Other than exercise and calcium do you have any tips that can help an elderly man with reumatoid arthritis?
153656
there are several herbal remedies that will help.\nDevil's Claw\nWhite Willow\nBelladonna (use with caution)\nSt. John's Wort\nComfrey\nall are availible at health food and herb stores.
791519
Exercise helps, but watch what exercise you do and how much you start out with. I took a 9 week yoga class. I felt horrible pain while doing the exercises. Afterwards my muscles would sigh in relief. Sometimes I would hurt for days afterwards.\n\nI've found that I do better with other types of exercise. Walking short distances. Swimming and exercising in a pool for 5-10 minutes. \n\nMy friend, who is a fitness instructor, told me to drink plenty of water while exercising and to avoid yoga until my muscles are stronger. \n\nIf you have sleeping problems, I'd suggest a good foam or memory foam topper for your mattress. I've been prescribed SSRIs in the past when my sleep problems were at their worst. Sleep clinics can help find out if you have a certain sleeping disorder.  \n\nA pain management clinic or specialist might help. Rheumatologists can be good, but some I haven't had luck with.\n\nSupport groups like fibrohugs also can help. \n\nHot showers and soaks in the tub help some. Hot tubs can sometimes be too hot for me, but the ones at the right temp. relax my muscles.\n\nMy blood sugar gets low throughout the day, so I keep healthy snacks at work. I also make sure to have protein and two veggies in my dinner.
246230
it depends on what arthritis you have. If it is osteo-arthritis then you may use an OTC medication. (ask your pharmacist at a local pharmacy for treatment option best for you because I dont know your profile) But if you have rheumatoid arthritis, go see a physician. This is caused by your immune system attacking your joint areas. This cannot be treated with over the counter meds.
207438
Drink Ensure (protein drink for elderly people) three times a day. It has lots of protein and carbs. You may also want to do some weight lifting. Do short number reps with heavy weights (dont kill yourself). If you never lifted weights, take a class or go the gym and they can help you.  Muscle mass weighs more than fat!
361128
First off I would say weight control is first and foremost, next I would think that calcium plus vit d would help over long period of time. Knee exercises strengthen ligaments and muscles around the joint to keep it in place better and keep it stronger. and of course drink lots of water, take vitamins.....exercise regularly.
13002
Hi !!!\n\nI think below article will be of interest.\n\n"Just about anyone suffering from stiff and aching joints has wished for magical oil to make those bones move more smoothly. Some have even tried rubbing sore joints with motor oil or spraying them with WD-40.\n\nSmearing yourself with these messy metal lubricants won’t do a thing for your arthritis. But you may be surprised to learn that putting the right kind of oils inside your body could help with the aches and pains. \n\nOut of all the choices, four oils rise to the top. There’s strong evidence that fish oil supplements with omega-3 fatty acids can ease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, help prevent Raynaud’s syndrome spasms and possibly relieve some lupus symptoms. Both borage seed and evening primrose seed oils have been shown to ease RA inflammation, and flaxseed oil may be also helpful. Readily available, these oils appear not to have serious side effects when taken as directed."\n\nComplete article "Medical Oils"  on "Arthritis Foundation" can be found here >> http://www.arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/1999_archives/1999_07_08explorations.asp\n\n\n>>> Naveen Kumar
399494
I'm sure both of you should be on medication, right? Sometimes over exercising can aggravate make the condition worst. Try doing the cobra posture exercise which is supposed to be good for back ache. Lie down flat on your tummy and try lift up your head and chest. Do this exercise every morning before you leave your bed and every night before sleeping.You can also try the supplement, Glucosamine Chondroitin, people who have joints and back pains swear by it.Pound some ginger and boil it in water for 15 minuties (a piece thumb sized ginger to 1 cup of water, add a bit of honey and drink it 2 times daily, it helps to relieve rheumatism associated to too long periods of muscles and bone-aches, like back pains.
