Suggest Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis Along With Osteoporosis

Posted on Thu, 11 Dec 2014

Question: I would like to help my 82 year old Mother who has a lot of arthritis in her arms,, neck shoulders and knees, pain in groin , not much power in her hands which have been quite swollen over winter. Unable to sit for more than about 10 minutes at present .She had polio as a young person and also suffers angina ( as was not able to have a triple by-pass due to the condition of her heart re- surgery)
Could she safely take glucosamine chondroitin or glucosamine in some form ?(Does not get on well with fish oils ) Thank you for your time, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rheumatoid arthritis along with osteoporosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and really appreciate your concern. To help her better please tell me about her medical history like diabetes,thyroid and what about test for rheumatoid arthritis?
Going by your description, the most likely cause is severe osteoporosis (severe weakness of bone). The osteoporosis may be confirmed by Bone mineral density (BMD) by dexa scan along with X ray of spine.
For Osteoporosis there is few options like- calcitonin nasal spray (Rock bone C nasal spray).
- Once a year injection of zoldronic acid, once a month tablet of alendronate, once a week tablet of osteophos.
-Injection Teriparatide.
You may discuss with your treating doctor and decide what is best for her.
Looking forward to your reply.
Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (9 hours later)

Dear Dr. XXXXXXX Chugh
Thank you for your reply
I have phoned my mother re your questions. She has a thyroid history and has been on medication for many years (elevothyroxine at present) Takes the fluid tablet furosemide and also cartia (form of asprin) and nitrolingual pump spray for angina turns. She has had bone density tests and was given calcium tablets to try but reacted to these with hot and swollen joints.
Is allergic to penicillin (sp?) and sulphur drugs. Has a tendancy to react to pollen, strong perfume, hairspray with hay fever type symptons
She will likely try and get into my sister's doctor in Taupo, North Island. Has not had much satisfaction getting a regular GP since her own GP retired.( I live in the South Island) and I have encouraged her to ask about injections or for some more help. Is the injection you mentioned "gold injections" that are/were? given here in New Zealand? My mother has lost weight with the ageing process and muscle condition and strength with this she feels.
I would be glad to still give her a natural supplement to try if I can assure her it won't effect her in a detrimental way because she has had polio. (She used to have a pharmacist who would check her prescription drugs re polio but unfortunately he passed away some years ago)
Hope that is some help in giving a clearer picture,
Thank you for your time today,
Yours sincerely
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
As follows

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Its good to see you
I have gone through your detail reply carefully. Yes,she can have glucosamime along with other natural food supplement.Gold injection are for rheumatoid arthritis but we need to confirm rheumatoid arthritis by blood test like (anticcp antibody, RA factor).The injection,mentioned by me is for osteoporosis.
You may carry on with the treatment as discussed earlier along with balanced diet and exercises.
Wishing her good health.
Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar