High blood pressure and arthritis

anna7

Can you not take ibuprofen Sallywally1? I know it's an anti inflammatory but my husband has high blood pressure and arthritis and his doctor advised him to take both ibuprofen and paracetamol. He finds it works very well.

My pharmacist actually told me that Ibuprofen was not recommended for over 70s!

High strength turmeric with curcumin?

Sallywally1

GP does not advise anti inflammatories because of hypertension, so apart from paracetamol which is not much help, what can I take? It is affecting my hands now and sometimes I am in a lot of pain

That sounds really difficult to deal with, especially when the usual options like anti-inflammatories aren’t suitable because of hypertension. You’re not alone in this—many people in a similar situation have to look for alternative ways to manage pain safely.

It might be worth discussing other options with your GP, such as topical treatments (like anti-inflammatory gels), physical therapy, or even gentle hand exercises that can improve mobility and reduce stiffness over time. Sometimes heat therapy (like warm compresses) or cold packs can also bring temporary relief without affecting blood pressure.

Since ongoing pain management can involve trying different treatments or products, it could also help to look for a Best Savings Coupon when purchasing supportive items like braces, creams, or therapy tools—this can make the process a bit easier financially while you find what works best for you.
bestsavingscoupon.com/

Same here, 67, widespread arthritis and BP (and other conditions).

Despite knowing I shouldn’t I do take Ibuprofin, gel and pills, not regularly, but when the pain becomes too much.

There is another thread somewhere, under health, talking about pain relief in general, if I can find it I’ll post the link.

I was also told never to take ibuprofen by my GP because it is not good for your kidneys if you have kidney issues.

I saw my GP who said it was bad luck but I couldn’t use any anti inflammatories at all not even tub ib gels.

The nurse practitioner prescribed Ibuprofen gel just a month ago. I have bought Votarol gel and found it better but it's very expensive.
She and the GP seemed to think using the ibuprofen gel was fine.

I’m 78 and am prescribed ibuprofen as my body doesn't tolerate anything stronger. My BP is mostly OK. The GP agreed risk/benefit sits on the side of benefit.

I have just had two joints replaced in my right wrist due to severe arthritis, cartilage has all gone, just bone rubbing on bone. The advice from the anaesthetist was 'take everything, and don't wait for the pain to start'. Sent me out with codeine, ibuprofen and paracetamol, all to be taken six hourly. Only that lot then triggered daily migraines!

I’m in exactly the same situation as you Sallywally1. I saw my GP who said it was bad luck but I couldn’t use any anti inflammatories at all not even tub ib gels. I spoke to the Boots pharmacist who suggested FlexiSEQ which has no NSAIDS. You rub it on the joints then leave it to soak in for 10 minutes. It’s rather expensive. I’ve been using it for 8 weeks before getting out of bed and my joints do feel more flexible and less painful. I also visited a physio who manipulated my joints and showed me exercises - they felt great for a week afterwards! My hands were hurting so much and the top joints have become so deformed that I sold my piano - it was getting me down looking at it yet not being able to play so I do sympathise.

Sallywally1

GP does not advise anti inflammatories because of hypertension, so apart from paracetamol which is not much help, what can I take? It is affecting my hands now and sometimes I am in a lot of pain

I await answers!
The GP will not prescribe anti-inflammatories for anyone over 65, apparently.

She just prescribed codeine which has side effects, one being constipation.
And so it goes on.

Nothing works like Naproxen!

When I was in hospital for a heart op in discussion with one of the doctors they said very few of their patients were in ibuprofen or the likes

I didn't realise. My husband's blood pressure is well controlled with medication but his doctor definitely advised him to take a couple of ibuprofen everyday, even if he is not in pain. I will get him to check with his doctor.

It's not advisable to take any Ibuprofen if you have high BP.

Same here and the pain is life changing. I was told it’s the type of bp medication I’m on that prevents use of anti inflammatories, not the condition itself.

Oh sympathies Sallywally, that’s a real downer. I couldn’t take anti inflammatories for the arthritis in my hip. I was given Nefopam which is a stronger painkiller but sadly didn’t do much for me. I found warmth seemed the most effective painkiller. Have you looked at Arthritis Uk? There’s a lot of information on their website and a helpline that may be able to give you more information to take to your GP. Hope you find some relief.

Can you not take ibuprofen Sallywally1? I know it's an anti inflammatory but my husband has high blood pressure and arthritis and his doctor advised him to take both ibuprofen and paracetamol. He finds it works very well.