Arthritis :/

[lessofit]

I've always had weird joints, but recently i've been diagnosed with premature-osteo-arthritis...its beginning to develop now, its in my knees, wrists, toes, balls of feet and jaw :/ im really scared it will take over my life, does anyone else have any experience of it?

[Algernon]

My sister is actually diagnosed with arthritis. I think she was 16 when she was told she had it. I think she told me when she had to run in P.E. she couldn't, but the teachers didn't believe her. =( I would say just take some ibuprofen/pain relievers when It gets bad. I seem to have a high tolerance for pain relievers and can take several no problem. Maybe you need to do the same?

[lessofit]

i'm 16 too i play alot of rugby, and ive been told that this will probably be my last season :/ as for the painkillers, i can't have some types and strengths due to epilepsy medication i am on. but thanks for the advice

[Prozac]

Hey Kerry,

You may find that painkillers such as paracetamol will relieve any pain that you may have, but you must only take the recommended dosage of any type of medication. If the pain is more severe and over-the-counter remedies aren't helping, your doctor could prescribe you some anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce the inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness if they think that's suitable. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but it is treatable.
It may be helpful to make sure that you wear shock-absorbant trainers/shoes to try and reduce your chances of things getting any worse, but it's important to keep active and take regular exercise. Swimming may be a good idea as it won't put a strain on your joints.

If the pain does become worse when you're older there are other treatments that you could look into, such as accupuncture and steriod injections, but these would probably administered when you're quite a bit older.

Have you tried talking to your doctor about treatment for your condition and about the prognosis? I'm sure that they'd be willing to talk to you about other things that you may be able to do in order to try and prevent any excessive pain or further problems as well as talking about how to manage your osteoarthritis. Talking to a physiotherapist may also be useful to you.


Take care.

[Algernon]

I believe Ibuprofen is an anti-imflammitory drug. You can buy it over the counter.

[.Brittany.]

Hi Kerry,

I also have arthritis, I have it in my knees, ankles, wrists, fingers, elbows, and my toes. It is a hardship, but I don't let it bother me all to much. PM me if you need anything

Brittany

[lessofit]

thankyou guys, i didnt realise it was so treatable! xx