Q & A

My mother was diagnosed with arthritis in her groin, but they didn’t tell her if it was osteoarthritis or rheumatoid. How can she find out which one it is?

I have had bone on bone contact for more than a couple of years. I am very active and my cycling often relieves the constant pain for some weeks after regualr riding, 50 to 75 miles per week. Unfortunately, I can’t always fit this into the schedule of work, family and the like. I am 50 years old and feel that the replacement would probably go OK but after another 20 years it may need to be redone based on what most doctors advice. Is there a therapy that could give me an other option. I am afraid if I wait too long the current imbalance will produce other problems in my hips or back. Most DRs say just do it but they will not be around when I am needing the next one in 20 years. Perplexed!

Some months ago, my Dr put me on Zocor for high Cholesterol. A month or so later, I had acute joint pain(not muscle) that got to unbearable. Went off med. I also have arthritis(osteo). She put me back on Lescol 5 days ago, but arthritis in my thumb joints is getting noticable, and also now having pain(grabbing) at the base of my neck. I think I remember, in a general conversation with a pharmacist, was told Cholesterol meds negate the good any arthritis meds might do(I only take MSM for arthritis, so far, but have prescription for Arthrotec 50mg). I wondered if is is possible the Statin drugs do inhibit the work of arthritis meds?

Is there a surgery for Heberdon’s nodes?

Is it true that the onset of osteoarthritis (specifically in the left hip and parts of the spine) is sometimes marked by increased bone density in the affected joint(s)? If bone density is measured at the onset of OA using these joints, might not the results be misleading, i.e., perhaps indicating that bones are generally healthier than they may actually be?

I’m facing double knee replacement. Both of my knees have moderate/severe osteoarthritus. Basically, it’s located on the inside of both knees. I’ve been treated with Synvisc, didn’t help. I’m always in a lot of pain even with riding bike 30min daily. Have you started doing cartlidge replacedment yet? Also, my Dr. talked about doing arthscopic to possibly help me wait for knee replacement until age 61. I’m 57 and it’s affected every part of my life physically and emotionaly. Thanks , Sue Konoske