Reducing Joint inflammation: anything you have tried that actually helps?

[Blue_feather]

Hi all,(Asking for my husband who has terrible knee pain and the start of arthritis. He is looking for something other than naproxine/iboprofane, and preferably something natural.

Grateful for any personal recomendations.

Thanks.

[PMRpro]

Osteoarthritis I assume? It isn't what I would describe as natural - but it is drug-free. It's sort of WD40 for human joints. The Big A sells it in and outside the UK - in the UK most chemists stock it. Not cheap, but very effective.

flexiseq.com/

Several people on the PMRGCAuk forum use it and swear by it. It was originally developed for hip/knee joints but several found their hands felt better too - you apply it to the joint and let it dry before moving to wash your hands - so of course it also worked on hand joints. A friend in the NE of England says she'd not be able to move at all without it for her knees. She has severe knock-knees but can't be operated on for other reasons but Flexiseq helps immensely.

[Blue_feather in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks! Yes, wear and tear, and the start of osteo' as you have indicated. I have sent him the link and we will see if Boots stock it seeing as it is just across across the rd from where we are having lunch. 😁

[Turquoise-1]

Hello Blue_feather,

My approach is to find out precisely what the problem is first by consulting his GP, (if he’s not already done so). Once he has a confirmed diagnosis then you all know what you’re dealing with …. can be a long road - bloods, scans, physio, hospital visits, various treatments & medications.

I have Lupus, lots of spinal problems & several other orthopaedic issues including osteoarthritis here & there ☹️. My husband has Rheumatoid Arthritis. We both use Fenbid Forte Gel (aka Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel) which does give instant topical relief; it’s a POM (Prescription Only Medication). I prefer mine to be warmed before application as it’s rather cold otherwise! I’m not having much luck with prescribed medications specifically for Lupus but take a variety of prescribed pain relief meds & good old paracetamol. I use a TENS machine also but never directly over joints.

My husband has had good results from having the Biological Therapy, Rituximab IV infusions which along side taking DMARDS, Meloxicam, Tramadol & Paracetamol help to alleviate his debilitating symptoms. His Consultant Rheumatologist recommended he wear joint supports whilst he is at work. I got them from Amazon UK, called Dr Arthritis made from neoprene with copper inserts & they’re machine washable. There are other makes/brands available but he really has faith in these. My husband puts on his Fenbid Forte Gel, allows it to dry before putting the supports on his knees, ankles & wrists, this allows him to complete his shifts without too much discomfort.

We both swim, cycle, walk, gym & use a hydrotherapy pool to help keep everything flexible, mobile and as strong as possible.

All the best in finding something which helps 🙃

[chrisj]

Long story short but I had a steroid injection recently while I was ill in hospital and came across a doctor qualified to give them. I have wide spread OA and its severe in one knee so thats where the injection was given. Eased the pain a lot and I have a physio booked this month with a hospital physio, again qualified to give them.

[custardpot]

I use Voltarol cream. I t helps a lot

[Blue_feather]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Steroid injections weren't offered by his GP, but l will tell him to ask if this flexijel doesn't work.