Hello
I am a 70 years old. Female with history of Rheumatoid, but my specialist says it is stable, with no much change.
Few months ago I started getting numbness in my thigh and leg, to the extend that I cannot walk more than 70 meters without stopping and taking a rest. I take about 20 pills a day for my Rheumatoid and pain killers (8 different medicines) and 3 vitamins. I took 6 sessions of accupuncture with no much improvement. My specialist mentioned to me that it is arthritis and degeneration.
Please help me with some advise.
I also have developed neuropathy in both feet.. The podiatrist advised me to take very good care of my feet. When I told her I did not have diabetes. She smiled and said "Not yet" fortunately I am not overweight and eat well.
Faika You certainly could have Rheumatoid arthritis but that can be checked with X-rays. Not knowing what medications you are taking it is difficult to make any suggestions for you to talk to your Dr about. As your disease belongs to the auto immune family there are medications such as Humara which can suppress the symptoms. This is very expensive and may be out of reach depending on where in the World you live.
The only really helpful suggestion I can give is to suggest you use a cane, walker or rollator which will give you some relief and support and help prevent falls. keep in touch and let us know how you get on.
As a result of my physical therapy my doctor recommended alternative stretching; opposite leg and arm, backwards walking which is like dancing to strengthen the muscles & opposite muscle strengthening suggests, if your lower back hurts your core is weak. if your upper back hurts work your chest. These have been the only things that help me, with a reoccurring problem any other suggestions would be helpful
But I want to thank you for offering the alternative stretching technique, which I've also seen used occasionally by therapists. And that's good advice as to the core weakness.