39615
There are a few forms of arthritis.\nRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It is when the body's own defenses attack itself causing extreme pain, imflammation and disformity. While OTC meds liek Naproxen sodium can provide mild temporary relief, you will need to look into immune therapies and more powerful RX meds.\n\nOsteoarthritis is when the bone-jont interface just wears out. It could be due to age, injury, playing aports. It can happen to someone at almost any age. Here you have two solid bones that no longer rotate/glide/move smoothly over the joint capsule. Again, for temporary relife, Naproxen sodium, Ibuprofen and other NSAIDS will provide mild temporary relief. Taking a supplement with glucosomine and chondroitin helps some people, but not others. A warm bath, warm compress, or any of the ointments with analgesic will provide temporary relief.\nThere is no cure for arthritis. A joint replacement can cure osteoarthritis, but those are only available for certain areas of the body.\n\nKeep in mind that NSAIDs taken on a reglar basis can cause many stomach and GI problems. They are harsh on the stomach and may lead to ulcers and bleeding.\n\nSome websites to peruse:\n\nhttp://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/ra.asp\nhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rheumatoidarthritis.html\nhttp://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/osteoarthritis/default.asp?s=1\nhttp://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/arthritis/oahandout.htm\n\nYou should take the time to see a doctor to confim diagnosis, as the painful joints and swelling could be from another underlying problem.
1111080
unfortunately the best pain medication for these types of pain was taken off the market, and nonnarcotic mobic try buying a book from mayo clinic or a holistic health book for rheumatoid atrhitis it should have info about diet also I picked one up for my exboyfriend a couple years ago and it helped him tremendously a little lifestyle change goes a long way
222513
You really should go talk to your doctor.  The problem with RA is that it's not just pain, its causing damage to your joints as the disease develops.  Even if you don't have inflammation your joints could still be deteriorating.  Some of the new meds (biologics) really help slow down the damage.  I've been on Enbrel for a six months and am in remission.  When I was diagnosed with RA one year ago I was in incredible pain whenever I tried to unlock the door, start my car, or open a bottle.  Now I feel very little. These meds don't work as well for everyone, but it has really helped me.\n\nAside from visiting your doctor to make sure you are getting proper treatment, you should stay active and eat right.  With a disease that effects the immune system, its important to stay healthy so things don't get worse.  You should try water exercises in a heated pool.  This will give you the exercise you need and is a lot less painful.  You can also ask your doctor what other remedies you can try or changes you can make so that life is a little easier.\n\nVisit http://www.arthritis.org for tips on living with arthritis and to reach out to others with RA - it has helped me a lot.  Good luck with your treatment!!\n\nBy the way... be aware of the difference between rheumatoid arhritis and osteoarthritis!!  They are two very very differnt illnesses, that just share the common name "arthritis." Lots of people get osteo, and they do just fine with a pain reliever.  But RA is a progressive disease.  You can't just stand by and leave it untreated.  It will likely only cause more damage and more pain the longer you wait.  I notice a lot of times people will answer questions about RA like it is the same as what their grandma always had, but it is far more serious and has much different treatments!!
