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Increasing arthritis pain

cgritton
cgritton Community member Posts: 1 Listener
edited March 2018 in Cerebral palsy
How to cope with ever increasing arthritis pain

Comments

  • Tricia1912
    Tricia1912 Community member Posts: 41 Courageous
    Any ideas ld like to share them lm in agony with my back and am getting over a hip revision in my right hip but my left knee gives me excruciating pain. I’ve had it xrayed waiting for results but gp thinks lm looking at knee replacement l get one thing done which leaves me in a worse state than when l started. The revision was because the the joint head was pressing on my pelvis and l suffered and put up with that for 9 years till this new specialist l saw knew what it was. 
    I had the revision no pain in pelvis but more in my back and down my thigh going across to knee. 
  • Pippa_Alumni
    Pippa_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,793 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @cgritton, and welcome! So sorry to hear about your pain- I've moved this post into our ask a chronic pain advisor category where hopefully Claire will be able to offer some guidance.
  • sdoc94
    sdoc94 Community member Posts: 140 Pioneering
    Hi, I am 23 and have been suffering with arthritis since I was 19/20. A few things I do that help are below, although I do admit I have age on my side when compared to most cases - nonetheless, here they are:

    • Add Turmeric to foods, its a spice that has anti-inflammatory properties
    • I drink 'arthritis elixir' smoothies which I make, also containing anti-inflammatory fruits and veg
    • Long hot baths/showers really ease the pain, as well as hot water bottles etc
    • Slight exercises really do pay off, they seem to really loosen me up
    • Proper shoes! Good comfortable running shoes etc really help
    • Sleeping with a pillow between my legs really helps my back, hips and knees
    • Avoid sitting still for too long, if you're still for around an hour try to walk a little, or stretch etc
    • Exercises can be found online which relieve the pain
    • The controversial CBD oil was something I used for a while, I must admit it did help
    I might add these may not work for everyone, and to be honest my biggest relief comes from my tablets, the NSAIDs. Please speak to your GP before taking any medicines/natural remedies.
    Shady.
  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,671 Disability Gamechanger
    Scope
    Senior online community officer
  • ClaireSaul
    ClaireSaul Community member Posts: 92 Pioneering
    Hi @cgritton

    Sdoc94 has given you some great advice already.
    Turmeric is widely recommended now for anti inflammatory properties, and I would definitely agree that keeping moving and your mobility is important - sometimes easier said than done.
    Heat is my own preference using heat pads, microwave wheat bags or hot water bottles, but I know that some people prefer cold therapy - a bag of frozen veg wrapped in a cloth or a gel ice pad.
    Topical gels (such as Fenbid containing ibuprofen)massaged into the area can really help - and you can get these on prescription (although it might be cheaper to purchase).
    Many physios now practice acupuncture which can be helpful, as can massage - both to help ease the muscle spasm/pain that often accompanies painful joints.
    Have you tried a TENS machine? This might be something to discuss with your pain specialist or GP.
    I too have used the controversial CBD oil - I was asked to review some - and the particular brand I used did help with soft tissue pain, but I'm not so sure about for the chronic nerve pain.   
    On a more practical level devices to assist around the home can be a godsend - grab rails, cutlery & kitchen tools with extra grip/ease opening lids & bottles.  Your GP can refer you to an OT for an assessment.

    I hope that these posts may be helpful.

    Claire
    Claire Saul
    Chronic Pain Advisor
    Scope
    helpline@scope.org.uk
    scope.org.uk
  • jaycee6
    jaycee6 Community member Posts: 52 Courageous
    I have arthritis in both knees, I had one of my knees scraped out but it made no difference,Then I bought Pernaton cream and turmeric tablets from Holland and Barret .A bit expensive but buy when their offer is on. I feel a lot better now can go up the stairs and walk quite normal now. When we went away to a funeral for 3 days I couldn't understand why my knees were killing me again,It was then I realised i hadn't taken my tablets for 3 days as i had left them at home.Back home and 3 days later knees felt better again.I also put the cream on my knees everyday as a preventative measure ,But any aches and pains the pernaton really seems to help ,,It may not work for everyone,but it has for me.
  • magwatt
    magwatt Community member Posts: 3 Listener
    Thank you, got tumeric tablets but been told not to take incase it aggravates gallstones
  • Matilda
    Matilda Community member Posts: 2,593 Disability Gamechanger
    Freeze spray can give temporary relief from joint and muscular pain.
  • sdoc94
    sdoc94 Community member Posts: 140 Pioneering
    Guys, I would check instructions on the packaging of some of the heat/cold therapies such as pads and gels.

    I have noticed that a few say either "DO NOT USE" or "CHECK WITH GP" if you have arthritis or inflammation etc.

    For me I cannot lie the best cure I have is my medication, but all the things mentioned above definitely help. Hope you feel better.
    Shady.
  • ClaireSaul
    ClaireSaul Community member Posts: 92 Pioneering
    sdoc94 said:
    Guys, I would check instructions on the packaging of some of the heat/cold therapies such as pads and gels.

    I have noticed that a few say either "DO NOT USE" or "CHECK WITH GP" if you have arthritis or inflammation etc.

    For me I cannot lie the best cure I have is my medication, but all the things mentioned above definitely help. Hope you feel better.
    Absolutely - do check everything with your GP!  Some of the remedies available from health stores can also affect prescription medications and how they work, so do speak to someone before starting anything new (I did experience this first hand in my previous medical life with St John's Wort)
    Funnily enough @sdoc94, I am off to my rheumatologist this afternoon and about to ask about my meds as they are the best thing for me too!  About to refer someone else back to your good advice above.....
    Claire Saul
    Chronic Pain Advisor
    Scope
    helpline@scope.org.uk
    scope.org.uk
  • sdoc94
    sdoc94 Community member Posts: 140 Pioneering
    @ClaireSaul

    Thanks for the compliment! I have been dealing with arthritis for about 4 years now and trying to cope the best I can.

    I was taking Naproxen but changed to Arcoxia.
    Shady.
  • ClaireSaul
    ClaireSaul Community member Posts: 92 Pioneering
    @sdoc94
    I am currently using Naproxen - along with a cocktail for nerve pain - my arthritic symptoms are secondary to my connective tissue disorder and are getting worse with recurrent dislocations!  
    I was also late teens/early 20s when things deteriorated and was put on diclofenac at the time of my back surgery at 21 and like you have learnt to cope the best I can.  Hubby always says that I have been bloody minded....
    It sounds like you are making the best of a hard situation - really pleased to find you on here, and hope you carry on "chatting" C x
    Claire Saul
    Chronic Pain Advisor
    Scope
    helpline@scope.org.uk
    scope.org.uk

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