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Supplements for arthritis help please

(34 Posts)
Teetime Sun 30-Dec-18 12:35:23

I have never taken supplements other than a multi vitamin when I had been ill and it was a long winter. Now however my arthritis is getting me down and restricting what I can do so I am investigating whether to try a supplement (the GP having offered nothing more than 'take your painkillers'). Having a nursing and science background I usually look for evidence but I realise it may not be there in this instance but personal testimonies can count for lot. So if you felt able to share your experience with me and your suggestions re supplements I would be very grateful. Happy New Year xxx

tanith Sun 30-Dec-18 12:50:35

I’ve tried a few Glucosomine/Chondroitin, Omega3, Turmeric and a couple more, I tried them for six months each with no benefit. The only thing that relieves my pain are my anti-inflammatories Naproxen prescribed by my GP.
But everyone is different you may well find benefit from one or the other supplement which is why I tried them for myself.
I’m sure others will be along with their experiences.

CryKO Sun 30-Dec-18 12:51:17

Thanks for sharing the experience!

paddyann Sun 30-Dec-18 12:59:08

A friend takes Rosehip oil capsules and says her arthritis has all but disappeared in the time she's been taking it .Worth a try?

BlueBelle Sun 30-Dec-18 13:19:57

I have just been doing the 3 month trial for strong rosehip which we were invited to try on this website however it’s made no difference at all
I too have tried all the various helps glucosamine, chondroitin, various vitamins Tureric and black pepper and not found any difference
I m aware that for others they may work just saying what Ive experienced

FlexibleFriend Sun 30-Dec-18 13:53:06

I took high dose rosehip capsules for two years and they made no difference to me at all. I've tried everything and nothing seems to help at all. I can't take anti inflammatories so the only thing that works for me is morphine and lots of it.

Jane10 Sun 30-Dec-18 13:56:54

I tried everything! Ended up with two new knees. Traumatic at the time but a blessing now.

cornergran Sun 30-Dec-18 14:29:52

Turmeric has helped me as has a homeopathic remedy, Ruta in tablet and cream form. I have found physio useful and also acupuncture really helpful in reducing swelling and pain. My GP prescribes anti inflammatories which I know make a huge difference as now and again I try to manage without for a while. She also suggested I try Devil’s Claw which didn’t help at all, the same with glucosamine. I always think if something can do me no harm it’s worth a try, whatever research may say. We’re all different and so can’t expect one remedy to work for all. Hope you can find something that eases arthritis for you,

Cabbie21 Sun 30-Dec-18 15:37:14

I take glucosamine with chrondoitin, and also collagen. For a while it didn’t seem to make any difference, but eventually I realised that I am rarely in pain. So I think they have helped me. A change in air pressure causes me some bother, but I do feel I am not getting any worse, which is good news.

rascal Sun 30-Dec-18 15:43:40

A few years ago the consultant rheumatologist prescribed Hydroxychloriquine for RA. I'm still taking it, I think it could be helping. It's given for autoimmune conditions of which I have many. flowers

Teetime Sun 30-Dec-18 15:52:10

Thankyou all I take hydroxychloroquine and Eterocoxib with co codamol for pain so i guess thats all. I have found some hand exercises so I will try those.

Buffybee Sun 30-Dec-18 15:52:59

I had a lot of pain from my right knee and had acupuncture and also have been taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin as recommended by a Consultant for at least 3 years and it seems to have worked for me.
I take the very high doses, quite expensive monthly but worth it when it works and no pain.

Jabberwok Sun 30-Dec-18 17:10:44

I take a daily pudding spoonful of honey and cider vinegar! Works a treat for me.

chelseababy Sun 30-Dec-18 17:19:05

I tried the same as Tabitha and rosehip. No noticeable difference.

chelseababy Sun 30-Dec-18 17:19:26

Tanith!

Nanna58 Sun 30-Dec-18 17:28:42

Tried sooo many different supplements for my Psoriatic Arthritis, made no difference. So, reluctantly, am start on Methotrexate later this month. Not looking forward to it, 6 weekly blood tests and X-rays to ensure it’s not damaging my organs, but sadly no other options now.

BradfordLass72 Sat 12-Jan-19 08:26:15

I take, and have recommended MSM capsules to many people and currently, 4 years after being told I have no cartilage in my knee and should have the op, I'm free of all pain without the op.

I've had arthritis over 50 years (3 different kinds, lucky me!) and this is the only thing I've found which really works. None of the things above did.
www.healthline.com/nutrition/msm-supplements

Anja Sat 12-Jan-19 08:58:00

Anyone else tried Serrapeptase? I’ve has quite a bit of relief using this,

Nelliemoser Sat 12-Jan-19 09:12:05

Getting old and more decrepit is no joke. sad sad] sad] sad]

shysal Sat 12-Jan-19 09:17:52

An 83 year old friend swears by Glucosamine gel rubbed into her knees every night. She is free from pain but who knows whether she has/had arthritis in the first place!

grannysue05 Sat 12-Jan-19 09:21:26

I swear by Omega 3 Fish Oils in soft gel capsules which are easy to swallow.
I have arthritis in the hands and find that if I stop my daily dose for a week or so (due to cost) the pain and loss of movement returns with a vengeance.
With a daily dose I am able to function.

janeainsworth Sat 12-Jan-19 09:27:45

Voltarol gel (diclofenac) applies when & where needed works well for me.
I take glucosamine + chondroitin too.

Scooter58 Sat 12-Jan-19 09:30:39

I have rheumatoid arthritis ,inject methotrexate weekly and also inject benepali weekly,seems to be working to hold the progression of the disease,however when I do have swollen knees,hands etc I apply Flexall Gel or Salonpas patches,both are excellent reducing swelling and pain.

Anja Sat 12-Jan-19 12:52:54

Salonpas patches do work I agree scooter. They are recommended over rub in gels such as Volterol as they deliver a measured dose. Easy to overdo run in gels, many people just slap them on.

David1968 Sat 12-Jan-19 13:31:01

Glucosamine with chondroitin and MSM. (This is available as a "three in one" tablet.) I've taken this for years & it helps me. (I'm currently trying out turmeric tablets as well; think these are helping me to cut down on anti-inflammatory medication, but it's only been a few months.) I find glucosamine gel to be helpful for my hands.