GCA. Pmr

[CavalierKC3]

Could you people with osteo arthritis tell me what you do to alleviate pain, stiffness etc. I have been told constantly that all my trouble is osteo arthritis not PMR or Fibromyalgia, although was diagnosed with GCA aug 22. I can hardly get about this morning, supposed to be starting exercises at local gym this afternoon as advised by physio etc. was referred from doctors to active Norfolk

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What joints is it affecting? Are you on pred? Does it help?

Many people find that Flexiseq helps OA pain in knees and hands. Not sure about hips.

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

flexiseq.com/

It isn't cheap and isn't available on the NHS but it is better value from Amazon, especially with the regular order service option.

[CavalierKC3 in reply to PMRpro]

Just across lower back & left leg has been painful & stiff for some months now. Probably since I was on about 20 Meg of prednisolone now down to 1. Told wear & tear(osteoarthritis) in both knees & hips. Advised exercise & mild painkillers

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to CavalierKC3]

nhsinform.scot/illnesses-an...

I just quoted this link on another thread - is the pain on the left leg on the outer aspect, between the hip bone and running down towards the knee? Is it worse when lying on it and climbing stairs? GTPS can also involve the lower back, especially if the piriformis muscle is involved. There are exercises on the internet that should help. These pains don't always respond to 20mg pred when they are due to myofascial pain syndrome.

[CavalierKC3 in reply to PMRpro]

Not worse when lying. Live in bungalow so no stairs. Just pain & very stiff when I get up mornings. Ofte b gets better during the day

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As PMRpr has said, Flexiseq - been using it for years, vey good unless your joints have got to bone on bone stage, whe not so brilliant .. it needs some synovial fluid to work on..

Also use 5Kind Hemp lotion-

bestproductsreviews.co.uk/5...

Other recommendations - pernaton green lipped mussel -

pernaton.co.uk/product/pern...

- and just got this but not tried yet - recommended by another member recently - ActiveCare

naturalskincarefactory.com/...

[piglette]

I find swimming helps.

[Pixix]

I use Flexiseq & have regular steroid injections for worsening osteoarthritis. I also have GTPS & had a steroid injection for this two days ago.

[Bcol]

Steroid injections in knees, helped until replaced. I never found any of the gels did anything for me, but knees were bone on bone. Naproxen and Co-Codamol were/are my other go to remedies, although Naproxen is off the table with Pred. Not yet found anything that helps when my back gets grumpy.

[dougy8419]

Yes, celebrex (200 mg daily) has helped me tremendously with osteo and morning stiffness. After 3 plus years on pred for PMR/ GCA, it helped me get off and I've not flared in over 3 years. God bless...