Osteoarthritis and pain

Have you tried naproxen - a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) - sometimes more effective than paracetamol or ibuprofen.

It may be worth considering trying a topical NSAID cream i.e. a Voltarol gel - oral Voltarol is also quite a strong NSAID and if can't be tolerated (may cause tummy upsets, like a lot of NSAIDS), can also be given as a suppository (with much quicker absorption than via the oral route).  Gels/creams may be easier to apply to your hands, knees, elbows - would need someone else to apply to your back but please try to getting any gel/cream on your palms - always wear disposable gloves when applying any gel/cream) to avoid 1) absorbing more of the medication than needed + 2) because we use our hands for almost every daily task (from eating to going to the toilet).

Due to very log term osteoarthritis (OA), now have 6 herniated spinal discs (2 in my neck - C4-6 and 5 in my lower back - L1-S1) which often responds well to a TENS machine (I use the model that the NHS used to use).  Like yourself, also have had OA in my fingers for 30+ yrs, resulting in my knuckles, especially on the right hand being quite deformed (Hebden Nodules).

Cold and damp weather usually makes OA so much worse!!  If going outside, try using a thin pair of gloves under a thicker, perhaps "thermal" pair to give added protection?

Have you discussed your condition with your GP?  It also may be worthwhile to perhaps to ask your GP if he/she could refer you to a Rheumatologist?  Have you considered Complimentary therapies i.e. acupuncture, reflexology aromatherapy massage, a chiropractor for your back - speaking of which, have you had a full spinal x-ray or MRI.....again these diagnostic tests may more accurately identify your back problems.  I have used (and continue to use) the above complimentary therapies and have found chiropractic treatment of immense help in decreasing my back pain.  

You are certainly not on your own Flossy13 and hope you will find Carenity as beneficial as I have.............everyone is in this together and only too willing to help and support one another.  Please keep up your positive attitude - it really does help but also simultaneously empathise with you because pain can so easily "get to us" and so easily change "technicolour" lives into dark shades of grey/black.  Thinking of you and hoping you will soon find some relief.

Ann x     

Hi Heleena the 'here' is Blackburn area in Lancashire.  I see my Consultant on 7th June and I think I am going to have to dig my heels in.  I only hope he doesn't send me out of the area because this could happen.

I can't take any antiflammatory tablets and am limited to paracetamol as other pain killers constipate and my reduced bowel means I can't get constipated or risk further surgery which would mean I can't absorb nutrients properly. My hands feet ankles and knees are getting painful and my GP said that my hands were quite advanced for someone my age and how unfair was that!  She has prescribed me iboprufen gel to try and I also have arthritis gloves which can help with the pain when I am at work.  Sometimes the joints lock up and for a day or so look a right muppet with either a knee too painful to move or a finger that can't hold a knife! 

Hi..I'm new on here

Hi..I'm new on here

Hi Chezann 

You say you are new on here.......what problems do you have?  We all have problems

I have osteo arthritis in hips, ankle and lower back, had 2 hip replacements, after the 2nd hip replacement doing an exercise I fractured my greater trochanter bone and have been on crutches for over 2 years and will be permanently {so I'm told}but its the pain that causes me the most problems. Not just arthritis pain but this fracture that wont heal is very painful, especially in the morning even though I cant sleep on that side.

I've also got kypho scoliosis, osteoporosis {which is what the docs blame for the fracture} and a few other things

  Hope you do write back, we cant help if we don't know

.Love 

Hileena

Hi 

new to group and new diagnosed with osteoarthritis as well as mild rheumatoid arthritis. 

Pain in feet knees hands and neck 

I'm only 34. An my consultant told me that I was too young to suffer this condition  

currently taking naproxen

amytriptaline however gp has changed this to lyrica   Today so hoping this helps 

i tried the capsicum cream last night but my hands and knees felt like they were being scalded all night.  So not sure if I will use that again 

I have been using forever livings heat cream and swear by it.  It doesn't stop the symptoms but does soothe and I've been taking Epsom salt baths 

I have osteoarthritis in neck back and fingers. On amitriptyline naproxen CO dyromol and gabapentin. I don't seem to get any relief. The Dhs says I am fit for work. I also have sleep apnoea and diabetes 2. Anybody got any suggestions for pain please thks

what can I do to make the doctors prescribe me something better?( codeine, cocadmol)

I have  scoliosis, a double curve of 66,51 and find my pain agonizing, I went to the doctors but they just told me to take paracetemol ect, but I don't think it works at all for me.

any tips?

Most GP's are reasonably OK about prescribing weak opiates, that is Tramadol and below. They can be induced to prescribe a stronger drug but it can involve a series of bad tempered consultations. For you Tramadol is the logical next step. You are on Codeine and in animal testing Tramadol and Codeine are practically identical in strength. But the standard dose of Codeine is 30 mg. A Tramadol capsule contains 50 mg. It isn't stronger than Codeine but you are taking more drug. If you can persuade your doctor to prescribe two 50 mg Tramadol 4 times a day you should get more pain relief.

If Tramadol doesn't work the next stage is patches and Buprenorphine in particular. That involves a lot of argument but it can be done. I eventually persuaded my GP to prescribe Morphine.