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Supplements for arthritis help please

(35 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

Joelise Sat 12-Jan-19 15:44:22

I use Flexiseq gel for arthritis, it certainly eases it ,but it is very expensive . The only answer for me are knee replacements, and I am terrified to have the op . A friend recently had a replacement in her knee , and it’s worse than before !

loopyloo Sat 12-Jan-19 17:53:18

Which ointment is most helpful for knees?

Scooter58 Sun 13-Jan-19 07:35:46

loopyloo I can have a really badly swollen knee going to bed,apply Flexall liberally and wake up with all swelling gone and able to go to work as normal,at around £20 for a large bottle it’s worth it’s weight in gold to me.

Scooter58 Sun 13-Jan-19 07:48:17

Anjayes Salonpas has been brilliant for me,I get mine from Vietnam rather than from the chemist,small patches around £15 for 120, the Flexall is a topical coolant,mainly menthol,eucalyptus,glycerine,peppermint oil,thyme,aloe barbadensis leaf juice,guidelines say not to use if allergic to salicylates including aspirin,used by Physios and has made a big difference for me,lovely menthol smell too.

Anja Sun 13-Jan-19 08:47:48

Scooter I read that this “SALONPAS® Pain Relief Patch/SALONPAS® Arthritis Pain is the first and only FDA-approved OTC pain relief patch”

Between these, diet and serrapeptase I am now able to take the dogs on a decent walk. Rarely have to take paracetamol or ibuprofen etc these days.

Iam64 Sun 13-Jan-19 09:02:33

Methotrexate isn't an easy drug to take but , my experience was it is effective until RA or Psoriatic Arthritis has another flare up and other drugs need to be added.
I've tried all kinds of supplements, dietary changes etc but found that in the end, prescription drugs are the only things that really work.
I can't take anti inflammatories any more so I do make use of physio and accupunture, along with walking, yoga and pilates.
Tough isn't it.

Scooter58 Sun 13-Jan-19 09:08:26

Brilliant Anja long may it continue x

Scooter58 Sun 13-Jan-19 09:10:29

It is tough Iam64 but we soldier on and hopefully sharing experiences helps us all.

MrsJamJam Sun 13-Jan-19 12:53:56

For years I have used glucosamine with chondroitin, omega 3 and regular exercise and acupuncture. Now the pain has become immmobilising I have gone to GP who says physio (Have been doing that privately for years) and ibuprofen (ditto). He will not entertain referral for several months so I have decided that my only option is to pay privately for a new hip.

The moral of this story is not to soldier on without bothering GP. All the things you have done for your self will not count in your favour sad