Gransnet forums

Health

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

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

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

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

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

Brilliant Anja long may it continue x

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Which ointment is most helpful for knees?

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 !

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Tanith!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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