Osteoarthritis

Hi Claire, I am also new here.

So sorry for your discomfort Claire, I don't know what I can suggest that may help you, only suggest what I have found useful / helpful, although my discomfort from OA is no where near as severe as your own.

I was on a osteoporosis drug for around 5 weeks once which seemed to trigger an osteoarthritis flare, stopped me walking properly for months.  It was first the right foot, then the left foot, then the ankles, calf muscles, knee, wrists, thumb joint, I seemed to experience aches and pains that weren't there before, as previously I had only experienced pain in my foot which didn't last longer than 3-4 weeks. I guess I was lucky not both feet at the same time.   I have only been told to use ibugel or paracetamol.

I get that burning sensation on the knuckles (fingers and thumb) when I brush against anything or put on gloves or tuck my vest in etc.  Its not with me all the time but just every now and then it gets aggravated.   

Any way the things I did and do is; rest the painful area after a period of brief activity and use a heat pad, that seems to soothe things.

I drank Cherry and Pineapple juice and ate the fresh fruit when its possible to do so, or I get the canned, both are supposed to have anti inflammatory properties, also turmeric supplement or if not that selenium ACE or the osteocare supplement. I researched a bit what foods have anti inflammatory properties, there are quite a few)  

Always drink plenty of water I think being dehydrated is not helpful, you can do the pinch test on your hand, with thumb and forefinger of one hand pick up the skin on the other hand, if it springs back quickly you are hydrated but if it stays in the pinch position for a few seconds you are a little dehydrated and need to drink more water.

I have used comfrey ointment (when there is pain) on my knee, foot and thumb joint, which I have found very helpful, I apply it 3 times a day and notice it starts to affect a change and calm the joint within about 5 days, so that is worth a try for the smaller joints. (check that it is ok with the meds you are taking of course) if you want to check this out pm me and I will send you links to sites for more information.

Because I was so long not walking properly on the OA affected foot other things started to happen to my muscles and skeletal, there was an imbalance because I had been favouring one foot / leg so I had a couple of treatments with a lady who does Bowen and Emmet techniques and I am currently going to her about once every 6 weeks now to try and correct the muscle and skeletal imbalance which I'd had apparently for a long time, this hopefully can help prevent other painful problems arising resulting from a muscular or skeletal imbalance.  Also Bowen and Emmet techniques are really gentle, and they help people suffering with pain, so I guess it would be worth investigating if you have someone who is qualified in these techniques near you and given your health issues just ask if they may be able to help you.

Also the hydro pool, is helpful (do you notice the pain eases when you have a hot bath?  this is how the hydro pool works)  if you are in the UK you may be able to get a referral from the GP for sessions on the NHS or you could see if there is a group that hires the hydro pool at the hospital for OP, OA, Sciatic patients for a small fee per head, the other option is the spa pool at the local gym if they have one.

Apologies if you've already tried all these things but perhaps some you have not yet tried and perhaps something can help.

I do hope you can get some relief real soon Claire.

Best wishes Ely

Apologies this turned out to be so long.