Spasms

Janwhy

Hi , I have recently been diagnosed with OA of hands and feet, had a steroid injection in my knee in January, which has helped, but still get pain and stiffness.

The Rheumy also told me that the pain in my shoulders is due to calcification, when I asked about pain relief he told me that the meds for my problems were addictive and had so many side effects. He is also sending me for tests for osteoporosis.

My questions are:-

1. What kind of meds would you normally be prescribed for OA ?

2. Why am I getting so many spasms in my ribs and back?

I have a lot of other medical problems and take a lot of meds. Also not able to tolerate strong pain meds.

My ribs and my back feel very tight and it feels like its restricting my breathing. I also have lung disease.

Sorry for the long post, any help greatly appreciated.

Jan

helpline_team

Hi Jan

Thanks for your message. I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you are currently experiencing.

For osteoarthritis you would usually be prescribed a type of pain medication. For the different types see our booklet on Coping with pain at http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Listedbytype/@73084/main_content/Copingwithpainbooklet2011.pdf and on Complimentary therapies see http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/complementary-and-alternative-medicines.aspx. For information on back pain see http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/conditions/back-pain.aspx.

There could be a number of reasons for you getting spasms in your ribs and back. If you haven’t already you can ask your doctor for advice or for a referral to a physiotherapist to find out what is going on and to get some treatment.

You are welcome to ring us anytime you would like to have a chat about things or if you have any further questions.

All the best

Nick
Helplines Team

Janwhy

Thank you Nick for your reply, will take a look at the info you have suggested.

Jan