Question: is there anything to do to reverse my arthritis? I have had two knee replacements. What can I do?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:

Arthritis comes in many forms and has many causes. It is important for you to identify the cause and variety of your condition.

Although osteoarthritis is the most common cause, it is not usually destructive, though can be quite painful. Low doses of anti-inflammatories are useful treatments. High doses are of no significant benefit with osteoarthritis. Sometimes topical medications such as Zostrix, can help. If symptoms are poorly controlled, schedule a consultation with a rheumatologist.

Other forms of arthritis can be very destructive to joints when not aggressively managed. Be sure you do not have one of these destructive arthritis varieties as the treatments are very different and often need to be very carefully managed to avoid rapid bone and joint destruction. Rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, gout, and septic arthritis are just a few of the arthritic conditions that require more than merely anti-inflammatories to control and address.