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im only 35 and have osteoarthritis

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Osteoarthritis
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Posted 11/1/2009 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with this but I think they are wrong how can you have it at 35....io had surgery last may on my ankle I had tarcel tunnel surgery then on top of it I had my talus bone removed ...they told me that is a very hard bone to break and all I did was get out of bed like any other normal person then after surgery I still didn't feel like it got better so my next dr appt got an xray I broke my ankle..........since may of 09 I broke it 5x got the test sure enough I got it now I feel like its broke again..all I do is walk and take care of my kids .....anyone else know of a younger person having it ..
Posted 11/1/2009 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Merfy, have you been checked for osteoporosis? Osteoarthritis doesn't usually cause fractures; osteoporosis does. I broke both of the bones in my lower leg five years ago and to this day don't know how I did it.

Osteoporosis is usually found in women after menopause, but can occur at any age under the right conditions. It involves loss of calcium in the bones, which makes them brittle. Some drugs (notably steroids) can cause it, as can lack of weight-bearing on the leg such as in periods of extended bedrest, estrogen deficiencies and other factors.

I'm really sorry you're having so much trouble with that leg and foot. Have you had a second opinion as to what is causing it? That might be a good starting point.
Posted 11/2/2009 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
I was 25 when dx with Osteoarthritis...........
Posted 11/2/2009 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Merfy,

Hello and welcome to HealingWell. Young people are at risk. They generally have what we call secondary osteoporosis or osteopenia -- thin bones. This is generally related to lifestyle issues. Anorexia, bulimia, too much exercise with the loss of periods, being on cortisone or too much thyroid hormone, or not having calcium in the diet.

Once in a while we see young people who smoke or drink too much, whether it be alcohol or caffeine. These can be risk factor issues in younger people as well.

Please do discuss your concerns with your physician. Have you ever had a bone density test? this may help your physician identify your need for medication.

Take care and stick with us,

Kitt
Posted 11/4/2009 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
Has your doctor had you do a dexiscan to check for osteoporosis? It entails a x-ray of your hip and lower back. Very simple and non-painful. I would also speak with your doctor about how much calcium & vitamin D you should be taking each day to avoid osteoporosis. Also, some weight bearing exercises you could try also.

I started having issues with osteoarthritis by age 35 also and am now 52. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but with me it progressively gets worse with age. Don't stop moving or walking, it is good for you so you don't stiffen up. Learn to pace yourself though and learn to use good ergonomics. Ergonomics is making anything you do work with your body not against it. Such as moving heavy items up to waist level so you don't have to continually bend over to lift them. Bring often used items to lower shelves to alleviate constant reaching. Avoid twisting while bending over. Lift with your back straight, holding the item as close to your body as possible and use your legs to lift not your back. If you are still working outside the home check your work site for ways to make your job more body friendly. I've rattled on long enough. Good Luck and keep us posted on the possiblity of osteoporosis!
Posted 11/4/2009 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning Everyone,

Just FYI a bone density test = also called densitometry or DXA scan (DEXA scan).

DEXA Scan stands for Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry.
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