Question: I am 76 and in almost constant pain in my fingers due to osteoarthritis. Is there anything you can recommend?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

Osteoarthritis can be a miserable condition and frequently affects the elderly. It can be diagnosed with an X-ray that shows inflammation in the small joints of the hands. Clinical signs of osteoarthritis include the bumps found on the distal (farthest from the wrist) finger joints.

Osteoarthritis forms from inflammation in the joints. There are many things you can do to help. The first item on the list is to clean up your diet and eliminate foods that promote inflammation. Inflammation-provoking foods include those made from refined products such as refined sugar, salt, flour, and oils. It is best to avoid the “whites” — white sugar, flour, and salt.

Furthermore, it is important to eat whole food, that is, organically grown fruits and vegetables. Eating animal products free of added hormones and antibiotics can also help. More information on a healthy diet can be found in my book, "The Guide to Healthy Eating." Finally, drinking adequate amounts of water is essential to any inflammatory condition. Take your weight in pounds, divide by two, and the resulting number is the amount of water you should drink in ounces per day. Following these steps is a must for combating osteoarthritis.