How do you cope with osteoarthritis pain?

@Courtney_J My doctor gave me naproxen for the pain, but it doesn't help much... At the end of  a long day I'll sit with a hot water bottle or a cold pack on my back or hands and it numbs it a bit. I've heard that capsaicin cream works well, has anyone tried it?

Yes. I had a tube from doctors and it was brilliant. Unfortunately I couldn’t get it again. There are lots on places like amazon but really you need a prescription one. Talk to your doc. If I can find the name I will post it. 

I am currently 9 days post op for a complete Right Total Hip Replacement and struggling. However, I know it’s going to get better in time and exercise. 

I wish you all well. 

I have a cocktail of pain killers and unfortunately cannot have any anti-inflammatory tablets or gels.

You just have to get on with it 

I too take a cocktail of painkillers but also use a Max Strength Ibuprofen Gel two hours after my breakfast medication or two hours before my teatime meds then usually two hours after my bedtime meds. That regime seems to work for me, but I don't need it all of the time only when I have 'flare up' episodes. I would recommend anyone to try the gel and see if you feel any better? 

Struggling with the cold and damp have had to up pain meds, still not working so well.

Laney365

Yes, I struggle a bit with the cold but just wrap up warm. I have pain meds but try to keep the dose low. For years I took morphine but then became allergic to it which was a shame as it worked well. I now take Oxycodone and adjust the dose accordingly. I have to laugh as take a lot of meds for Parkinson's and CIDP, but they keep me going, and am grateful for all the help I get

I had a right hip replacement in October 2018 , successfully , after 2years of severe pain on 2 crutches, I also have Arthritis in both hands, feet, left knee, left jaw, neck, (not much else left!!) . In 2010 I was diagnosed with Cerebral Vasculitis, and since , this has been controlled with Methotrexate and  Prednisilone. I have a fair amount of pain , but only take Paracetamol occasionaly, perhaps the drugs I am on plus Hydroxichloroquine for arthritis and having a fairly high tolerance to pain helps a great deal. I keep active with walking, gardening and until Covid appeared I took part in Aquafit 3 evenings a week. I either see or have a telephone consultation with my Rheumatologist every 6 to 12 monthly. There is also a telephone line to a Rheumatology clinic if needed to talk to a Rheumatology Nurse. ( my Vasculitis causes pains in muscles and joints, so it's a toss up what problem is causing pain) . I have been Shielding for the last 10 months, so look forward to the vaccine, to be able to eventually venture out into the world again. I wish everyone a happy Christmas , and hopefully less pain.🙏🌈

I forgot to mention in my post yesterday, I switched to following an anti- inflammatory diet 2years ago, ( cutting out all processed foods, but having plenty of vegetables, dairy, lower carbs, avoiding foods with omega 6, but plenty of omega 3, replacing flour with ground almonds and coconut flour, more fish, especially oilyfish , no red meat, no cakes , biscuits or sweets , (cakes etc. can be made with ground almonds & coconut flour with a natural sugar substitute e.g. erythritol ( I have dark chocolate with no lower than 70% cocoa solids. I also take supplements , a vitamin supplement, turmeric, ginger with black pepper, omega 3, and garlic) I have found my pains have significantly reduced over that time. It takes a little time to get used to the different tastes, but worth it. I found a lot of recipes on the internet.

I have recently moved to a retirement bungalow which I have had adapted to suit my needs. The move was exhausting so have been doing a bit here and there to sort out the stuff I kept after going from a 4bed House to 2 bed which I have turned into a study and have a large conservatory for a dining room. I have found more towels than I will ever need to buy again. My family helped me move and the builders I had for the adaptation have been brilliant and helped as well. Arthritis has been quite bad as I have been doing too much so have had to slow down, so annoying when one wants to keep going. I have Parkinson#s so that is another issue but have a falls alarm as unless I am very careful I topple over. So far have had only really hurt myself once when I knocked myself out and the world descended to send me to hospital. But despite everything I am determined to stay positive so I will wish you all a happy Chrismas and a better New Year

Yes, I have got a tube of Capsaisin. it works really well for me. It does take the edge off. it has to be on prescription. You only need a little bit and it goes a long way.