Arthritis remedies and culprits
February 5, 2010 9:27 AM Subscribe
Arthritis Filter: what are your preferred remedies for arthritis? What is detrimental to your arthritis?
I take glucosamine, flax seed oil, and ginger supplements (when I can't get enough ginger in my diet). Alas, arthritis still bothers me. It gets much worse close to when I have my period, but other than that I can't seem to figure out what triggers it. I don't like taking NSAID unless I absolutely need to; and my insurance won't cover going to a rheumatologist.
My questions are:
What are your favorite remedies for arthritis? (or any other inflammation, I guess) This can include supplements, foods to eat, foods to avoid, etc. - anything tried and true.
Have you noticed anything that triggers arthritis flairs?
I take glucosamine, flax seed oil, and ginger supplements (when I can't get enough ginger in my diet). Alas, arthritis still bothers me. It gets much worse close to when I have my period, but other than that I can't seem to figure out what triggers it. I don't like taking NSAID unless I absolutely need to; and my insurance won't cover going to a rheumatologist.
My questions are:
What are your favorite remedies for arthritis? (or any other inflammation, I guess) This can include supplements, foods to eat, foods to avoid, etc. - anything tried and true.
Have you noticed anything that triggers arthritis flairs?
First, it might help if you've specified what type of arthritis you have. There is a big difference between the auto-immune forms of arthritis (rheumatoid, psoriatic, and others) vs. the wear and tear kind (osteo)
I have psoriatic arthritis and high doses of fish oil (we're talking 4000 - 5000 mg/per day) is the only supplement from which I've noticed a marked difference in discomfort. I did this when I was temping and had a rather shitty health insurance policy that did not cover enbrel. I did tell my rheumatologist what I was doing and she thought that it was safe, but I'd worry a little about mercury poisoning if I were doing this long term.
In a weak moment, I did buy a book once about this woman who claims to have cured herself from some form of arthritis mostly by juicing. I realized that even if I had more faith in this, I just did not have the discipline for that sort of extreme diet, so it's sitting on my bookshelf. Memail me if you're interested.
posted by kaybdc at 9:52 AM on February 5, 2010
I have psoriatic arthritis and high doses of fish oil (we're talking 4000 - 5000 mg/per day) is the only supplement from which I've noticed a marked difference in discomfort. I did this when I was temping and had a rather shitty health insurance policy that did not cover enbrel. I did tell my rheumatologist what I was doing and she thought that it was safe, but I'd worry a little about mercury poisoning if I were doing this long term.
In a weak moment, I did buy a book once about this woman who claims to have cured herself from some form of arthritis mostly by juicing. I realized that even if I had more faith in this, I just did not have the discipline for that sort of extreme diet, so it's sitting on my bookshelf. Memail me if you're interested.
posted by kaybdc at 9:52 AM on February 5, 2010
Response by poster: To clarify: I've got auto-immune arthritis. In my late 20s. Live in DC.
posted by Neekee at 9:55 AM on February 5, 2010
posted by Neekee at 9:55 AM on February 5, 2010
(on preview, just saw your clarification, but maybe this is still relevant)
My mom has mild arthritis and is allergic to aspirin, which also knocks out ibuprofen and naproxen sodium as anti-inflammatories. She swears by tart cherries. As I understand it, this is on the less-crazy end of the alternative medicine spectrum. (lots of links possible from a quick google - for example)
posted by aimedwander at 10:00 AM on February 5, 2010
My mom has mild arthritis and is allergic to aspirin, which also knocks out ibuprofen and naproxen sodium as anti-inflammatories. She swears by tart cherries. As I understand it, this is on the less-crazy end of the alternative medicine spectrum. (lots of links possible from a quick google - for example)
posted by aimedwander at 10:00 AM on February 5, 2010
I have auto-immune arthritis and the number one thing that helps me is sun exposure. I do take vitamin D supplements but they don't seem to do anything--as the gray PNW winter wears on, I get worse and worse. As soon as the sun comes out again, I get better, and by midsummer I am pain-free.
