what is helping now?

[beth]

::)Hi and thanks for reading.

Would anyone like to add a new updated what is helping?

For me it is still heat not cold...

Do splints or boots help etc.

Any short comments welcome.

Its good to have the board active. Many thanks.

[strewth]

definitely heat/heat packs - never ever cold (hurts just thinking about it )

fairly flat shoes with arch supports

anti-inflammatories - drugs & diet

active and passive range of motion/mobilization - regular stretches and Physio (PT) if it seems 'stuck'

walking

staying in a 'normal' weight range

[David Leggett]

I have to agree with the heat and going on the pain during the winter there's no way I'm putting anything very cold near me. Other than that I do use a neoprene knee brace when it's really bothering me. I've never found a silver bullet as far as pain meds go except for whatever they give you after surgery but on the other hand I wasn't feeling much of anything head to toe judging by my 20 min conversation about donuts.

[kenhunerdosse]

I was diagnosed in 1990. I didn't know what it was and got no explanation. It was not really problematic for several years but the last 10 have been... well you know. I have been going to the VA Hospital in Iowa City because I have a military disability and no insurance. They have agreements with the University of Iowa Hospital which is a very good place. The rheumatologist there has been working with my erosive osteoarthritis, he became very interested in my Melo. He prescribed naproxen and hydroxychloroquine sulfate. It does help with the constant aches but throbbing and pain flareups are still there. I believe that they are reduced in intensity but that may be in my head

Heat? Always, sometimes I sleep with a heating pad. I know it is a no no but it works. I plan to get a hot-tub/spa for soaking, really helps getting to sleep. Keep mobile by exercising and stretching and then stretching some more. Use heat, and did I say stretching?