300834
Exercise Walking\n\n If you're like the average person, you probably walk between 2,500-5,000 steps each day. While at first glance that may seem like a lot, you might want to think about adding more steps to your daily routine with an exercise walking program. Consider the benefits to your physical and mental health:\n\n\n\nA brisk walk increases your intake of oxygen, strengthens your heart to pump more blood, improves circulation and lowers blood pressure.\n\nWalking also slows development of degenerative joint disease, stops loss of bone mass in osteoporosis, and tones your muscles gently.\n\nWalking reduces stress, helps you keep a positive outlook and can make you feel (and look) younger and sleep more deeply and restfully.\n\nIf you are recovering from a recent injury or surgery or have a chronic condition, you may want to see your doctor before beginning a walking program. You may be able to withstand the low stress effort of walking without aggravating your condition. Walking has helped many people find relief from arthritis and back pain.\n\nYou can walk alone or with friends, almost anywhere and anytime it's convenient for you. The only equipment you need is a good pair of shoes. These should be comfortable and supportive and not cause blisters or calluses. Choose shoes that support the arch and elevate the heel slightly. There should be stiff material surrounding the heel (the heel counter), that keeps your heel from turning in or out or wobbling. The toe box should be roomy but not too long.\n\nStarting your program\n\nWhen you start your exercise program, warm up by walking as you normally would for five minutes, then pick up the pace to whatever speed gets your heart beating faster and your lungs breathing deeper. Keep up the faster pace for about 15 minutes. While you walk:\n\n\nSwing your arms.\n\nKeep your head up, back straight and abdomen flat.\n\nPoint your toes straight ahead.\n\nTake long strides, but don’t strain.\n\nCool down by walking at your warm up speed again for five more minutes. Do gentle stretching exercises when you're done. Repeat this routine three or four days a week with days for rest in between. After two weeks add five minutes to the strenuous part of your walk. Keep adding five minutes every two weeks as you gradually build strength and endurance.\n\nCommit to physical activity\n\nWhen you start an exercise walking program, you are making a commitment to yourself to be more physically active. This should be a lifetime pursuit, as the major health benefits of exercise walking take place over time. Keep track of your progress as you become more physically fit and increase the intensity of your workouts. You might consider getting a pedometer (available at most sporting goods stores) that clips on your belt and automatically records every step you take. In addition to your exercise walking routine, consider ways you can build more steps into each day, such as taking stairs instead of elevators or parking your car at the far end of lots.
857673
Unfortunately, arthritis can strike at any age.  It would'nt hurt to make an appointment with your doctor to talk about this with him.  I have had arthritis in my fingers since age 19 and at age 48, I now have it in my feet, back and neck.  Do not despair though.  There are many prescription drugs on the market now that can relief most if not all of your discomfort if this is your diagnosis.  Whether or not you will be able to continue nursing, will be something you and your doctor will want to talk about.
137339
I have Rheumatoid, but a great place to meet other people with Arthritis and a great source of support is: www.arthritissupportgroup.com   go to the Chat room link and enter into the Fibro room.  That is where everyone gathers and then they can go off into the other rooms if wanted.  They are a great group of people and offer alot of help and support.  Good Luck!
176435
Please check out this website for good vitamin info. You can search your condition on there. Im sure your friend means well and is trying to help but the daily RDA's of vitamins in multis are not sufficient for anyone. People need more vitamins. There is no way to get the nutrients you need from diet today no matter how well you try to eat.\n\nhttp://www.doctoryourself.com/index.html\nhttp://www.doctoryourself.com/arthritis.html
1001512
You might want to get your doctor to check for rheumatoid arthritis, especially if you have anyone in your family with it.  They will ask you your symptoms and check your blood to see. You can go on WebMd and it will tell you a little more about it.
822006
Infected persons should limit further exposure to mosquito bites, stay indoors and under a mosquito net. Further, "supportive care with rest is indicated during the acute joint symptoms. Movement and mild exercise tend to improve stiffness and morning arthralgia, but heavy exercise may exacerbate rheumatic symptoms." [3]
510687
From your description there could be a number of possibilities, including rheumatoid arthritis ( the redness and heat) bone and joint damage due to poorly designed, poorly fitted footwear, and bone spurs.  Each of these would benefit from the attention of a qualified podiatrist.  There are medications that can help the rheumatoid arthritis, and the others can benefit from surgery, though it is rarely a first option. The surgeon usually wants one to wait until they are absolutely certain that this is the path for them.\n\nRegarding the sweating, soaking regularly, in hot soapy water with Epsom salts and a little chlorine bleach can work wonders.\n\nDo wear quality walking shoes with low heels, made of leather and not ever synthetics.  My favorite for comfort is Clark's brand shoes.  They are not always the most attractive ( though they can be nice)  but the resulting smile on my face is always worth it.\n\nsource: Experience with my Grandmother's , Mother's, Mother-in-laws feet and my own.