My feet are the worst and I get a tremendous amount of help from orthotics. I think it's quite common for people with inflammatory arthritis to need them.
posted by HotToddy at 10:23 AM on February 5, 2010
My feet are the worst and I get a tremendous amount of help from orthotics. I think it's quite common for people with inflammatory arthritis to need them.
posted by HotToddy at 10:23 AM on February 5, 2010
Mostly high humidity makes pain flair up. Worse when it's damp out. Don't know where you live but having a wood stove in winter helps. The dry heat makes the house feel warmer and it really helps with pain and stiffness.
Most hard research finds no real correlation between weather and arthritis symptoms. The medical consensus is that it's just folklore amplified by confirmation bias.
posted by randomstriker at 10:46 AM on February 5, 2010
Most hard research finds no real correlation between weather and arthritis symptoms. The medical consensus is that it's just folklore amplified by confirmation bias.
posted by randomstriker at 10:46 AM on February 5, 2010
You say your insurance won't cover a rheumatologist visit; have you considered paying out-of-pocket for a visit? I have psoriatic arthritis, and methotrexate made a huge difference for me (and it's been around long enough that it's probably covered at the lowest rate if your insurance covers prescriptions). Once that stopped working quite so well, I moved on to Enbrel (one of the TNF-alpha inhibitors), which is insanely expensive; OTOH, the manufacturer has an assistance program, which is why I ask about paying out of pocket for the doctor visit.
I've also found that exercise makes a HUGE difference as far as my arthritis goes. 45 minutes on an elliptical trainer, or a session of weightlifting, and everything feels better. (It was really weird when I first realized that I had more range of motion in my fingers after working out, but I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth.)
posted by asterix at 11:19 AM on February 5, 2010
I've also found that exercise makes a HUGE difference as far as my arthritis goes. 45 minutes on an elliptical trainer, or a session of weightlifting, and everything feels better. (It was really weird when I first realized that I had more range of motion in my fingers after working out, but I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth.)
posted by asterix at 11:19 AM on February 5, 2010
my ex had rheumatoid arthritis and found much relief by giving up dairy products.
also consider getting checked for hypothyroidism if you display any of these symptoms:
What kinds of complaints characterize an underactive thyroid system? Low energy and fatigue or tiredness, especially in the morning are frequent in these patients. Difficulty losing weight, a sensation of coldness--especially of the hands and feet, depression, slowness of thought processes, headaches, swelling of the face or fluid retention in general, dry coarse skin, brittle nails, chronic constipation, menstrual problems-such as PMS and menstrual irregularities including heavy periods, fertility problems, stiffness of joints, muscular cramps, shortness of breath on exertion and chest pain are some of the symptoms that can be seen in people with underactive thyroid systems.
good luck!
posted by kimyo at 11:20 AM on February 5, 2010
also consider getting checked for hypothyroidism if you display any of these symptoms:
What kinds of complaints characterize an underactive thyroid system? Low energy and fatigue or tiredness, especially in the morning are frequent in these patients. Difficulty losing weight, a sensation of coldness--especially of the hands and feet, depression, slowness of thought processes, headaches, swelling of the face or fluid retention in general, dry coarse skin, brittle nails, chronic constipation, menstrual problems-such as PMS and menstrual irregularities including heavy periods, fertility problems, stiffness of joints, muscular cramps, shortness of breath on exertion and chest pain are some of the symptoms that can be seen in people with underactive thyroid systems.
good luck!
posted by kimyo at 11:20 AM on February 5, 2010
I just realized that my answer is totally misleading: The real number one thing that helps me is being on hydroxychloroquine--but I didn't mention it since I thought going to the doctor was out of the question. Asterix has a very good suggestion about paying out of pocket to see a rheumatologist. I have fusing of some of the joints in my feet due to unchecked inflammatory arthritis. If I had known to see a rheumatologist sooner, that might have been avoided. If I were in your shoes and could possibly come up with the money, that's what I would do.
