I have arthritis in my thumb. Can cartilage rebuild itself over the joints?

I am thinking about having thumb surgery for my arthritis. I heard that cartilage can rebuild itself over the joints. Is this true? But I also heard in order for that to do it you have to not use that joint for a couple months? How on earth can one do that? What would you suggest I do?

Answer

I consider nonuse of the joint to be ill advised, as over long periods this results in loss of function and other problems. Instead, to help with joint healing I prefer glucosamine sulfate 750 mg twice a day, and MSM 2500 mg a day, along with the herbs Willow bark, Boswellia, and a highly absorbed curcumin. I would also consider in my patients describing a topical mix of pain medications called the "Nerve Pain Gel" from ITC Pharmacy. This helps alleviate any kind of pain. Your doctor can call in a prescription for 30 g of the cream in a small pea size amount be rubbed over the painful areas three times a day. I would give all of the above six weeks to work in combination.

I hope this is helpful.

Love and blessings,

Dr. T