Musculoskeletal

Available treatment options

We have a robust toolkit for managing these conditions. For acute pain and inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the cornerstone. I frequently prescribe Naproxen as a first-line oral option because it has a slightly safer cardiovascular profile compared to others.

For patients who struggle with stomach irritation, Arcoxia (also known by its generic name, Etoricoxib ) or Meloxicam offer targeted relief, often requiring just one dose a day.

We also use Diclofenac for potent anti-inflammatory action. If you prefer a topical approach to supplement oral medications, Arthrocann Gel , a hemp-based massage gel, is excellent for localized muscle tension and joint stiffness.

For my gout patients, managing the condition is two-fold. To extinguish an acute flare, Colchicine is highly effective when taken at the very first twinge of pain. To prevent future attacks by lowering systemic uric acid, I prescribe daily preventative medications like Allopurinol or Adenuric .

Finally, for bone health and preventing fractures, bisphosphonates like Actonel help rebuild bone density. However, these medications need building blocks to work, which is why I aggressively treat Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies with supplements like Calcichew-D3 , Pro D3 , or Fultium D3 .

What to expect from treatment

Setting realistic expectations is a vital part of my consultations. NSAIDs usually provide noticeable pain relief within an hour, but it can take up to a week of consistent dosing to fully calm an inflamed joint capsule.

A common pitfall I see in my practice involves gout prevention: patients often stop taking their Allopurinol during a sudden flare because they mistakenly believe it "stopped working." In reality, rapidly fluctuating uric acid levels are what trigger flares, so maintaining absolute consistency with your daily preventative dose—even during an attack—is your best weapon.

Self-care and prevention

Medication is only half the battle; the rest is biomechanics. For knee pain, I cannot stress enough the importance of building the vastus medialis (the inner thigh muscle).

I tell my patients that a strong quadriceps acts as a biological shock absorber for the knee, doing more for long-term pain relief than almost any pill. Try doing straight-leg raises while sitting and watching television.

Additionally, for bone health, practice standing on one leg while brushing your teeth. Improving your proprioception and balance is the single most effective way to prevent the falls that lead to osteoporotic fractures in the first place.