posted by HotToddy at 11:24 AM on February 5, 2010
posted by HotToddy at 11:24 AM on February 5, 2010
I've had good luck with steroid injections to affected joints. Relief lasts a good long time (several months at a minimum, really). Maybe this might be an option for you?
posted by Tapioca at 1:26 PM on February 5, 2010
posted by Tapioca at 1:26 PM on February 5, 2010
Psoriatic arthritis here too, and the only thing that really works is the prescription sulfa drugs.
In the past I have had very good anti-inflammatory benefit from 3 pills a day of turmeric.
My triggers are period time; being too cold for too long; and not moving around enough. I think everyone's triggers may be a little different though?
posted by travertina at 1:41 PM on February 5, 2010
In the past I have had very good anti-inflammatory benefit from 3 pills a day of turmeric.
My triggers are period time; being too cold for too long; and not moving around enough. I think everyone's triggers may be a little different though?
posted by travertina at 1:41 PM on February 5, 2010
Gluten is my #1-with-a-bullet trigger. Avoiding it reduces my symptoms by about 85%. Very little swelling, not much pain.
It's a lifestyle change, for sure, but worth it. (Not that I don't occasionally choose to suffer in order to have pizza.)
posted by restless_nomad at 1:46 PM on February 5, 2010
It's a lifestyle change, for sure, but worth it. (Not that I don't occasionally choose to suffer in order to have pizza.)
posted by restless_nomad at 1:46 PM on February 5, 2010
I have ankylosing spondylitis. The only things that help me are drugs from my doctor: TNF-alpha inhibitors and NSAIDS, along with lidoderm patches and muscle relaxers to manage pain. It is ridiculous that your insurance doesn't cover rheumatology, but there's no reason that a GP can't prescribe these drugs.
The main thing you are missing from your question is that auto-immune arthritis is about more than just pain--you are facing permanent damage to your joints, as well as consequences to the rest of your body from chronic inflammation, ranging from chronic fatigue and brain fog to heart disease. The only things that control chronic inflammation are anti-inflammatory medications and those aimed at the immune pathways like the disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (e.g., methotextrate) and biologics (Enbrel, Humira, etc).
Failing to treat your arthritis properly now could leave you disabled in the future. And there is no credible evidence that any supplements or diet will protect you from that.
posted by hydropsyche at 2:15 PM on February 5, 2010
The main thing you are missing from your question is that auto-immune arthritis is about more than just pain--you are facing permanent damage to your joints, as well as consequences to the rest of your body from chronic inflammation, ranging from chronic fatigue and brain fog to heart disease. The only things that control chronic inflammation are anti-inflammatory medications and those aimed at the immune pathways like the disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (e.g., methotextrate) and biologics (Enbrel, Humira, etc).
Failing to treat your arthritis properly now could leave you disabled in the future. And there is no credible evidence that any supplements or diet will protect you from that.
posted by hydropsyche at 2:15 PM on February 5, 2010
(I'm not a doctor, and I don't know much about medicine, but I did spent 4 years working part-time at a medical research unit specializing in arthritis and you do pick up some stuff by osmosis...)
If you have auto-immune arthritis, it is really important that you are treated by a professional for it. Doctors can do nothing for Osteoarthritis except treat the symptoms, but auto-immune arthritis can be treated with drugs and should be. I've heard that something like Rheumatoid Arthritis can threaten your life -- it can attack your internal organs as well as your joints. If your insurance won't cover a rheumatologist, find a GP who can still proscribe the correct medication.
Coping mechanisms like changing your diet, getting more excercise, etc, will help your condition, but if you have an auto-immune disease, treatment can help prevent further damage to your joints and potentially other parts of your body.
