Osteoarthritis and pain

My osteoarthritis started 20 odd years ago in my lower spine... moved since then into my thumbs, ellbowes, neck and starting in knees. What helps me a lot, is regular Pilates, Aqua gym, gentle walks and Massage/ deep tissue Massage. Even when I feel in pain, I continue gently at this stage, as excersise really helps to keep my joints moving. I try and take as little painkillers as possible, as I get inflamed stomach lining with any painkiller I take (used to take very strong Brufen)

Hi just joined today.  I saw a tip for back pain, eating 4 prunes, 1dried fig and 1 dried apricot every night helps back pain.  I have been trying this for 4 nights now and will try for a bit longer.  Apparently there are nutrients in these dried fruits that help the discs between the bones.  Anyone else heard of this.

I am also getting a lot of pain in the groin area, which I have heard is assicated pain from the results of trapped sdciatic nerve?  Any tips for this?

Yes I used to do it for my lower back. Was very soothing and kept it mobile for a little longer.

Hi everbody,just joined to-day, i have osteoarthritis in both Ankles,i have had three ops on the right ankle and they are keeping an eye on the left one. All the NHS offers is to Fuse the right ankle, which i am not keen on and at the moment i have refused.I am a bit reluctant to take pain killers unless the pain is really bad, i ask for Cortisone injections but was refused. I have some pain releiving gel {Algesal} that i use.Just thought that i would introduce myself.Thanks.

Hi,i am new on here,i have arthritis in both knees,which I could cope with until 2 weeks ago,i was at my evening job,when it got to leaving off time,i was suddenly in so much pain,i could hardly walk,as I walk to and from work,i had no other means of getting home.I had to sit down on a bench,gradually take small steps while in absolute agony,i gradually made my way home,holding onto walls,fences,etc for support.I had to go on the club,and still am,doc said it was sciatica in left leg,so prescribed cocodamol and naprosen neither of which help much.My right knee is now really hurting,have tried gentle walking,but it is agony,i have to sit down,im so worried that I wont be able to return to work,as I have a manual job,that involves a lot of bending and walking......any advice would be appreciated....

Hi Teaspoon

My husband just had a Cortisone injection in his hip and I have had them in the past.  It might be worth seeing if your GP will try that.  It used to help my knees, I think I am a bit past that now with them, but it certainly did in the past.

Hope you get some relief soon.

Suncatcher2015

Hi , I have Osteoarthritis in the back of my neck and it causes toothache and pain across my chest and down both arms ... I suffer this almost every morning ... I have tried all different Orthopaedic pillows and it makes no difference ... I usually wake up and take my Pain medication straight away ( Oxycontin , Co-Codamol and pregabalin ) , I sit up and massage Voltarol into the bone where the problem is until the pain eventually subsides . Tuesday they are starting me on Fentanyl patches to see how I get on with them . I have said if the patches do not work I want to go straight back on the Oxycontin ( as it helps but does hinder my stomach problems ) :-)

Daren x

Hi @xDarenx - I read up on Fentanyl patches to see if they would help my husband, but they are not recommended for anyone with breathing difficulties.  He has COPD, so I don't think the GP would be willing to give them :(  shame as they sound good.

Suncatcher2015

Hi everyone I'm a new member , I'm interested in trying the boswellia, but I have type 2 diabetes , & am on Metformin & novomix insulin. Does anyone know if it will interfere with my medication?