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How to treat early-stage osteoarthritis and low vitamin D levels?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 20 years old, 5'7 "tall, and weigh around 194 pounds. I neither smoke nor drink alcohol. I only use Minoxidil for my hair. After seeing the knee X-ray, the doctor said I had early-stage osteoarthritis. I found that the low rate of vitamin D might be a reason for it, so I got the test done.

My vitamin D level is 8.46 ng/mL, and the normal rate is between 30 and 50.6 ng/mL. I am starting to feel pain in my hands as well. What medication should I use? I got a calcium test done, which showed 10.1 mg/dL.

I can provide the X-rays if needed. I also want to know what I should avoid in the gym.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Gabriel Matias

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gabriel Matias is a General Practitioner and Family Physician currently doing his Master's in clinical reasoning. His main areas of expertise are Family medicine, Internal medicine, and Emergency medicine. Because of his experience in general practice, he also provides medical care in pediatrics, Obstetrics and gynecology, and general surgery. He has worked in high-volume academic tertiary centers, done observerships in the USA, and also been the primary provider of poor rural communities with little access to medical care in challenging conditions. He has seven years of clinical experience and is comfortable working with any leading physician or working jointly with specialists to help patients get specialized care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to iclinq.com.

I understand your concern.

You are a young male, and low vitamin D levels are uncommon at your age. Considering the pain you mention in your hands, I want to investigate this cause because it may be a systemic disease. I recommend a daily vitamin D supplementation of 600 IU (international unit). Take it after consulting your specialist doctor.

Be active outdoors, as sun exposure increases the production of vitamin D. Do weight training, which may also increase bone density. Be careful with exercises known to harm the knee, such as squats. Always consult with a certified fitness trainer. I suggest investigating the root cause of this problem.

Revert for further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At January 11, 2023
Reviewed At January 12, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gabriel Matias is a General Practitioner and Family Physician currently doing his Master's in clinical reasoning. His main areas of expertise are Family medicine, Internal medicine, and Emergency medicine. Because of his experience in general practice, he also provides medical care in pediatrics, Obstetrics and gynecology, and general surgery. He has worked in high-volume academic tertiary centers, done observerships in the USA, and also been the primary provider of poor rural communities with little access to medical care in challenging conditions. He has seven years of clinical experience and is comfortable working with any leading physician or working jointly with specialists to help patients get specialized care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gabriel Matias is a General Practitioner and Family Physician currently doing his Master's in clinical reasoning. His main areas of expertise are Family medicine, Internal medicine, and Emergency medicine. Because of his experience in general practice, he also provides medical care in pediatrics, Obstetrics and gynecology, and general surgery. He has worked in high-volume academic tertiary centers, done observerships in the USA, and also been the primary provider of poor rural communities with little access to medical care in challenging conditions. He has seven years of clinical experience and is comfortable working with any leading physician or working jointly with specialists to help patients get specialized care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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