Pain medication recommendations for knee & ankle swelling & inflammation

[Bganim1947]

I find that swelling in either of my knees or ankles triggers my RLS. Since I had a knee replacement 6 months ago, the swelling happens frequently as both legs readjust to the post-surgical healing.

A new study revealed that ibuprofen and other NAISDS can cause fatal kidney disease, so my GP took me off all such pain medications, leaving me with only Acetaminophen for inflammation & swelling. I have also been on Tramadol and Pregabalin for my RLS for 5 years. It works well for that, but does nothing for the swelling & inflammation. Inflammatory pain is a constant issue, but I don’t know what to use now that works as well as ibuprofen. Any recommendations?

[Madlegs1]

Can you use an anti-inflammatory gel? I use Etoflam which is very good.

It has to be prescribed in Ireland.

[LanaCSR]

I'm not sure where you are at, but I know in the US there is a product called Voltaren gel that used to be only obtained through a prescription from your doctor but is now available over the counter. It sounds very similar to what Madlegs1 is talking about. 😊 It's possible it is available in other countries, too. I haven't tried it myself but have heard good results from others and am considering trying it for my painful knees.

[RLSgirl]

besides the other cream suggestions, switching to an anti-inflammatory diet would be helpful in the long run. I can tell you after a month or 2 of cutting out sugar and carbs and eating lots of vegetables. (And I did some fasting too) a lot of my inflammation went away.

I need to take my own advice right now. since the Holidays I've been eating poorly and am now back in pain with inflammation.

[Madlegs1]

The gels may be different concentrations. OTC usually weaker than prescription.

Agree fully with non inflammatory diet, but can take a while.

The gel will allow enough pain free time to enable some sleep.

Funny how pain is worse when tired and exhausted??🥴🙄😎😝

[Madlegs1]

Those are the dangerous times,

when the pain is high and the mind is low.

When danger lurks in the box of pillz

And your mind decides its time to just go.