Ask the doctor
QMy naturopath suggested I try Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) for pain relief for two bulging discs in my back, arthritis and a pinched nerve. I’ve been taking 600mg daily for three months and had great results. Do you know if there are long-term effects? F.E.
There is evidence that PEA is a very promising treatment for a range of chronic pain conditions. It appears to be safe with no reported adverse effects and is not addictive. It is important to keep up your activity levels; possibly ask for advice from an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist.
QWhen I lie down, the skin on my toes feels weird. I’m not diabetic; my thyroid is fine. My doctor says it’s my age (75). I walk 6km five days a week, take aspirin and a cholesterol tablet. I had a heart attack a year ago. I went off Metoprolol three months ago and blood thinners and blood pressure medication four weeks ago after my check-up. M.P. Speak to your doctor about your medication. Peripheral neuropathy can be a side effect of a statin (your cholesterol tablet). Ask if it is necessary for your age and medical condition, and if so, is there another medication for cholesterol lowering which does not cause nerve damage.
QI’m a healthy 73-year-old, but I have a large cyst at the back of my knee that causes stiffness and pain and stops me being active. Is there a non-surgical way to remove it? P.N.
A popliteal cyst (or Baker’s cyst) is usually associated with cartilage damage or arthritis in the knee and these conditions may cause pain. The fluid in the cyst can be drained under ultrasound to make it more comfortable, but you may need to treat the cause for long-term relief.
QMy children scratch their mosquito bites until they bleed. I’m reluctant to use chemical repellents and the plug-in light device didn’t work. Are there any safe, natural repellents that work and how do I treat mosquito bites that have been scratched? J.B.
A simple treatment is calamine lotion or an over-the-counter steroid cream to help with itch, and covering bites with a dressing to protect them from scratching. Antibiotic cream will be necessary if bites show signs of infection. Prevention is best. Make sure the children wear light-coloured clothing with full legs and sleeves when they are outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk. Install fly screens on windows and doors.
QMy periodontal (gum) disease is checked every five months and I get good reports each time. I asked about heart disease but they don’t seem concerned. Does anything else need to be checked? A.P.
There’s a connection between heart disease and gum disease. However, there’s no proof treating gum disease prevents heart disease. Your regular dental and periodontal checks are recommended for good oral health.