Question
i've been suffering from destructive large joint arthritis since i was 9 years old. doctors have been of no use to me. they won't give me the answers i'm looking for. i'm sorry but taking aleve everday just isn't my thing. and it did nothing for the pain. please help me in anyway you know how. other than this i have no other glaring medical problems and i can't honestly say that i'm atleast physically fit. you should probably know too that i smoke marijuana regularly to help with the arthritits. that more just calms me downs and helps me to relax and not dwell on it. anyway you can help? i'm open to everything. diet, exercise, herbal supplements, any method or procedure that could help me. i'm willing to try literally EVERYTHING! please help. i'm tired of suffering. thanks.

Answer
Andrew,

This is not a diagnosis you see often. There is not much in the medical literature about it. Typically destructive arthritis in general refers to a fast evolving arthritis that does bone damage inside the joint.

There are stronger anti-inflammatories than over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen and Aleve. I am surprised that a doctor has not tried some of these with you.

Have you seen a specialist. If not ask your doctor for a referral. There are many options available to you besides what you have mentioned.

As for things you can do for yourself. Exercise is important. If you have access to a warm water pool then warm water exercise is an excelent form of exercise for this condition. Being in water takes the pressure off of the joints and the resistance helps build all of the supporting muscles as well as the major muscles. This can help a lot.

There are two supplements you can try. The have both been shown in studies to be as effective as over the counter drugs and much safer.

Omega 3 fatty acid supplements. Not only are the these good for your joints they have many health benefits. If you try these and get a supplement from fish oil, read the package. You need one that has been purified to remove heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

The other supplement is tumeric.

I wish you the best

Rusty
Editor
http://arthritis-symptom.com/