Short of surgery, is there anything you can do for degenerative disc disease? Has anyone noticed improvement through stretching or exercise? Diet, any supplements? Surgery is an absolute last resort. Thanks.

I guess I must press particularly hard on my keyboard with my index finger, or it's the most used digit; but, it has been painful for a couple of days. Notably, I cut my nails short a couple of days ago. So, I suspect there's some connection, at least to some degree.

Not knowing what this could be, I did a search online and found RSI - Repetitive Stress Syndrome. It's a bit like carpal tunnel syndrome, whereby non-ergonomic repetitive use causes the injury.

Six years ago I had a 2 inch spiral break to my right ankle. 5 days ago, I twisted the same ankle. It was swollen and I could barely walk on it. Since then, I have gotten xrays on the ankle but forgot to ask the Doctor if I should be concerned with a lot of cracking.

I have an aunt who splits her time between the sunny and warm climes of the American West and the Midwest. She says she really notices her arthritis when she is in cold or moist weather? Why does this happen? Is there anything she can do for relief (that doesn't involve boarding a plane?)? Thanks!

Hi,

Does rheumatoid arthritis lead to bone fusion?

Thank,
Ang

When I get up from sitting for a while, my knees crack. Why does this happen? Is this symptomatic of something I need to be concerned about?

I was diagnosed with deQervain tendonitis last year, and the only thing that helps is to wear the custom-made wrist brace.

When I had employer-paid health insurance, I went to a physical therapist to get the wrist brace made, and do some physical therapy on my wrist and thumb. I'm not sure that the PT helped or not, but the brace is great.

My good friend's 4-year old daughter was just diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis on Wednesday, and we are scared and shocked! What does this mean for the long-term health of her daughter? My friend also has a 12 month old daughter; what is the likelihood that she would develop this disease, too? Any way to prevent it?

I was wondering if you all had access to a pediatric rheumatologist, as my friend has some questions she would like to ask (for a 2nd opinion, they really like their current doctor).

Here are some of our initial questions:

Hello!

What can be done about back pain due to driving a lot on a daily basis for work? Is there some kind of support brace for drivers or some kind of lumbar support that can be worn to stop the back pain?

Thanks!

I know calcium is vital to women's health but I'm a bit confused as to what kind of calcium suppliment I should take, since there are different kinds. There is "chelated calcium" and "elemental calcium" and others....and I have heard mentioned that if you don't take it with Vitamin D that it's not as good or as well absorbed.

I eat veggies like brocoli and take dairy like yogurts, as well as other calcium rich foods but feel I could do with a suppliment too especially as I am not much of a milk drinker.