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Health

Arthritis pain

(100 Posts)
travelsafar Thu 25-Apr-24 11:40:18

I am in constant pain like many other people and I know that exercise is recommended, if you have arthritis in spine hips and knees, do you find exercise helps. I try to walk for three days week and do seated exercise 2 times a week. I honestly find it makes no difference. I admit I only take paracetamol as opids have totally messed up my digestive system. Meds I take for heart and nerve pain can cause constipation but I have to take those. Some days I despair of what will happen to me as I get older.šŸ˜’

JenniferEccles Thu 25-Apr-24 22:46:20

Have you had any X-rays done to see what state your hips and are in and if any need to be replaced?
There comes a time with osteoarthritis when joint replacement really is the only option. No amount of physiotherapy or acupuncture will help once joints get to the stage where cartilage has worn away and you have bone on bone which can be excruciating.

Hip and knee replacements really are a game changer.

Gwyllt Fri 26-Apr-24 07:52:37

The dr may say you have too much mobility for new knees but if waiting lists in your area are long perhaps it might be a good idea to get on the waiting list before it gets too bad to.
My hips were shot but because I had done a lot of stretching and exercises my mobility was not too bad
There is the argument not to let joints get too bad before doing something about it

Farzanah Fri 26-Apr-24 09:21:26

You are right Gwyllt about not letting joints get too bad, because the fitter you go into surgery the better the outcome. However the NHS doesn’t work like that, and unless you are forking our privately, you can’t be referred until the joints are bu**ered.

GrandmasueUK Fri 26-Apr-24 10:53:46

I've been on a waiting list for hip replacement for 4 years now. I was told I needed bariatric surgery before I could have it. I've completed all the relevant sessions/zoom meetings/assessments etc for this but at my last face to face with the bariatric surgeon it didn't go well. I had previous abdominal surgery and have been left with a huge scar across my stomach. This means I probably have adhesions now which makes the bariatric surgery trickier. I no longer want this and apparently the cut off is usually 70 years, which I will be in 6 months time.
In the meantime my hip is getting worse, so I sympathise with you who are in constant pain. I'm taking co-codomol and ibuprofen morning, noon and night. I can't even do the seated exercises. I am so lucky as my partner is really good, but I never wanted him to be my carer, even though he says he doesn't mind.
I'm interested in the other pain relief being discussed on here as I've tried all sorts already. The cow cream will be the next thing for me. I'll give anything a go now grin

2oaktrees Fri 26-Apr-24 13:21:05

Do try 5kind. It eases the pain immediately. I buy mine on Ebay. Read the feedback it's highly praised. It's made with hemp

Farzanah Fri 26-Apr-24 14:06:02

I’ve read the blurb on 5kind …..5kind Hemp Active Gel is a game changer for individuals seeking arthritis relief, it’s unique blend of natural ingredients, including CBD, offers targeted pain relief and improved joint mobility, with regular use, users can experience the benefits of natural arthritis relief without the worry of harsh side effects. Say goodbye to arthritis pain and embrace a more comfortable, active lifestyle , with this exceptional gel.

I think there are so many of us living with chronic pain and we are willing to try anything which promises relief. However I also like to seek out medical evidence based research first, such as that done by the University of Bath, before I buy on the internet. This may indeed be an effective pain relief, safe treatment, but if so why is it not in mainstream medical use?

SewnSew Sat 27-Apr-24 11:06:57

Please, please try acupuncture. You need to have more than one treatment before you feel any real benefit, but it works. I now have it monthly and am relatively pain free despite arthritis in all my joints. It's not a cure, of course, but it does relieve the pain.

Susieq62 Sat 27-Apr-24 11:15:19

Pilates
Turmeric
Glaucosamine
Steroid injections
Use it or lose it for me !

JennyCee Sat 27-Apr-24 11:23:56

It would be a huge help if people would take a weee bit of time to write names etc out instead of us guessing what the initials stand for, in this case, what is MSK????

penny4them Sat 27-Apr-24 11:27:56

I have osteoarthritis, and have had two hip replacements. I also have Fibromyalgia and gout , which I take medication for from the doctor. I'm on Voltarol cream, co codamol effervescent tablets two , three times daily .
To prevent constipation, I buy Silicol gel which settles my stomach and prevents constipation. The doctor will prescribe constipation liquid if you let them know. I also eat plenty of fruit,but avoid any grapefruit, or oranges that can trigger off a fibromyalgia flare which is extremely hard , and can lay one up for days or even weeks. I have a rollator and walk as much as I can. I live by the sea , so it's very helpful to get a walk along the sea front. I've also found Biofreeze very good on sore joints . Wishing all who have arthriric conditions, a pain free solution. I take Amitriptyline at night , prescribed by doctor.

Hemgranot Sat 27-Apr-24 11:31:49

www.herbalhealth.org.uk/product/ninja-for-people/

I use this. It was developed by a friend of mine and she has hundreds of customers who swear by it. As do I.

