Questionhi rusty,
I'm a 16 year old woman. I spend a good fraction of my time working on my Firebird. Over the course of this year, alot has staretd happening to my joints. In jaunuary I developed sever tendonitis in my wrist, and my knee went a few months ago. I got a very bad back injury two years playing ice hockey. Over the past month or so I've just been getting very stiff. Arthritis runis in my family and my dad has it. I couldn't even get up out of bed this morning, my mom had to help me. I have an appointment on friday with my chiropracter so she can see what's up. Is arthritis common at this age? How common is it being passed on to children from their parents? If it turns out that this is arthritis, what are some likely treatments?
Thank you,
Michelle
AnswerMichelle,
I am sorry to hear that you are suffering these things at such a young age.
Arthritis is not unusual at any age though it is seen more in people who are order. There is one specific type of arthritis that attacks young people it is called Juvenile Rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike adult rheumatoid arthritis over half the suffers seem to grow out of it. Unfortunately any type of arthritis can strike someone as young as 16.
As to what you can expect if this is arthritis depends on the type of arthritis. Since arthritis an inflammatory condition then most likely your doctor will recommend some type of anti-inflammatory. IF that does not work then some stronger type of drug.
There are several things you can do your self. First of all limit the fat in your diet and eat plenty of vegetables ( I know you mother will like to hear that). A calcium supplement can help. Omega three fatty acids can help prevent or control most types of arthritis. Limiting the amount of caffeine can help as well and drink plenty of water.
These things will not cure or prevent arthritis but have been shown to help.
Most important it to get exercise. Lack of mobility only makes arthritis worse. Plus that Firebird might get lonely.
I wish you good health
Rusty
