Joint and Bone Concerns

Answers for your specific questions.

Wondering about your health? Confused by what you’ve read? Browse our Ask the Nurse answer archive to find answers to many women's health questions and concerns. All answers are from a Cleveland Clinic women's health nurse.

Ask the Nurse Archive

Omega-3 Supplements and Fish Allergies

August 5, 2013 at 10:49am

I am 42 years old and I don’t have any health problems, but I have had some joint pain in my hip area. I read an article that taking an Omega-3 supplement would help with some joint pain.

However, I am allergic to fish and shellfish (I am able to eat canned fish and tuna). Is it safe to take the Omega-3 supplement with my fish allergy?

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Back Pain

May 7, 2013 at 10:57am

After working in my garden for a few hours, I am experiencing pain in my lower back. I do not take any prescribed drugs, but should I ask my doctor for a muscle relaxer?

I do lie down and put my feet flat on the floor, which helps ease the pain. After several days of rest, I start to feel better, but I do need to work in my garden again.

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Aleve

March 19, 2013 at 1:05pm

I take one tablet of Aleve in the morning and one tablet in the evening for minor aches and pains usually every day. I have a very physical job of lifting boxes and packing. I will be 59 years old in May. Is there any danger in taking the pills?

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Sediment Rate

December 7, 2012 at 1:50pm

What causes sediment rate to rise? Mine is 44.

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Bone Density Test

December 6, 2012 at 1:37pm

How often should a woman (64 years old) have a bone density test?

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Fosamax

December 4, 2012 at 4:41pm

My doctor has just started me on Fosamax. What is the latest information on taking this drug long and short term? I have had bone density testing done about four years apart and my doctor says that because of my family history and a change in the thinning of my bones, I am at risk of possible fractures as I age. I am currently 65.

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Restless Leg Syndrome at Night

November 13, 2012 at 4:05pm

I have trouble with restless legs, mostly at night. I would rather not take a prescription drug for it. Is there anything else that I could try, maybe extra vitamin supplements?

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Too Much Calcium In My Diet?

August 22, 2012 at 4:09pm

I wonder if I can have too much calcium in my diet? I eat a lot of non-fat Greek yogurt, low-fat cheese and drink at least two glasses of non-fat milk daily. I take a Nature Made 600 mg calcium supplement (60 percent DV) and a Nature Made Multi for Her + 50 (I’m 70), which has 30 percent DV. I also take 1000 IU of D3 and take a D3 supplement of 1000 IU.

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Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis

June 7, 2012 at 11:53am

I am diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis but have been told lately I am seronegative. When I see other specialists they act like I don’t have anything wrong. I am starting to have almost as much muscle pain as I do joint pain. Can you help me understand why and what I can do about it?

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Bone Density Tests

May 4, 2012 at 3:33pm

My friend just had a bone density test. What kind of test is this and do I need it?

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