Massage a pea size blob into the sore places a few times a day. Bonus is that my hands are less painful too.

(If you order a 30ml pot of the regular balm she’ll pop in a sample size too. And if you want to choose your sample write in the order notes. There’s Relax, Recover, Soothe and Pest Potion too).

Randa Sat 27-Apr-24 11:33:43

I have found aqua fit great as the water supports you. I have arthritis as you described I am afraid I take co-codamol and Naproxin But Aqua is great and there are a few people who swear by it to normally

ExDancer Sat 27-Apr-24 11:44:57

I'm told my osteoarthritis is 'wear and tear' so I can't get my head round the advice to go for daily walks and take more exercise. Surely if I wore out my knee and ankle joints and tore my shoulder through playing tennis - continuing with these activities is a bad idea?

polnan Sat 27-Apr-24 11:46:39

ah! Turmeric,, wish I could find a reputable a good pill of Turmeric with pepper? any recommendations please.

deedeedum Sat 27-Apr-24 11:50:23

I resurrected a jar of CBD Ultra cream from Holland and Barrett, don't know why I bought it in the first place. Although it was expensive, it has worked wonders for my back, leg and foot.

Fae1 Sat 27-Apr-24 11:59:52

Fact of life - it gets harder as you get older (I'm 74) but pushing yourself to keep mobile is paramount. I started Pilates a month ago (have arthritis in back,hip,knee and also suffer badly from sciatica). My daily Pilates exercises have helped no end with mobility, flexibility and strength. I can't understand why anyone would decline a referral to a physio Mini moon.! Remaining active is vital as we get older and the old adage is true - use it or lose it!

Alison333 Sat 27-Apr-24 12:09:33

Randa

I have found aqua fit great as the water supports you. I have arthritis as you described I am afraid I take co-codamol and Naproxin But Aqua is great and there are a few people who swear by it to normally

No need to apologise for taking co-codamol and Naproxen! If it helps you to keep moving then it's good.

Eileen Sat 27-Apr-24 12:14:54

I find swimming helps, well hydro therapy pool but mine is Rheumatoid but I’m sure it helps to ease the joints

ExDancer Sat 27-Apr-24 12:31:33

Hmmmm
I used it and lost it!

Farzanah Sat 27-Apr-24 12:49:14

Hemgranot My observation is similar to my reply to 5kind.

Farzanah Sat 27-Apr-24 12:53:27

ExDancer

I'm told my osteoarthritis is 'wear and tear' so I can't get my head round the advice to go for daily walks and take more exercise. Surely if I wore out my knee and ankle joints and tore my shoulder through playing tennis - continuing with these activities is a bad idea?

Mine is definitely inherited, as I suspect many cases of severe osteoarthritis are, unless you’ve had an injury. It’s important to keep moving as it helps to maintain fluid to ā€œoilā€ joints. Of course you need to gauge your activity and not over do it. I take codeine before exercise, and the advice about swimming is great, I will start that along with gentle yoga.

rocketship Sat 27-Apr-24 13:45:34

I will assume you had x-rays done and the most severe points of arthritis were noted.
Although walking might be the answer for some, for many [me included] it's physiotherapy. [Make sure the physiotherapist has a copy of your x-ray results.]
With that and a very good set of 'proper' stretching exercises for your particular case it's the very best way to go.
I lie on the bed and do my stretching exercises every morning, and more often as necessary.
Once in awhile I need a pill for pain but not very often now.
Good luck~~~

Stephania1954 Sat 27-Apr-24 13:47:04

I have arthritis in both knees and go swimming, but most helpful is aqua-fit. I try to go 3 times a week. I take codeine and paracetamol. Also had the cortisone jabs In one knee there was no effect at all but the other knee ( different doctor, different injection site ) the effect was really good. My doctor said that it’s mechanical so not to bother with supplements, I was trying everything. I might give acupuncture a try.
The other thing I found useful was walking poles, better than a walking stick. I also use as mobility scooter for long treks around county parks

SheepyIzzy Sat 27-Apr-24 13:57:42

Spuddy

m.media-amazon.com/images/I/114DcW05z-L._AC_.jpg

I absolutely swear by Teatmint Udder Cream.

It was originally made for cows in Japan to ease teat problems but it works on humans too.

There's a strong pong of mint which last hours and you'd only need a bit of cream at a time.

My hubby rubs it on my back, hips, feet and neck and I do it for my hands/wrists, elbows, shoulders and knees.

No point in me exercising as I'm in constant 24/7/365 pain with the back/hips and Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis, and prescribed pain killers/arthritis easers do absolutely nothing for me at all even though the doctors insist they do!

I stick to the cream and Ibuprofen!

I clicked on your link, I use (Not for me) the cai-pan version, stunning mint smell, but use gloves as the smell lingers.

I DO use it for cow teats, when she's weaning, I slather it all on her teats and bag, stops the flies!

dogsmother Sat 27-Apr-24 13:59:23

MSK = musculoskeletal