Advice, please!

[Rog65]

Over the past four months I’ve had a very painful knee. I have a doctor’s appointment next week. I suspect it is osteoarthritis (I’m 68). I’m also aware that other joints, particularly my shoulders, are also aching, especially when I get up in the mornings. I am taking 60 mg Lixiana, 1.25 mg Bisoprolol, 2.5 mg Ramipril. Please can you advise of any supplements I can safely take to help with the pain? I’m aware that things like Voltrarol are not a good idea.

[Bagrat]

No advice re supplements as all I've come across are contraindicated with anticoagulants. Do not despair though, if it does turn out to be arthritis do look at Versus Arthritis website, lots of advice and doable knee exercises. Even I can do them and they do help

[Rog65 in reply to Bagrat]

Thank you. I’ll look at your recommended website.

[BobD Volunteer]

Paracetamol and codeine if you doctor will prescribe. Gels are fine if used sparingly my doctor told me

[Rog65 in reply to BobD]

Thank you for the advice, Bob.

[Buffafly]

Tiger Balm RED. Also look up knee bursitis and if it seems appropriate follow the advice until you see the doc. Best wishes

[Rog65 in reply to Buffafly]

I have some in the cupboard but hadn’t thought to use it. Thanks for this - I’ll give it a go!

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to Rog65]

Hi

A Tens machine might help you.

chers JOY

[Rog65 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

👍

[mav7]

Use the suggestions here and discuss with your doctor.

Also, discuss being referred to a physical therapist to begin an appropriate exercise program.

[Rog65 in reply to mav7]

Thanks for your help.

[wilsond]

I am prescribed Fenbid 5% gel for same reason. Safe to use as doesn't go through stomach x

[Rog65 in reply to wilsond]

I’ll mention that to the doc. Thank you.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Any Statins, EZE-Timbre etc?

They can cause aches and pains.

With AF you are advised not to take Ifoprofen but in 10% folks takes away all Athritis pain.

It is a Brufen family med.

My gynae offered me to try it. The first 24hr period was painful. It worked for me as long as I had it in my blood stream before it arrived.

I was on time so I started them in time.

With AF with pain inflammatory I have changed to codeine with paracetamol.

Limber up before you get up in the morning. Do exercises in bed. Are you warm after using the heating blanket before you get into bed. (Never have the blanket on when you are on top of it). Turn it off.

Not nice. I feel for you.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

[Rog65 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

No, not on statins. Thanks for these great suggestions. Will certainly try them!

[Qualipop]

Taking anti inflammatory tablets is not advised but I don't think there's any reason why you couldn't use a rub on ointment like voltarol or feldene gel. Not as good but better than nothing. I use feldene. Supplements are not wise. Has this only started since you started taking the statin? They can cause joint pains in some people.

[Rog65 in reply to Qualipop]

Thanks, interesting, and I'll investigate feldene. I don’t take statins so can’t blame them!

[Qualipop in reply to Rog65]

Feldene Gel is just one of the brand names for Piroxicam. I sympathise on the shoulders. I literally scream every morning when I try to turn over; shoulder, elbow hand. Physio's given me exercises but they seem to make them worse. You could have a steroid injection into your knee depending what's wrong. My husband's needed a new knee for 10 years but is too much of a coward but a steroid injection helped a lot. I had a violent reaction to the steroid so that's not an option for my shoulders. I've taken oxycodone for 30 years for severe spinal problems but it doesn't touch the arthritis pain. If you google it there are lots of foods that can cause inflammation. Cutting out those might help a bit. I'm afraid I find GPs pretty useless for pain relief. Ask to see a pain consultant but expect a long wait.

[Rog65 in reply to Qualipop]

Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. Thanks for the advice. I’ll certainly google foods that cause inflammation too.

[Broseley]

I was prescribed capsaicin cream. It's based on chilli. I seems to help. I also put a small toddler pillow between my knees in bed (from Am****). Better than all the specially made ones which have elastic at the back and cut off my blood supply!

[Rog65 in reply to Broseley]

Thanks for this. I’ll investigate the cream the the pillow is a great idea - it’s so painful at night. Also the money saving tip!