Ibuprofen Gel

[LesleyJ59]

After a small HA six years or so ago, I take aspirin, amplodipine, ramipril and atorvastatin. I've strained a tendon in my upper arm which has seriously impacted the mobility of my dominant arm. To cut a long story short, my GP has diagnosed tendonopathy and while I wait to see a physiotherapist for a more detailed assessment, she has advised me to rest it (difficult as it makes it awkward and painful to get dressed), apply ice and use ibuprofen gel.

I'm not really impressed by the gel - I've not used it before and don't notice any improvement as yet. I know I'm not supposed to take NSAIDs because of the aspirin, but the GP seemed to think it's okay. Do any of you have any advice or other information? Should I avoid alcohol whilst I use the gel?

[Tos92]

Hi LesleyJ59

Sorry to hear of your tendonopathy diagnosis.

I don’t know if it’s safe to use due to your heart condition however, I’ve seen that you mention you haven’t had any improvement from it. My mum suffers with a lot of pain in both her legs due to varicose veins, oedema, osteoporosis and so on. She was religiously using the ibuprofen gel for months and it didn’t make a difference in reducing the pain at all. She’s a non-drinker and non-smoker. She has now been prescribed pain relief instead. Though the pain is there, she feels it’s has helped eliminate the pain by about 20%.

I hope you get some more useful responses soon.

All the best.

Tos

[Hidden]

I try to avoid using Ibuprofen gel, because Ibuprofen is not good for my gastro system, which is why I don't take Ibuprofen by mouth. In any case I am not convinced the gel is much good anyway. As far as your tendon problem your GP has given you the best advice if my experience is anything to go by, as in rest and icing. Most soft tissue injuries heal in time, governed by the extent of damage, but the older you are the longer it takes. However if you have a rotator cuff problem then you may need specialist help, such as an injection, but even then if my experience is any to go by they don't cure the situation, as the problem returns, and never really goes away, so you just have to put up with it and try and avoid triggering further damage. Finally if you need pain relief use paracetamol, and as far as alcohol is concerned it is unlikely to make any difference to your injury so carry on as normal.

[LesleyJ59 in reply to Hidden]

I'm really hoping it's not the rotator cuff, that sounds horrendous. I also teach Tai Chi, and can't take on any new work as there are a lot of moves I just can't do.

[StayStrongOver60]

I have peripheral neuropathy down the whole length of my lower legs due to 2 herniated discs in the lumbar region of my spine. For years now I have used what the whole family calls “Magic Cream” as it’s so effective in reducing the pain. It’s actually called “Radian B muscle rub”. One of the main reasons it’s so effective is that it contains Capsicum in it. I buy it from Amazon in 3 packs and swear by it.

[Hidden in reply to StayStrongOver60]

Radian B is an old muscle rub, and used (and possibly still is) to be a favourite pre-match application for footballers, noticeable by its distinctive smell, which is probably the camphor in it. One of the main active ingredients as a pain killer is methyl salicylate, an NSAID, which is a relation to aspirin. I used to use it but don't bother any more since I think it as (in)effective as Ibuprofen gel . However if it works for you great. 👍

[bridgeit]

Hi Lesley, I empathize with your situation, i.e. pain and limited function of the arm (mine is the left arm - non-dominant), in my case owing to a recent nerve problem.

When my assorted issues (too many to list here) began, I found a product called 'biofreeze gel'. It really helped relieve neck pain from inflammation and I now use it wherever and whenever I feel the need. I also occasionally use an EMS machine (MedFit digital) to keep the muscles in my shoulder stimulated as the left shoulder is not currently being fully innervated and there's wastage as a result. I'm not sure whether or not the EMS is generating a healing process, but it reassures me that the muscle is being made to work after a fashion. The machine also has a TENS function which is reckoned to be effective for tendonitis.

Bear in mind, I am under the supervision of a qualified physiotherapist both for targeted exercise and (home) EMS application.

I also take apixaban. The biofreeze gel is reckoned safe according to my pharmacist, as is the EMS (and TENS) machine in my case (no pacemaker).

If curious, search using the names:

Biofreeze gel

Med-Fit TENS, EMS

I hope you soon find something that helps relieve your discomfort.

[fishonabike]

i am sorry to hear that this tendinopathy is affecting you so badly and hope that yo can get support from a physio soon

i am a member of another heart related group where there are frequent questions about the use of NSAIDs like Ibuprofen by people with heart conditions. One of the issues with this is that NSAIDs can affect the action of some other medications (e.g. those used to treat hypertension). However the consensus seems to be that short-term use, for treating and acute problem presents less risk than continued, long-term use.

In the meantime, as others have said, the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression/support and Elevation) is helpful.

good luck

[Stentrunner]

I have tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendon sheath) and can’t take oral ibuprofen because of the anticoagulants I’m on. I have used ibuprofen gel and diclofenac gel (Voltarol) which seems to work better. They seem to be very slow-acting - don’t expect improvement within an hour.

I take paracetamol tablets and occasionally codeine. These deal with the constant ache, but do little for the really sharp pains caused by some particular movements. I’m waiting for a steroid injection at the local MSK unit. Who knows when??

[Hidden in reply to Stentrunner]

I have had several steroid injections over the years, mostly foot and shoulder. My experience is they are successful for a time (which could only be a few weeks but may extend to six months) but then the underlying condition returns, especially if it is chronic. Nonetheless I hope you get your injection soon and it works for you long-term.