Q: Four years ago, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) in my right ankle. Now X-rays show OA in my spine, neck, knuckles, wrists and knees. Can you tell me what caused OA to spread this way, and is there anything I can do to stop it?
A: OA is a degenerative disease of cartilage and results in overgrowth of bone underneath the cartilage. In some people, a traumatic joint injury can lead to OA, while in others genetics may play a role. The disease usually begins with a single large joint, such as a hip or knee. But it is not uncommon for a smaller joint, such as an ankle, to be affected initially – particularly if that joint has had a significant injury, such as a sprain or cartilage tear.
While OA can be limited to a single joint, in many cases it progresses to involve other joints, often in a sequential fashion as you describe. In some cases, pain from OA in one joint (such as an ankle or knee) can prompt you to walk, stand or move differently, which can, in turn, force other joints (such as the hip or joints of the spine) out of alignment and predispose them to OA as well.
Unfortunately, we don't fully understand the reasons OA progresses or have therapies to effectively stop the progression. For OA in general, the most helpful advice is to maintain an ideal weight, avoid overusing joints that are damaged and follow a plan of exercise that strengthens the muscles supporting the joint. Your doctor or physical therapist should be able to help you with any of these.
Grant W. Cannon, MD, Rheumatologist
In early 2005, I had a laminectomy for back pain which was unsuccessful. Through the year I had 3 procedures of injections in my spine and around my spine, all to no avail. I got a second opinion from a neurosurgeon who said I had multiple issues in my back and he would not operate as he couldn't eliminate the pain with certainty.
In 2006, I studied and read 6 books on mind/body functioning. I became a vegetarian for that year. My big take-away from all of that self-learning was one simple thing: take your power back and live the life you want to live. Don't let your pain stand in front of you but put it behind you and focus on your life, not your pain. I have tried to keep this in mind as I live with pain daily. It doesn't overwhelm me so much anymore. I have pain in my back, knees, wrists, neck, and now my left big toe joint at the base of the toe is starting to swell and is painful.
I take an NSAID twice a day but no pain medications, don't want to do that. I took fish oil but saw no noticeable difference but will try this again. I began juicing last year with spinach, lettuce, apple, carrot, cucumber, parsley and lemon. This has to help, just make sure you buy organic or wash veggies well before juicing.
One last thing, I have always been athletic and while running a daily 4 mile run 15 years ago, my back went into spasm. That was the beginning. I then walked 2 miles a day, to and from work, did gym workouts from time to time, I now play golf but not regularly. I need to get back to walking and I have a pilates machine that I think really helps my back to stretch. I think exercise is really one of the big keys to pain relief. Hope this helps.