Beauty

[Marbellaspain]

A friend of the family has osteoarthritis, she said that she couldn't even pick up a cup and had a hard time walking. She started rubbing peanut oil multiple times a day, on her fingers, hips, knees etc. After several weeks, she noticed some relief. After a 3-4 months, she noticed a big difference and continues massaging in peanut oil everyday. She doesn't have to take aleve everyday anymore. And she can hold a cup and walks an hour a day now. My mother has osteoarthritis in her fingers, so I bought her some peanut oil to give a try about two weeks ago.

They have those magnetic hematite bracelets that people claim works for them.

[Tigriss]

Heat is the best pain med for my fibro. I love a sauna at the gym or a tanning bed for those quick doses of penetrating heat. I only stay around 5-7 minutes. I also have a heating blanket and several heating pads that I use. Hot baths help but my tub in a standard one and not one of those wonderful old super long and deep cast iron tubs. Oh I would be in heaven then.

[shoekitty]

I can't live without my Arnica cream, lidoderm patches and exercise. I take medication sparingly, it can't be avoided sometimes. But there are times meds don't help and you have to try everything. Accupuncture helps at times, PT. Swimming is the best, but you have to have access to that.

I also take tumeric, arnica pills and other things. If the pain is bad, (and everyone knows their pain tolerance),by all means MEDICATE, LOL! Drugs. It is not good for the body to suffer pain chronically.

I have severe osteoarthritis and it totally -suxssss. I was a biker, and active my whole life. I know what you mean about lack of mobility keeping you from enjoying and participating in life. I have to plan my events now, conserve the strength through out the day to get what I need done.

One thing that does help is the gym. I do what I am able to do. I use treadmill, and I hate it. Sometimes I am in tears starting , but after 10 minutes it is better and get through it. I always feel better that day

[Kalli]

About 7 years ago I was diagnosed with mild arthritis in both knees. I had some discomfort walking up stairs but just accepted it. Also started having some pain in my fingers after driving and had aches when I first got up in the morning, too.

Recently for a different reason, I severely cut my consumption of sugar except natural sugars like those in fresh fruit. After a few weeks I was climbing my steps and realized my knee pain was gone. I'd heard that sugar is inflammatory but never thought cutting it out would drastically reduce my joint pain. I feel like I turned the clock back 10 years with regard to my joints. It's so nice to go up 18 steps at work and not be dragging at the top!

Not saying those of you who take prescription meds should stop. Just sharing my experience. Sugar is in so much of what we eat. I never realized I was eating that much of it.

-Kalli

[Becca34]

Shoe kitty I love arnica too! I can't imagine life without it. I have RA and am going to check into some of the info I have read on here.

[shoekitty]

On 3/27/2014 Becca34 said: Shoe kitty I love arnica too! I can't imagine life without it. I have RA and am going to check into some of the info I have read on here.

Becca,

Me too! It is my lifes blood these days. I have found through research, Boiron makes the best and the purest form. I haven't decided if I like the gel or the cream better, but it works so well. It is amazing! I get the Boiron Arnica pills and take them occasionally. They help a bit, but the cream is immediate!

kalli

I hear you on the sugar issue. Is it an inflammatory

[Kathlen]

I have osteoarthritis in several locations.

It's really been an entire lifestyle change - I have a prescription NSAID (for inflammation) and use Tylenol (for pain).

I saw a physical therapist twice a week for a month to learn exercises and what movements to avoid, and what gym equipment to use and what not to use.

I go to the gym several times a week with the goal of strengthening the muscles in the surrounding area.

Everyday - 20 minute tub soak - hot water and epsom salts.

Appropriate shoes to ease impact while walking - and since I live in NYC - plenty of opportunity to walk.

My PT guy said that I'll have good days and bad days. Bad days are few and far between. I've learned to manage. Doctor is pleased with my management of condition.

[bells4me]

I haven't heard anything bad about pain clinics, but I've been on the same meds for25 years since shattering my ankle. I now have arthritis. I also take naproxen. I haven't become addicted.

[Irishrose136]

On 3/27/2014 tigriss said:

Heat is the best pain med for my fibro. I love a sauna at the gym or a tanning bed for those quick doses of penetrating heat. I only stay around 5-7 minutes. I also have a heating blanket and several heating pads that I use. Hot baths help but my tub in a standard one and not one of those wonderful old super long and deep cast iron tubs. Oh I would be in heaven then.

Tigriss, I have fibro also. Have you ever tried a featherbed on top of your mattress? I got one here from NN about 5 years ago. I just replaced it this winter with one with a 3" gusset and a special lumbar support.

OMG! Use that with your heating blanket and you'll never want to get out of your bed! It creates soft spots that your body can sink into. I would never go back to sleeping on a regular mattress. My pain level goes down. I don't have trouble falling asleep and I'm not as stiff and sore in the am.

Add some Malden Mills polarfleece sheets...............floating on a cloud in heaven!

[doglover3]

On 3/27/2014 Tinkrbl44 said:

I would like to recommend Aspercreme as another option ... in addition to the meds of course.

I originally purchased it because it seemed to be the only topical cream that was fragrance free, but I find it can reduce pain by about 30% ..... which makes it a regular in my bag of tricks.

exactly why I first got this, no odor than found it really helped not only my back but also my knees when I massaged it in before going to bed and again when getting up along with my Diflunisal.