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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Swelling In The Joints Be Treated?

Good Evening! My husband takes Enbrel, by injection, weekly, for Rheumatoid arthritis, and now has some heart issues and is taking Diltiazem, orally, twice a day. Ever since beginning the Diltiazem, he feels terrible and his joints are swollen all the time. A man who once ran marathons and walked at least 10,000 steps a day (fitbit) up until now, can barely walk and is in pain all the time. His Rheumatologist does not think the combination of drugs is the problem, but I think it ironic that these problems began with his taking Diltiazem. Please advise. Thank you!
posted on Fri, 30 Mar 2018
Twitter Tue, 17 Apr 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 26 Apr 2018 Last reviewed on
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Ayurveda Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

1. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blockerused in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris and some types of arrhythymia and although ankle edema is a known ADR [adverse drug reaction] but joint pains is a less common incidence with the said drug, so it is best to check with your attending physician or get a second opinion since he will be in better position to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of the side effects which are bothersome or if you have any questions about them.

2. As he is a disgnosed case of RA, thus remember that Rheumatoid Arthritis is an Autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the joint linings resulting in joint destruction and deformity. [other cause could be hip osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, osteoporosis, so if possible get an Orthopedic Surgeon/Rheumatologist opinion]

3. It will require a team of specialist [ Rheumatologist/ Physiotherapist, Nutritionist, Primary care provider [PCP] for comprehensive
management.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Munish Sood
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How Can Swelling In The Joints Be Treated?

Hello, 1. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blockerused in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris and some types of arrhythymia and although ankle edema is a known ADR [adverse drug reaction] but joint pains is a less common incidence with the said drug, so it is best to check with your attending physician or get a second opinion since he will be in better position to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of the side effects which are bothersome or if you have any questions about them. 2. As he is a disgnosed case of RA, thus remember that Rheumatoid Arthritis is an Autoimmune disease in which the body s immune system attacks the joint linings resulting in joint destruction and deformity. [other cause could be hip osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, osteoporosis, so if possible get an Orthopedic Surgeon/Rheumatologist opinion] 3. It will require a team of specialist [ Rheumatologist/ Physiotherapist, Nutritionist, Primary care provider [PCP] for comprehensive management. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Munish Sood