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Arthritis in the UK

A

-Asdfgh-

Apr 13, 2010
15,347
27,563
UK
#1
No, not a new band, but rather asking people about this. I've been advised that my options are:
  • NSAIDs. I can tolerate some aspirin, but last time I took Ibuprofen even topically for a strained tendon I got significant asthma from it. I'm not sure how much it might ease inflammation when used topically. Reducing inflammation and maybe progress would be nice.
  • Cocadmol for pain. Five years ago when I first had issues it would hurt if I knocked my fingers, but that's long gone. And codeine doesn't seem to work for me anyway.

Any other hints of what might be possible in the UK?
 
#2
First and foremost, is it rheumatic or osteo ?

NSAIDs generally wreak havoc on one's digestive system in the longer run. I've never used them topically so I can't comment on that side of the story.

Change of diet and certain natural remedies - depending on the exact type of illness - are likely your best bet IMO.

Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor, just a fellow (osteo) arthritis sufferer so this is NOT medical advice in any shape or form. My opinion is likely worth less than what you paid for it in the first place...:)

Good luck. Seriously.
 
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#4
I'll second ajkula66 comment about diet.

ajkula66 said:
Change of diet and certain natural remedies - depending on the exact type of illness - are likely your best bet IMO.
Click to expand...

Although diet won't cure it, the reduction of inflammation (and secondary weight loss) has been shown to have very positive effects.

Ditto on ajkula66's disclaimer as well.
 
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#5
BSatt said:
I'll second ajkula66 comment about diet.



Although diet won't cure it, the reduction of inflammation (and secondary weight loss) has been shown to have very positive effects.

Ditto on ajkula66's disclaimer as well.
Click to expand...

After having the flare up (does that mean it is rheumatoid?) about 5 years ago I improved my diet, which did help. Weight loss, that would be good...
 
#8
If you're allergic to NSAIDs, have you tried acetaminophen?

I've got osteo arthritis in the hands, feet and knees. I lost about 50 lbs and got significant relief, even in my fingers.

Another non-drug therapy is warm paraffin hand baths. (Somebody on the double bass side of talk bass recommended that to me some years back, and it really works to reduce inflammation.)
 
#10
-Asdfgh- said:
No idea. There is no suggestion of having that tested.



Thank you
Click to expand...

You must find out whether you have osteo or rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment is completely different for each. Rheumatoid is systemic, an autoimmune disorder, and osteoarthritis is caused by wear and aging and could affect only one or any number of joints. This is basic. No holistic bullcrap diet will help in either case.
 
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#13
-Asdfgh- said:
No, not a new band, but rather asking people about this. I've been advised that my options are:
  • NSAIDs. I can tolerate some aspirin, but last time I took Ibuprofen even topically for a strained tendon I got significant asthma from it. I'm not sure how much it might ease inflammation when used topically. Reducing inflammation and maybe progress would be nice.
  • Cocadmol for pain. Five years ago when I first had issues it would hurt if I knocked my fingers, but that's long gone. And codeine doesn't seem to work for me anyway.

Any other hints of what might be possible in the UK?
Click to expand...

The best advice I have for you is to make an appointment with a rheumatologist. TB has a lot of good advice on a number of topics. Seeking medical advice here, as well meaning as we are, is a crap shoot at best.

On a side bar, I have issues with my thumbs at the joint where it connects to the wrist that will require surgery. I also have an osteo-arthritic joint on my left index finger first joint. This shouldn’t be an issue for playing bass, but my guitar playing days are numbered as it’s not operable.

I hope you can find relief from the pain.
 
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#14
Paul New said:
You must find out whether you have osteo or rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment is completely different for each. Rheumatoid is systemic, an autoimmune disorder, and osteoarthritis is caused by wear and aging and could affect only one or any number of joints. This is basic. No holistic bullcrap diet will help in either case.
Click to expand...
I’m doing some follow up evaluation for osteoarthritis in my right pinky finger tomorrow. Diagnosed by simple X-ray. Doesn’t impact my playing unless I bang it against the bass body or control knobs. Probably just the result of simple wear and tear, or an injury from long ago that I don’t even remember. But it’s steadily getting worse, so I need to deal with it.

I know a few people with RA who get some relief with diet. I think it’s likely a weight loss diet would be helpful for osteo in cases where you’re reducing load on weight bearing joints like ankles, knees, etc. It won’t reverse it, but may lessen symptoms.
 
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#16
-Asdfgh- said:
No, not a new band, but rather asking people about this. I've been advised that my options are:
  • NSAIDs. I can tolerate some aspirin, but last time I took Ibuprofen even topically for a strained tendon I got significant asthma from it. I'm not sure how much it might ease inflammation when used topically. Reducing inflammation and maybe progress would be nice.
  • Cocadmol for pain. Five years ago when I first had issues it would hurt if I knocked my fingers, but that's long gone. And codeine doesn't seem to work for me anyway.

Any other hints of what might be possible in the UK?
Click to expand...

Next I’ll be seeing questions about which bass to buy on medical sites
 
#17
DIET DIET DIET. Do yourself a favor with this... first!
Gluten can wreak havoc even if you're not allergic.
Follow Dr. Gundry online. He talks a lot about lectins. Lectins in tomato skin and seeds, peanuts, etc. I made a few of his recommended diet changes and removed 90-95% of my pain (which admittedly was not severe) without NSAIDS.
Try try and try again. We are not all made the same. Some can't tolerate sugar while others can't tolerate sugar substitutes. It's worth figuring it out on your own. Your doctor will simply dummy your symptoms.
Good luck!
 
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#18
-Asdfgh- said:
No, not a new band, but rather asking people about this. I've been advised that my options are:
  • NSAIDs. I can tolerate some aspirin, but last time I took Ibuprofen even topically for a strained tendon I got significant asthma from it. I'm not sure how much it might ease inflammation when used topically. Reducing inflammation and maybe progress would be nice.
  • Cocadmol for pain. Five years ago when I first had issues it would hurt if I knocked my fingers, but that's long gone. And codeine doesn't seem to work for me anyway.

Any other hints of what might be possible in the UK?
Click to expand...

you have a lot of options. I reduced my arthritis by 90% and reduced my meds by 90%

Look at the Plant Paradox diet (Gundry), the bullet proof diet, and the Genius diet. Eliminate carbonated drinks, bad oils like safflower, and sunflower. You may have to eliminate many other foods that are common in the western diet. avoid nsaids.

Grains, corn, peppers, wheat, and rice bran, and more can be triggers for arthritis.

Supplement with Glucosamine, Turmeric, Boswellia, fish oils, arnica,

you can beat this ...

feel free to message me if you want.
 
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#20
red_rhino said:
I’m doing some follow up evaluation for osteoarthritis in my right pinky finger tomorrow. Diagnosed by simple X-ray. Doesn’t impact my playing unless I bang it against the bass body or control knobs. Probably just the result of simple wear and tear, or an injury from long ago that I don’t even remember. But it’s steadily getting worse, so I need to deal with it.

I know a few people with RA who get some relief with diet. I think it’s likely a weight loss diet would be helpful for osteo in cases where you’re reducing load on weight bearing joints like ankles, knees, etc. It won’t reverse it, but may lessen symptoms.
Click to expand...

Undoubtably, losing weight will help with arthritis either osteo or rheumatoid. There is however, no legitimate research that shows an improvement due to a “inflammation reducing” diet. There are many, like Gundry, who are not averse to making a buck by exploiting people with pseudoscience.
Gundry MD | Complaints | Better Business Bureau® Profile
 
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