Does anyone out there have ideas about natural treatments for Osteo arthritis, can't keep taking NSAIDS..

[SunnySal]

Been taking large doses of NSAIDS but can't keep doing it as scared about my stomach, any replies much appreciated, thanks.

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I totally understand where your coming from.... This worried me too. I too have osteoarthritis in my left knee, and after an MRI I have since discovered I have only a tiny bit of cartilege left. The pain I have been it is awful, I too was taking lots of different meds. Taking the stomach meds too but was worried. I came off them all, suffered a lot lot of pain... I had a long chat with my gp and explained I did not want to take those meds anymore as I was worried about long term usage. I now use a lidocaine 5% patch. It is sticky and is stuck directly on my left knee. It takes the dull deep ache away, nothing more. I have asked and look for other things I can take... But I have other complications. I am taking fragmin anti clotting injections daily and whilst on this ha ha for the rest of my life I cannot use any herbal remedy! So I have no idea what I am to do!? I wish you luck and keep us posted as I am rather curious to know what you may find out!

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Morning Sunnysal I'd be grateful for some feedback too. I'm due to go to hospital on the 18 August for a steroid injection in my hips (arthritis both hips) the first one was in Jan at docs didn't touch the pain. I've been reading up on them and am really reluctant to have it due to potential long term damage to surrounding muscle. What do you do though when you're constantly in pain and find it hard to walk. Where is your pain? I have pain in both hips but more so in knees and down to ankles. I'm new to this site, so glad I found it, docs haven't been any help if I'm honest.

[SunnySal]

Hello Happy-smiles and Sunseeker1 - I love a bit of sun myself, think that helps with pain as much as anything, not had much this summer though!

Thank you for your replies, looks like we are all in the same boat! one thing I have found out that not all gp's tell you about is to take omeprazole if you are taking NSAIDS's as this at least helps protect the stomach, ask your gps about it next time.

My pain is in my back, the facet joints to be precise, I might try one of the patches you mention Happy-smiles as that does seem better than taking NSAIDS which goes into your insides. I'm sure there's got to be something natural out there that will help us, I'm going to have a good dig and will let you both know what I come up with.

[Hidden in reply to SunnySal]

Oh yes that was the name of that stomach tablet.... Omeprazole.... I took that! But still developed stomach issues!! I also read somewhere that narproxin affects the liver .... I took that a long long time ago and refuse to take that too now. I mean sure all medications are probably going to affect us one way or another with long term use. But I think it important to help ourselves and not just to sit back and accept what the doctors are willing to give us. They know about the medications and what they can do, but still prescribe them. I hope your gp prescribes you the lidocaine patches, I am told they are quite expensive and some are reluctant. I was given them whilst in hospital and my gp carried on prescribing them. Yes, do let us know what you find out.

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I have had osteoarthritis for some thirty years now, I wasn't able to take anything because of bad side affects so I just suck it up and keep moving . The key is to keep moving some times the pain gets so bad I could just step off the world but then I shake my head and say no there is no coming back from that so I carry on. I am also starting to us some natural remedies.

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Hi There All, I use Arnica Gel as a natural remedy, Its helps with the pain and is topical, so you just rub it in where you need to, you can also get Arnica Muscle Soak, a very small amount in the bath and a 20 minute soak works wonders I'm told (I can't use a bath any more but my friend does and says its good). You can get the products online via QVC. Its made by Simply Beautiful Collection. They may seem expensive initially but a little goes a very long way. Worth consideration I think, been using it myself since January with good effect.

[BurningScorpion]

Hi There.

I have arthritis in both knees, both being bone on bone.

I understand your concerns about anti inflammatory drugs and their side effects.

Firstly, when they swell, elevate and use a cold pack, and like a previous person mentioned, try to keep moving, if you are seated, then have a stand up and walk around every so often.

Do not consider using strapping or supports, they take over the work of your muscles around the joint, which will then degrade (i had 6 months extra physio because of this)

I did at one time take the strongest Tramadol capsules you could get, but then was too wasted to do anything.

Ask your GP for Voltarol gel, or similar, and take co-codamols or paracetamol.

The 6 monthly steroid injection into the joint, which i have in both knees, will not take away the pain, but will give you better mobility for a varying degree of time, but always make sure, after you have had the injection, you stay off your feet for 3 days, this helps to prolong the effect of the injection.

BUT make sure you keep moving and use exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint, losing weight will also help.

This kind of pain is awful, you cant sleep or concentrate for the pain, it is a vicious circle which can be broken, sleep with a pillow between your knees.

I hope i have helped you in some little way.