ARTHRITIS TREATMENT

   Half of all adults – and two-thirds of obese adults – will develop arthritic knees during their lifetime.  Medical treatments include rubs, shots and pills but offer little help and sometimes cause side effects.  A popular alternative is glucosamine supplements but is largely unproven.  “No one therapy is as effective as we’d like,” says Roy D. Altman, M.D., a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.  “Patients are often best served by combining treatments.  Patients sometimes mix and match until they find the combination that works best for them.”

   Lifestyle Changes:   Excess weight can erode the cartilage that can line the bone surfaces between joints, causing stiffness and sometimes a sticking sensation.  Shedding just 10 pounds of excess weight can take 40 pounds of pressure off the knees.  Dropping 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half.  To determine your body mass index (BMI,) divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, and multiply by 703.  Go to: www.ConsumerReportsHelalth.org/BMI.

Physical activity:  “In Cochrane review of 12 studies, aim for 30 minutes a day.  If an aggravated knee deters you, sit high on a stationary bike.” advises John tongue, M.D., vice president of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.  That takes the stress off hips and knees while lubricating those joints.  Try to walk on soft surfaces wearing a low heel with a soft absorbing sole.  A cane, crutch or walker can be used when walking to work.  Some experts suggest trying a knee sleeve, available at local pharmacies.”  While generally considered safe, glucosamine might pose risks to people who also take blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin.  Acupuncture has been suggested by some.  A friend of mine said it cured her mother’s back ailment.  Our provincial health system covers the major part of it.  Eight weeks of massage relieved painful knees for some participants.  This was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.  Your doctor can recommend a massage therapist who works with arthritic patients using lotion or oil but warns not to massage a joint that is very swollen or painful.  Tylenol (over the counter acetaminophen) has been tried because it has fewer risks but even it poses some risks.  Excess doses of this can damage the liver.  Tramadol has been modestly effective but side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and nausea has caused seizures.  Altering the diet by avoiding sweets and including more vegetables and fruits with fish and chicken for protein has helped others.