I have heard that some foods, such as tomatoes, dairy products, red peppers agrivate Osetoarthritis. Do you know of any foods I should stay from. Are there any food supplements I should not take. I do take a lot of calcium with Vit. D. and eat foods high in those also. I have very bad arthritis in my feet and don’t know how I can help eleviate pain in them. This has happened since I had back surgery 3 years ago.

Considering posted comments about injections of hyaluronic acid into the knees for osteoarthritis providing only modest benefit when there is not much cartilage remaining, and as My husband has been advised that surgery is needed but should be postponed until he retires in 5 years and will no longer be performing repetitive work-related actions involving his knees, would you kindly advise what type of treatment you find to offer the most relief? My husband has previously experienced cortisone injections, draining of the fluid, an orthoscopic cleaning of one knee, and prescribed pain medication. Although the pain medication offered relief, he does not wish to use pain medicine because the side effects and addiction issues are too problematic.

My specialist has just recommended Synvisc injections in the future if current physical therapy does not generate acceptable relief from knee pain. However, I just came across a study 2003 study by Brigham B. Redd, MD from the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, which concluded that Synvisc and Corticosteroid injections were found to be equally effective for knee osteoarthritis. How should I evaluate these two alternatives? Any subsequent studies showing Synvisc as superior?

I am an active bicyclist and hiker, recently diagnosed with significant arthritic changes in my hips and lower back. Due to pain, I’m currently not engaged in active sports other than walking about 2 miles per day. I would appreciate any advice you might give about exercise programs or how to find a trainer knowlegable about arthritis to help me regain some cardiovascualr and strenght fitness and resume some of the more challenging activies I enjoy.