Question
I am have had osteoart. for many yrs. I was always athletic.I have tried to excercise in the past but it just tore me up--cycling-no--walking-no--even lifting wieghts for a period of time took me over a year for my elbows to stop hurting---anyhow--is it ok to use painkillers and keep excercising to kill the pain that follws. Not sure if this is the right approach. Any help?  thanks

Answer
Dear Bill,   People with osteoarthritis already know that the cartiledge between their joints is worn out or often gone and harsh exercise is really a NO! NO!.....

I would strongly not recommend lifting weights, running, jogging, etc that would do more damage to the joints that are effected....  Walking is a good exercise, but only in limits..
Also, I would suggest that you talk with your doctor about some type of physical therapy and the therapist can recommend exercises that would benefiticial to your condition and detrimental....  

It is NOT wise to do more damage to the cartiledge than has already been done, so moderate exercise is suggested and pain killers are ok to use, but massive exercise then taking pain pills to soften the blow of the exercise is NOT GOOD.... This could infact cause more medical problems since MOST ALL pain killers will effect and damage the liver, kidneys etc over a period of time....

Thank you,   karen