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I'm 65 & Have Been Dealing With A Condition For
Question: I'm 65 & have been dealing with a condition for the last eight years. Which has devastated my entire life. It has worsened over time, to cause me pain & limited use of various places on my body, especialy at joints. Simething has got into my body that produces this stringy material that that makes channels to go over my entire body. This stuff gathers at my joints to acumulate, which makes it difficult or very painful when useing that joint.Whn I bathe & try brushing it out, it crumbles into nothing.Its basicly located just below my tailbone. Makelng this solid mass that spirals out from the center to travel all over my body. Im not certain but it seems to be coming from my spinal column,at my lower back,where I have a
herniated disk. I ve seen several doctors but none have ever seen or heard of anything like this. What type of physician should I see concernig this condition.Also could you recommend a doctor near my location, in Manteca, Calif. XXXXXXX Adkins
herniated disk. I ve seen several doctors but none have ever seen or heard of anything like this. What type of physician should I see concernig this condition.Also could you recommend a doctor near my location, in Manteca, Calif. XXXXXXX Adkins
Brief Answer:
You will need to be seen by a rheumatologist and probably have some tests done
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query.
Joint pains can be caused by a number of conditions from osteoarthritis which is a wear and tear disease of the joints to important inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The specialist that deals with joint problems is generally a rheumatologist. So, I would advise you to talk to your GP and see the possibility of being referred to a well-known rheumatologist in the area.
The rheumatologist will do a thorough physical examination, check for swelling or redness of your joints and will also palpate them. He may also do some blood tests such as CBC, ERS, ANA, RF and other antibodies used to check for autoimmune conditions.
Arthritis may cause the joints to feel stiff and as if something is accumulating in them and showering or bathing may release the stiffness. The tailbone joints and the rest of the spine may be involved as well. A good check and probably some tests and examinations will be needed to determine the cause and the needed treatment.
Meanwhile, you may use pain killers such as Ibuprofen 600-800 mg every 6-8 hours after food and may use warm local compresses to help with the joint stiffness. The doctor may also prescribe other drugs to specifically treat the underlying condition.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
You will need to be seen by a rheumatologist and probably have some tests done
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query.
Joint pains can be caused by a number of conditions from osteoarthritis which is a wear and tear disease of the joints to important inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The specialist that deals with joint problems is generally a rheumatologist. So, I would advise you to talk to your GP and see the possibility of being referred to a well-known rheumatologist in the area.
The rheumatologist will do a thorough physical examination, check for swelling or redness of your joints and will also palpate them. He may also do some blood tests such as CBC, ERS, ANA, RF and other antibodies used to check for autoimmune conditions.
Arthritis may cause the joints to feel stiff and as if something is accumulating in them and showering or bathing may release the stiffness. The tailbone joints and the rest of the spine may be involved as well. A good check and probably some tests and examinations will be needed to determine the cause and the needed treatment.
Meanwhile, you may use pain killers such as Ibuprofen 600-800 mg every 6-8 hours after food and may use warm local compresses to help with the joint stiffness. The doctor may also prescribe other drugs to specifically treat the underlying condition.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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