Question
Hi Dr. Varadi,
I am 56 and have had very painful osteoarthritis in both both forefingers and wrists for five years. (I first thought I had broken some bones, but X-rays showed arthritis. I think its important to know it began showing up during an extremely, extremely, extremely stressful time. I can't emphasized that enough! I used to be quite athletic; played a lot of tennis and would love to play again. It's now starting to spread to other fingers and up into my elbows and shoulder joints. My ANA test results were positive, though rheumatoid arthritis was ruled out several years ago. While I continue to keep my MD as my primary doctor, I began seeing a DO who has helped me tremendously with adrenal fatigue. She is now recommending chelation. What are your thoughts on chelation for arthritis? What else is available to slow the progress of this debilitating disease?
Thanks so much for any advice you can provide me.
Sue  

Answer
Hello,
Thank you for your question. Arthritis is an inflammation where bones meet and slide along each other. The sliding surfaces are slippery cartilage. If this cartilage in not able to provide a smooth surface because of wearing out from inflammation or overuse, it can become quite painful. It is interesting that you note it appeared during a stressful time. This is a time when the body becomes susceptible to many problems, although it is not clearly understood why. Your Osteopath is trained in trying to relieve joint discomfort, and although I am not quite sure of the success you may have with chelation therapy, you may want to ask what his/her experience to date is with it.  It may have some benefits, I really do not know. In general, joints do not like cold weather, so gloves are a good idea. They also do not like too much hard exercise or work, since that could build up too much friction in the joints and lead to more inflammation. Just a few minutes of hand and arm exercises a few times a day should keep muscles and circulation working well.  Your MD remains a good source of anti-inflammatory and pain medications if you should ever flare up, so keep this doctor posted on what you do.  The discomfort may come and go at times, so if you wish to hit a few tennis balls for a few minutes when you are having a better day, it may help in more ways than one. Best wishes and if you should require further information, please feel free to write.