For more (and more accurate) information, the best source is something like the Arthritis Foundation for the United States, or the Arthritis Society in Canada.
posted by jb at 3:07 PM on February 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
If you have auto-immune arthritis, it is really important that you are treated by a professional for it. Doctors can do nothing for Osteoarthritis except treat the symptoms, but auto-immune arthritis can be treated with drugs and should be. I've heard that something like Rheumatoid Arthritis can threaten your life -- it can attack your internal organs as well as your joints. If your insurance won't cover a rheumatologist, find a GP who can still proscribe the correct medication.
Coping mechanisms like changing your diet, getting more excercise, etc, will help your condition, but if you have an auto-immune disease, treatment can help prevent further damage to your joints and potentially other parts of your body.
For more (and more accurate) information, the best source is something like the Arthritis Foundation for the United States, or the Arthritis Society in Canada.
posted by jb at 3:07 PM on February 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
Have you definitely been diagnosed with arthritis? I have Lupus, which causes rheumatoid arthritis-like pain/symptoms. The pain always gets worse when my period is due because estrogen is a trigger for Lupus flares. If you can at all swing it, I agree that paying for a rheumatologist out-of-pocket is worth your while. Once you're diagnosed properly, most doctors have free samples of anti-inflammatories, Plaquenil and other common meds that they can give you.
posted by Oriole Adams at 3:11 PM on February 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Oriole Adams at 3:11 PM on February 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
All of the good oils (like what you're getting with flax) help.
Adding other anti-inflammatory spices, like cumin and turmeric has helped. Eating fewer inflammatory foods, like nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant) reallyreallyreally helped. Drinking lots of water has been effective.
Walking and light strength-training help. Swimming helps a lot. Cycling helps me, but it doesn't help everyone.
Paraffin treatment helps on the extremities. A lot. If you're actively flared up, putting a baggy of liquid paraffin on your hands or feet and letting it sit until it's cool will blow your mind with how much better you feel when it comes off.
Heat in general helps, but be wary - too much moist heat, for example, can cause that "rainy day" ache.
Getting enough rest is a HUGE help.
posted by batmonkey at 4:07 PM on February 5, 2010
Adding other anti-inflammatory spices, like cumin and turmeric has helped. Eating fewer inflammatory foods, like nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant) reallyreallyreally helped. Drinking lots of water has been effective.
Walking and light strength-training help. Swimming helps a lot. Cycling helps me, but it doesn't help everyone.
Paraffin treatment helps on the extremities. A lot. If you're actively flared up, putting a baggy of liquid paraffin on your hands or feet and letting it sit until it's cool will blow your mind with how much better you feel when it comes off.
Heat in general helps, but be wary - too much moist heat, for example, can cause that "rainy day" ache.
Getting enough rest is a HUGE help.
posted by batmonkey at 4:07 PM on February 5, 2010
What sort of insurance plan do you have specifically? As a practicing physician, I've never heard of any major plan that wouldn't cover a rheumatologist for a patient with auto-immune disease. That is pretty much what rheumatologists are for, and just about anyone would consider it standard of care to see one in this circumstance. While a GP can prescribe the drugs hydropsyche mentions (they can prescribe pretty much anything), I certainly don't know any GP that is qualified to manage this sort of disease. It really goes beyond the skill set of your typical general practitioner. You and your current doctor really, REALLY should get in touch with the company and reexplore this. To focus on food and supplements without doing so is a disservice to you, as without proper care your condition may lead to permanent destruction of your joints.
posted by drpynchon at 7:49 PM on February 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by drpynchon at 7:49 PM on February 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Mostly high humidity makes pain flair up. Worse when it's damp out. Don't know where you live but having a wood stove in winter helps. The dry heat makes the house feel warmer and it really helps with pain and stiffness.
I take Fish oil also and I believe it has helped over the years. Keep moving as much as possible. Try sleeping with pillows under your knees [on your side] if it's your hips and lower back.
posted by AuntieRuth at 9:50 AM on February 5, 2010