Hi Dr Siegel,
I'm 37yrs and female. I have been treated conservatively with an orthotic for a year after an unstable joint (causing flat foot) in the left foot. The pain is less since I don't limp at all, I now use the orthotic intermittently when exercising or wearing flat shoes but not every day. I also have left shoulder joint pain which limits movement and causes significant discomfort even when sleeping on it or just removing tights pants and I have to pull off the clothes over ankle. I don't take anti-inflammatories as they don't help me or target the specific areas. I don't take supplements because have studied physiology and I don't know what you actually absorb or what exactly is beneficial. I'm concerned about long term problems. What can one take for joints to prevent further degeneration and manage the pain? I had an xray and ultrasound of the left shoulder which showed a totally normal shoulder and AC joint. I have not had MRI or further investigation due to the cost of this in South Africa.
Thank you, Margaux