TENS machines

[Mickey_S]

My husband has RA and suffers from frequent joint pain in his knees, back and sometimes hips. I've heard that tens type machines can be useful to relieve this pain and wondered if anyone had any success with such treatment or has any recommendations for the kind of thing that might be effective? Any help gratefully received, I feel so helpless sometimes

[rabbits65]

Yes , my sister uses her tens machine most days and says she finds it helps . I’ve also got one but I’m a bit funny about putting those electrodes on my body . So it’s a matter of personal preference . My favourite is still the old fashioned hot water bottle .

[Sheila_G]

I find the microwave bags of more benefit than tens. When I was working, I used to have tens machine in my pocket and have the pads going on my shoulders but I didn't find it very effective. Of course, it may be good for your husband. It is very much a case of horses for courses with these things. Worth a try.

[Ruth12345]

I used my tens machine for other things, with very good outcome. However it doesn't help with my RD. I agree with Sheila, I find the microwave bag really effective. Everyone is different so he could give it a go.

[Chris_O]

Hi

When I first started with RA I tried using a tens machine that I loaned from my daughter, but while it definitely produces a tingling sensation in my muscles there was no pain relief. I recommend the application of heat to the affected area, either by microwave heated bags or a small electric blanket.

Chris_0

[oldtimer]

I hired one from the local pharmacy to try, then bought it as I found it helpful for sciatica and other pinched nerve pain. I don't find it help much with the swollen joint pain though. It's worth enquiring if you can have one on loan first to try.

[Mickey_S in reply to oldtimer]

I will definitely see if I can borrow one, thanks!

[rounder]

I bought one to try. The tingling sensation was disconcerting but it didn't really help much with joint pain for me, I think it's a personal thing. For me the good old boy water bottle or a microwave hear pack are the most effective. When I could get into the bath I found a hot bath helped if lots of joints were sore, nowadays it's a hot shower but less effective. I hope he finds whatever works best for him.

[Wobbies]

I tried Tens machine and also acupuncture but both made my knees worse. The only thing that helps is frozen pads on my knees. Sorry.

[RheumST]

My wife and I used it for pain from Shingles or Muscle pain, have no tried it for joints, but I think it is likely to work for that also.

If you have access to Amazon, they have some inexpensive and very effective TENS boxes. I would not pay more than about $35 max. If it works for you then your only other headache will be finding electrode pads that don't wear out too fast. Also, either get a rechargeable unit, or use rechargeable AA or AAA batteries, whichever it uses. Always turn the strength down to minimum before turning the unit on.

Good Luck

[Mickey_S]

Thank you so much everyone for your help 🤗