Has Joint Pains For Years. What Can Be Done?

Posted on Fri, 15 Jun 2012

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 Answered on

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi doctor,my father is having joint pains for the last three years.Please suggest

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I can appreciate your concern for your father.
The reasons for multiple joint pains at his age commonly are:
1. Rheumatoid arthritis
2. Gout
3. Vitamin B12 deficiency
4. Vitamin D deficiency
5. Calcium deficiency

Ideal person to consult for this is orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist.
Please discuss this with your family and doctor and ask for a proper referral.

Most of the cases respond satisfactorily to the treatment.
After examination the doctor may advise some investigations like
RA Test
S.Uric Acid
Vit D level
B12 Level
Blood counts
Blood sugar
X XXXXXXX as per need

In mean time, this should help.
1. Ask him to have more of fruits, vegetables soups etc.
2. Maintain a healthy routine, keep walking till he has pain, and just stop before the pain starts
3. Apply some analgesic ointment like volini gel over the site of pain after a hot fomentation.
4. Milk and milk products are good source of calcium. He should include these in his daily diet.
5. Taking a mild pain killer like ibuprofen will help him till he gets a specific treatment from his orthopedician.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar