Arthritis

[trixie100]

Does anyone know of a safe pain killer or herbal medicine that can be taken for osteoarthritis

[BobD Volunteer]

Paracetamol. Any oral NSADIs are to be avoided but small amounts of external cream will not cause too much in the way of problems..

[CDreamer]

I take 1mg/daily Glucosamine with Chondrites recommended by GP. I also use Arnica Gel & paracetamol but tends to be my hands mostly affected.

[Nan1 in reply to CDreamer]

Morning CDreamer, can I ask do you also take Apixiban with the Glucosame. I cannot find out a definite answer from the doctor or pharmacist as to whether it’s ok to take when on Apixiban

[Mrsvemb in reply to Nan1]

I had the same problem with GP and pharmacist. However, because of the problems I constantly have with anticoagulants, my cardiologist referred me to a haematologist. I asked him about glucosamine/chondroiton and he said that they are ok to take with the new anticoagulants, but definitely not with warfarin.

[Nan1 in reply to Mrsvemb]

That’s brilliant. Thanks for replying. It did wonders for knee arthritis

[CDreamer in reply to Nan1]

Yes I take Apixaban & had no problems.

[Hidden]

I take, and am restricted to, Cocodomol 30/500 ( only available on prescription). The issue for me is Warfarin which I am taking for life. So it depends on other medical conditions you may have and other medications you are using. A Pharmacist will be able to advise.John

[Sewnknit]

oo, good question Trixie. I'm waiting for a call from my GP about my knees. I really hope I get referred for a new pair. I've taken ibuprofen for years in the past, but now a no-go with apixaban. Paracetamol 4 times a day just doesn't do anything now. I've tried Voltarol but the effects are limited. The thought of opioids for the length of a waiting list fills me with horror.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Sewnknit]

Never mind the anticoagulant, NSAIDs like ibuprofen have been found to be a cause of AF and should be avoided at all costs.

[Sewnknit in reply to BobD]

I was on a hiding to nothing really. Running and marathon training, ibuprofen and a mother and 2 brothers with Afib - didn't stand a chance did I!Now it's just apixaban and sotalol and my pacemaker.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Sewnknit]

As Frazer in Dads Army would say "YOU'RE DOOMED!" Perfect storm really.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to BobD]

Oh dear, Bob. I have such chronic pain from arthritis in my lower back that I have been taking naproxen for over twelve years. Nothing else (even 60mg daily of codeine) makes any real difference….

[Truckerclark]

I’ve been taking co Cocodamol for years ,on apixaban too , they help with my arthritis but does not take all pain away ,,,

[Belle11]

I take paracetamol before going for walks, tried cocodamol, but it made me feel really groggy. But changing what I eat in a number of ways has made a bigger improvement for me. I've had to avoid sugar for other reasons for a long time, and noticed that if I lapsed, I started getting acute knee pain - sugar is inflammatory. Cutting out dairy is another thing that has made a big difference. I do eat lots of fish and veg. I still eat fruit, and use xylitol now and then if I need to sweeten food. There's an article here that mentions other foods as well that may trigger inflammation and pain. preventarthritis.org/foods-...

This 2nd article is about rheumatoid, but my osteo is improved by following most of the suggestions there (which are mostly measures that help AF too.) jointfuel360official.com/fo...

I only really get discomfort now when I walk or have to stand still, and from not being able to get to sleep because of knee pain, I have no pain in bed.

Hope you find relief by whatever means.

[Slidingdoors99]

I would love to know as well trixie!

[mardale22]

Now if you want to try a herbal go for Boswellin (Indian Frankincense). Used it last year whilst awaiting physiotherapy for a shoulder strain. It gave me much relief.

[dave205]

A small 2013 study found that taking glucosamine may increase the risk of glaucoma, a condition that can threaten vision if not treated. Chondroitin may act as a blood thinner, so it comes with a warning about potential bleeding. Another concern is drug interactions, a problem that can develop with any combination of medications; check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking glucosamine and/or chondroitin. Many doctors warn patients that the FDA does not regulate supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, so they may not contain the amounts stated on the label or there could be contaminants in them.

[LouiseCanada]

I have found that adding turmeric to smoothies or soups daily helps with mild arthritis. I have had no pain on my walks. My husband says it helps him also.

[Ellie-Ann]

Might be worth looking up about food v arthritis Trixie. Somethings may be triggering it?