Arthritis in Adults

2 parent questions ▼
Archived Q&A and reviews ▼

Parent Q&A

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  • Arthritis in Foot - Kaiser Won't Treat, Now What

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    Jun 28, 2025

    I've got painful arthritis in one big toe and Kaiser no longer provides custom orthotics in house. I do feel like I need a pair (or two??), so welcome recommendations for podiatrists or similar professionals in the Bay Area (or is this a medical tourism opportunity??)  I am also open to acupuncture or other treatments for pain relief in this localized area of the body and for that I'd look for a provider in the Hercules-Oakland corridor. Thanks! 

    Jun 28, 2025

    I am in a similar boat (Kaiser patient who needs custom orthotics), and I recently (January) had mine made by Jenny Yu at Bay Area Podiatry Group in San Leandro. (I think she recently opened a second office in Orinda). I paid out-of-pocket, and it was maybe $400 for the exam and one set of orthotics. Jenny really loves feet and taking care of them!

    Jul 2, 2025

    Hi,

    I am actually getting kaiser to pay for custom orthotics right now through Kickstart Orthotics in Oakland. I think my rheumatologist was the one who authorized it.  But before I knew Kaiser would pay, I went to Propel Foot and Ankle in Oakland, which I really liked.  I paid out of pocket for that - it was maybe $500 and I was able to pay for it using my flex spending account.  Good luck and I hope you find some relief!

    Jul 3, 2025

    I have had my orthotics custom made by Brian De Main at Howard Orhtopedics in Richmond.  Years later they are still working well for me!

    Jul 4, 2025

    I never had the good fortune of Kaiser paying for my custom orthotics. Since 2008, I've been getting excellent orthotics from Maureen Lee DPM. Her office is in SF. I used to see her at Tang since she worked with UC Berkeley athletes in 2008. I don't remember when she stopped being at Berkeely, or maybe I started seeing her in SF after my student days were over. 

    Depending on your foot issues, I find you really want the orthotics made close enough to where you live. At least with my very unique foot issues that can change over time, I sometimes have to go back and she adjusts the orthotics for me.

     https://www.hillphysicians.com/doctor/maureen-m-lee-dpm

    Jul 4, 2025

    I highly, highly recommend Dr. Jenny Sanders at Financial District Foot and Ankle Center. She's in SF, but hear me out... the office is very close to BART, and they always run 100% on time, so you can be sure of not wasting your efforts to get there. I am a Kaiser patient but have paid out of pocket to see Dr. Sanders a few times over the years; she is worth every penny. (And fwiw, for certain services, her out-of-pocket prices are only a hair more expensive than my Kaiser copays were. Go figure.) I saw her many years ago for orthotics to adjust my gait after developing knee issues. More recently, I saw her for plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel. I have multiple friends who have seen her for a variety of foot ailments; all are happy patients! Good luck sorting this out...

    Jul 6, 2025

  • Elbow arthritis

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    Jul 28, 2019

    I am dealing with significant post-traumatic arthritis following a complex elbow fracture & surgery. Long term impact on pain & range of motion. Would love to hear anything that has helped others in a similar situation.

    Jul 28, 2019

    Have you tried physical therapy? If one person hasn't helped, try another. They are all a little bit different. 

    Jul 31, 2019

    Hi— I live with an arm with limited supination and a bend due to a terrible elbow fracture more than 10 years ago. I have tried many things and also have learned to live with this disability. The best for me has been to get as fit as possible building up the arm muscles and to protect the shoulder which now does extra work. I also do tai chi and believe that it helps. A complicated elbow fracture is so tough. Good luck to you. Helen

    Jul 31, 2019

    Hi,

    Just broke both my elbows on New Year's (rollerblading, yes...) and I did a lot of ice, and ibuprofen.

    But two extra things.  CBD cream with THC.

    3:1 CBD:THC [50ml] (600mg)
    Papa & Barkley
    Releaf Balm

    That's the expensive version.  I since learned to make it myself.   BUT the other thing which is not expensive is this.

    https://omronhealthcare.com/products/max-power-relief-tens-device-pm500/ or here

    https://www.amazon.com/Omron-Power-Relief-TENS-PM3032/dp/B00SVPNZXU?th=1

    • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (tens) Technology Relieves Multiple Body Pains

    It is electrical stimulation like you get at physical therapy.  It got me back whacking golf balls.

    Good luck,

    RA

    Jul 31, 2019

Archived Q&A and Reviews

 

Osteoarthritis in ankle/knee

Nov 2013

I'm 34 and very active. I work out, dance, and do yoga most days. Recently I've been having joint pain in my knee and ankle and my doctor says it's the beginning of osteoarthritis. I cried when I heard that. Is this what getting old feels like? I feel guilty and obnoxious saying that but I also feel like I'm mourning a life without pain and to be able to move easily. Is this something I can ''cure'' or do I have to live with pain sometimes or all the time for the rest of my (hopefully long) life? pain-free mama

More a commiseration than advice here, my fellow osteo sufferer. I have it in my thumbs and right know. My doctor told me it's really the result of a life well-lived; or a body well-used. I, too, mourn the limitations it brings and it makes me feel old and sad.As far as I know, there is no cure for it. However, I've found Salonpas to be a bit helpful and am using acupuncture. I also swim a couple days a week, which initially instigated pain, but now mitigates it. I've also been recommended for physical therapy, which I will seek out. In the end, I try to keep as active as the pain allows and try not to let it cripple me. Anon