Psoriatic and Osteo Arthritis -- anyone dealing with these i

dixiech1ck · August 2011

So, a month ago, I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis (PA) and early stage Osteo-Arthritis in both knees. I'm only 34 years old. After getting really sick in January, I never ever felt "right." I'd get bad aches and pains in my joints. I just started to run last year, ran my first 5K in May and made a decent time for myself in all of my year of training. But my knees get really bad after I run, and my feet will sometimes get pins and needles in them.

I started this program 2 weeks ago with the assistance of a friend. My Rheumatologist told me losing weight would be beneficial. So far, 6 lbs have hit the road. Today I went back for a 2nd appointment and after he was doing an exam and pushed on my right side, I screamed. His reaction: "That should be reason enough to lose weight." He was pushing on my gall bladder, which he feels may be inflamed.

My question is -- does anyone have PA or Osteo-arthritis? How do you cope with it? I've read about foods that cause inflammation -- does anyone have any tips they could share? My elbows, shoulder, back, knees and feet get it the worst. I was originally put on Meloxicam, but it didn't work. I'm now on a high level Sodium Naproxim (pharmacy strength) and may have to go to the sulfates in a few weeks if this doesn't work. I notice it gets bad after I exercise or run, in the mornings and days where we have high, humid days. I'm still training to run two more 5K's this year -- I don't want to give up.

Thank you in advance for your tips, ideas, suggestions, etc.

Angela

jeffpettis · August 2011

I have severe psoriasis, and I "had" psoriatic arthritis in my lower back. Notice I said had. My Dr. put me on Humira injections. All of my psoriasis has cleared up, and I haven't had any arthritis in my back since I started taking the injections over a year ago. I was a little concerned about all of the possible side effects, but I haven't had any trouble at all. I would at least talk to my Dr. about it. Most of them like to only use these injections as a last resort, but that is where I was, and I can't beleive the difference it made in me.

HartSanda · August 2011

I have RA - and have had it since I was 21 (now 39). I honestly think the key is to NOT stop - keep doing as much as you can do, stay active, (within reason of course, listen to your body). I stopped exercising due to pain - I let it control me and because of that, I gained about 70lbs (also due to steroids) and have now lost mobility in several joints. My RA is under control with medication now - but it's been a long road and it's very difficult to get back into exercising with the restrictions of any type of arthritis. Losing weight definitely helps reduce the pressure on your joints. I've had to focus primarily on my diet to lose weight and do low impact exercises, such as stationary bike, light weighs, walking, etc. My joints would not handle running now - so, if I were you, I would definitely keep that up as much as you can.
As for foods, I am a strong believer in Organic. I truly believe that when I switched to Organic, my joints felt better - it was actually pretty amazing. Maybe it's all in my head, but whatever! It works!

I also think that fatty acids help - such as fish oil or flax seed oil supplements.
Anyway - I hope this helps - good luck and keep going!!!

baisleac · August 2011

I'm 36, have osteo arthritis in both knees and both hips (worse on the right side), was diagnosed in my mid-20s.

Since I've gotten out of shape it's been worse, but it's getting better again as I rebuild the muscles up in my legs. I do use motrin occasionally, but it's too easy to overdo, so I avoid it unless the pain gets unbearable.

I also recommend reading Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis by Miriam Nelson, Ph.D.. Some of the information is a little dated, but not so much as to make it useless... and there is a TON of great information on diet and exercise to beat arthritis pain.

lotusfromthemud · August 2011

PA and some osteo here, along with fibromyalgia and a whole host of other isms.

Weight loss will help. A lot.

Another thing that will help is to have your doctor take your pain management seriously right now at your current weight. This will allow you to be more active, which will accelerate your weight loss and increase your activity. There are lots of meds (such as humira or prescription-level pain anti-inflammatories) that can help temporarily with pain management. If your means allow, ask to be referred to a rheumatologist, a physical therapist and a pain management specialist. All of these specialists will have help to give you.

As for me, running is something that is super-difficult to do. I train with the couch to five-k program, but I always need a full rest day (nothing more vigorous than walking or restorative yoga) on the day afterwards.

For non-drug pain management, I find the following things help a lot: hot baths (and good, old fashioned epsom salts), fish oil supplements (go to any health food store and ask for "fish oil from little fish", as small fish mean less chance of mercury contamination), and rest days. Rest days are important for pain management. Movement is medicine, this is something to remember. A few days without movement, and my joints lock right up on me, and I feel back to square one.

HTH. :flowerforyou:

XFitMojoMom · August 2011

sugars, dairy and grains are major inflammatory foods. I would start cutting those then one by one slowly reintroducing them to see what causes reactions. For me I learned it is sugar and grains that hurt my joints.

dixiech1ck · August 2011

Thanks for all of the advice! I appreciate it.

lotusfromthemud · August 2011

one more:

a paleo-style diet has really helped me alleviate symptoms. this post just came into my feed this morning, and it's a sensible approach to steering toward that style of diet. Warning: the authoress likes to swear.

but her blog is awesome.

http://www.stumptuous.com/how-to-go-primal-without-really-trying

Psoriatic and Osteo Arthritis -- anyone dealing with these i

Replies

Categories