Osteoarthritis & suppliments

[Chisi]

I was recently diagnosed with this condition in both knees.

I have been prescribed naproxen - 1x2 daily, omeprazole 1 daily, co codamol as and when I need it, & amitriptimine 1 at bedtime.

I was also on voltarol gel which I used 4 x daily but which helped initially on application but didn't last hence why I am now on naproxen.

I have never taken any supplements of any kind and I was wondering what others think about this and whether someone with knowledge of suppliments would recommend to take on top of all the above meds.

I tried to do without the meds except for amitriptimine but have relented as it was too painful

Many thanks

[AgedCrone]

Hi Chisi,

I think you need to look at an Osteo Arthritis site for advice.

On this site we all have various forms of Auto Immune Diseases.This does include 'Rheumatoid' Arthritis, but the medications we have are very different from Osteo Arthritis.

Maybe you could speak. to your pharmacy re supplements, I'm sure they will be able to advise you.

[Chisi]

Many thanks, I will take your advice.

[mickeysmom34472]

wow! That's a lot of pills. I have osteo in both knees and I had to retire because I worked in retail and was on my feet all day. Xray show I have no cartilage left so I am looking to knee replacements. Glucosimine condroiten is supposed to be good, Okinawa triple turmeric+. You can get these at your pharmacy. My husband has osteo in his back and it seems to help him, me not so much as too far gone. You can also get steroid injections, they do help a lot. They worked for me for quite a while until I had no more cartilage for the gel to stick too.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Chisi. I have rheumatoid but also osteoarthritis. My meds for it are similar to yours, but I'm prescribed a different NSAID, rather than naproxen I take etoricoxib. So, I'm prescribed the etoricoxib alternate days, omeprazole (which is a stomach protector as NSAIDs can cause tum issues when taken regularly), amitriptyline twice daily for muscle issues caused by OA in my neck (cervical spondylosis) & cocodamol as required. I also buy omega 3 fish oil capsules & Pernaton gel for the occasional painful joint. Personally I'd not supplement without proper advice, there are so many shops & online companies offering to do all sorts for OA & take your money happily, your GP should be able to guide you with any that might be helpful, & likely save you money! Exercise really helps too, but ask for specific ones tailored for your issues, being your knees that should be straightforward enough.

Has it been discussed checking your bone density at all? It might be prudent to ask next time you see your GP if it's something you'd benefit from. It's a quick & simple scan called a DEXA scan & will give your estimated fracture risk. I have osteopenia/borderline osteoporosis & take a calcium & Vitamin D supplement daily.

I hope some of this helps & you're coping well on the meds you're prescribed. It might also be helpful taking a look at the Arthritis Research UK site, this in particular may be interesting arthritisresearchuk.org/art...

[Chisi]

Nomoreheels and mickeismum ( love your names)

Thank you all so much for your inputs. Yes, agree it's a minefield out there to find the correct treatment. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for others.

Dexa scan I had done years ago when I had back probs. It showed slight degeneration, maybe time to ask for a new one.

I will go to chemist, see about supplements.

Many thanks

[hawker955]

Sorry to be a party-pooper as it were but there is no independent evidence that the glucosamine or chondroitin =supplements improve the health of worn-out joints, ;OA s a "wear and tear" disease and needs adequate pain relief to permit exercise to build up the supporting muscles and ligaments. Those who recommend glucosamine often have a hidden agenda, trying to sell expensive supplements. Independent evidence is what is required. Glucosamine is present in joint cartilage but won't make a new joint surface develop. Neither will eating hair-clippings make a bald-head sprout new hair! The key to effective treatment is the pain-relief and exercise can then stimulate some new cartilage. No twisting or impact on the joints though. Those are BAD! for OA joints. Some surgery will stimulate this re-growth as well, eg the so-calledmicro-fracture technique for knees being one, used in athletes for example.