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Ask the Doctor*
This page will be updated regularly with new questions and answers. We
invite you to submit your own questions. Although we cannot answer
personal medical questions, this section will present a variety of the
most common questions asked. Please e-mail your questions to McilwainMD@aol.com.
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Janet Fry
Longboat Key, FL |
Q. Doctor McIlwain, I
have heard that exercise is good if you have arthritis but it
HURTS too much to get started! |
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A. As with many of my
patients, exercise is probably the furthest thing from your mind,
especially if you have nursed chronic joint or muscle pain for
months. Nevertheless, of all the treatment therapies for
arthritis, exercise is the gold standard. Exercise gives the most
guaranteed short-and long-term relief to end arthritis pain and
stiffness. Not only does regular exercise boost all aspects of
fitness, including strength, stamina, balance, posture, and
overall coordination, it also increases circulation and keeps your
bones and muscles strong and joints flexible. Remember-check with
your physician before you start an exercise program, start
gradually and increase exercise a little at a time. |
Ella Cruise
Long Island, NY |
Q. I am 67 and
know a little about my body. It seems to me that certain foods
actually make my arthritis worse? |
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A. Ella, food allergy
refers to an undesirable immunologic reaction to the protein in
foods. Although researchers are still unsure about the
arthritis-food allergy connection, we do know that asthma,
allergies, rashes and hives are examples of immune-system
reactions, and sometimes food is the culprit. Identifying and
eliminating the food protein from the diet may resolve the
symptoms. Our book, Pain-Free Arthritis, gives details on how to
systematically follow your diet to see if your body is reacting to
certain foods that may be affecting your arthritis. |
Bill Walthrop
Kansas City, KS |
3. Q. I have been
taking the natural dietary supplement glucosamine, a
joint-maintenance supplement made from shellfish. I took the
supplement with NSAIDS while continuing the twice-daily moist heat
soaks and regular exercise, including bike riding. After two
weeks, I stopped the NSAID and am still pain-free after two
months. Is the glucosamine helping? |
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A. I cannot promise
that every arthritis patient who takes glucosamine will have
dramatic results like you have had, Bill! However, I do know that
some natural supplements can safely complement your Pain-Free
Program and sometimes let you reduce medications. |
Kelly Banks
Dallas, TX |
Q. Doctor, I am a
computer programmer and sit for hours in front of a computer. My
hips hurt all night and keep me from sleeping well. What can I
do? |
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A. In many situations
,making a few lifestyle adjustments can help to protect your
joints, prevent further injury and even stop pain altogether. For
example, I would suggest you try a different type chair to see if
you are putting pressure on your arthritic hip when you sit all
day at the computer. In our book Pain-Free Arthritis we show you
how to organize for pain-free living by wearing shoes that fit,
protecting your knees, hips and back, and preventing falls, among
other suggestions. |
Michelle Tripple
Atlanta, GA |
I am following the
Pain-Free Program but wondered if it would help to add massage
therapy? |
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A. Michelle, many of
my patients depend on massage, structural alignment, chiropractic,
or acupuncture for additional pain relief or stress reduction. I
often courage patients to complement their Pain-Free Program with
massage therapy or manual manipulation to ease arthritis pain and
stiffness. Our book outlines the most useful therapies and makes
recommendations for the different types of arthritis. |
James O'Ray
Tampa, FL |
Q. I have had months
of pain from arthritis causing me anxiety, irritability and
negative thinking. Help! |
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A. There are answers,
James! The key to managing any stress is to recognize the signs
and symptoms and minimize these before you become overwhelmed.
Over the past twenty-five years, I have experienced that arthritis
patients who are negative and pessimistic seem to have higher
levels of pain and greater limitations than those who are
positive-in spite of the severity of their arthritis. Using
de-stressing therapies such as laughter, spirituality, the
relaxation response, progressive muscle relaxation, and
meditation, among others, you should get some relief from
overwhelming anxiety and negative thinking. |
Sally Jackson
London, UK |
Q. I was just
diagnosed with arthritis. What type medication should I be
taking? |
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A. Some medications
such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help
ease the symptoms of many types of arthritis. Other excellent
pharmaceuticals are specifically designed to treat just one type
of arthritis. For example, because of the destructive nature of
rheumatoid arthritis, this inflammatory type of arthritis requires
a more specific medication that can actually stop or delay the
progress and destruction. Your rheumatologist will guide you
according to the type arthritis you have. |
Sheila Lockhart
Miami, FL |
Q. I have
fibromyaglia and my stress level is high all the time. What do you
suggest? |
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A. Sheila,it is
important to find mind-body techniques that work specifically for
you. In our book, The Fibromyalgia Handbook, as well as in our
Pain-Free Arthritis book we recommend that you focus on exercises
that bring you the best results in decreasing anxiety, increasing
restful sleep and alleviating muscle pain. I have many patients
who use yoga, qigong, or tai chi to help increase flexibility,
stretch muscles, and ease unending stress. Because depression is
so common with FMS, consider counseling so this problem does not
limit your improvement. |
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