Ask the experts - James D. Capozzi, MD
James D. Capozzi, MD, is associate clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. He specializes in joint replacement surgery and how it relates to all aspects of physical activity and movement. read more »
Guest expert - Richard H. Blau, MD
Richard H. Blau, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist and a Founding Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology. Author of the new book Too Young to Feel Old: The Arthritis Doctor’s 28-Day Formula for Pain-free Living, he practices in Hicksville, N.Y. read more »
Guest expert - Michael H. Weisman
Michael H. Weisman, MD, is director of the Division of Rheumatology at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles; he is also professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. read more »
Ask the experts
Q. I see some aspirin called “coated” and some called“enteric coated.” I find this all very confusing. Is there a difference betweenthese products, and are they really safer than regular aspirin? read more »
Painful episode of gout. What causes this problem?
Q. I recently had a very painful episode of gout. What causes this problem, and how can I avoid getting it again?
A. Gout develops when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals. These needle-like crystals can accumulate in a joint—usually a big toe—and cause intense pain. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines in food. Purines are substances found in large amounts in organ meats such as liver and in smaller amounts in all meats, poultry, and fish. read more »
My rheumatologist suggested that I buy shoes that are more supportive. What do you recommend?
Q.My rheumatologist suggested that I buy shoes that are more supportive. But I don’t know what to look for. What do you recommend?
read more »
Is manual therapy worthwhile
Q. I have chronic back pain and have not found relief through conventional treatment. I’m considering manual therapy. Is this treatment generally worthwhile?
A. Manual therapy of bones and muscle (osteopathy) can be beneficial for some people. The main types are osteopathic manipulation, chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, and massage. Doctors of osteopathy have the initials D.O. after their name. (They have attended a medical school similar to those attended by M.D.s.) Research has shown osteopathic manipulations to be effective and safe. read more »
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis. How do the symptoms differ?
Q. I have started having joint pain, and I’m concerned that it might be rheumatoid arthritis. My friend says it’s probably osteoarthritis. How do the symptoms differ?
A. Only a doctor can give you a firm diagnosis. But rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) do have some distinctive characteristics that may offer clues. read more »