Question
I have been taking glucosamine and condroitin supplements.  I also take 4000mg of MSM daily.  The MSM does help a great deal with the pain.  Is there anything else I could be doing to help with pain.  I am afraid to take Cellebrex etc.  I sometimes take an Aleve for muscle aches. Should I be exercising too?  Thank you.

Answer
Dear Marianne,   I am not an expert on pain or other types of medications....  I have osteoarthritis in my hips, back, knees, neck and shoulders and I take nothing other than Tylenol Extra Strength and occassionally Darvocet N-100 for pain....  The other arthritis medication does me no good.....

As for exercise, the object of osteoarthritis is NOT to over-work joint areas since the cartiledge in the affected joint is already gone or depleted.....  However, you should be doing some mild exercises to keep the joints free because non-movement will only make the problem worse....  

You need to talk to your doctor or if you are not seeing an Orthopedic specialist see one and talk to them about some physical therapy and the physical therapist can direct you to the proper exercises etc that you need to do at home to help you.....  

thank you,   karen