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Suggest Treatment For Arthritis In An Elderly Person
Question: I'AM 72, IN LOUISIANA AND HAVE BEEN SUFFERING WITH SOME FORM OF ARTHERIS FOR YEARS. MY DR. HAS ME TAKING HYDROCODONE/APAP 10/325 TWICE DAYLY. IT IS GETTING TO THE POINT IT DOSENT DO MUCH GOOD. BUT WITHOUT IT I'AM ALMOST BED BOUND. I HAVE NEVER TAKEN UNLAWFUL MEDS, BUT AM BEGINNING TO NEED MORE RELIEF. WHAT CAN I DO?
Brief Answer:
Osteoarthritis, increase the dose and needs supportive care
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Use of opioid analgesics, age of 72 and some form of arthritis you mentioned is likely an osteoarthritis which is an age related articular degeneration and is very common in old age the treatment of which is merely symptomatic and supportive. The dose you are on can be increased upto 4 times daily and that will help the pain. Hydrocodone can be increased upto 60 mg so you can even take upto 6 pills in a day but keeping the intake to the lowest possible where pain gets relieved is wise.
Apart from it, consider physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chronic pain class use of braces or shoe inserts is wise. Cortisones shots, realignment surgeries and knee replacement surgeries can be considered as well.
Other alternative remedies like acupuncture, glucosamines and chondroitins , tai chi and yoga and unsaponifiable avocado-soybeans can help as well. Apply heat and cold therapy over the pain site, exercise regularly, use assistive device while walking etc.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Osteoarthritis, increase the dose and needs supportive care
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Use of opioid analgesics, age of 72 and some form of arthritis you mentioned is likely an osteoarthritis which is an age related articular degeneration and is very common in old age the treatment of which is merely symptomatic and supportive. The dose you are on can be increased upto 4 times daily and that will help the pain. Hydrocodone can be increased upto 60 mg so you can even take upto 6 pills in a day but keeping the intake to the lowest possible where pain gets relieved is wise.
Apart from it, consider physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chronic pain class use of braces or shoe inserts is wise. Cortisones shots, realignment surgeries and knee replacement surgeries can be considered as well.
Other alternative remedies like acupuncture, glucosamines and chondroitins , tai chi and yoga and unsaponifiable avocado-soybeans can help as well. Apply heat and cold therapy over the pain site, exercise regularly, use assistive device while walking etc.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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