Wellness

[matty liz]

Are there some who have found any suppliments to ease arthritis.  Mine seems to effect mu hands to legs.  I am trying Osteo biflex but not noticing too much.  Thanks

[PilatesLover]

A really good quality fish oil and cucurmin supplements with black pepper.  

CBD helps some people but I'm trying to figure out if it's even touching my joint pain.  

Not a supplement, but using a topical like Voltaren gel helps a lot, too.

[Teddixat]

@matty liz @matty liz 

I have it in my right hand and it flares up, when there is weather change.  Honestly, I have tried CBD oil but it takes a while of using it before you get relief anybrelief.  

I used Aspercreme (original - not with Lidocaine) )  I also take Advil if it gets bad

[JeanLouiseFinch]

Omega-3's

Astaxanthin

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Turmeric 

[SilleeMee]

Turmeric works for me but not just any turmeric. I look for one with 100% curcumin extract (standardized to 95% purity) + black pepper added to it for absorption in the gut. Be sure to read the label carefully. If you see 'blends', 'blended with' or 'proprietary' that's a good indication the supp contains a mixture of turmeric spice root powder (cheap stuff) and extract (expensive stuff) which would be reflected in the lower price. Pure extract is what you want b/c that contains the active component (curcumin or curcuminoid) which is what gives us relief from pain/inflammation. Recommended amount is approx 1500 mg daily, usually divided into 2 or 3 doses taken with food.

Some people say that turmeric never worked for them. That might be b/c they weren't taking the extract but rather the root powder. Another reason why some say it doesn't work could be b/c their dose was too low. Dosage is important.

Currently I am taking this one from amazon. The price is outstanding for what you are getting here. I take two caps with food per day, one in the am and then another one in the pm.

Pure By Nature Turmeric Curcuminoids with Black Pepper Extract 100% Organic

[ALRATIBA]

Personally, I wouldn't take any OTC supplements - they can mess up your body chemistry. 

I've seen my general practice doc, specialist for my hand, pain management doc for my spine and physical therapists.  None ever recommended supplements.

What my docs and therapists did recommend and what has worked for me is physical therapy, daily exercise routine that PT recommended, remaining active, Tylenol and lidocaine patches.  

[GingerPeach]

@matty liz 

Along with @SilleeMee 's excellent and importantly-detailed advice, remember to hydrate.

I have the inflammatory, auto-immune version of arthritis (RA) and find that I actually feel better if I drink at least 40 oz of water a day.

The amount may be different for you, but I can tell you I notice a difference.

Nightshades may be affecting you as well but it's not the same for everyone. Nightshades include tomatoes, white potatoes (not sweet potatoes), peppers (green, red, orange), and eggplants. (Black pepper is not in the nightshade family.)

[Lois in SCC]

I am a golfer and  I became unable to swing my golf club due to the intense pain in my thumbs.  Was told about Voltaren and have been using it for a couple months,  First, as directed...4 times a day then over the 2 months have reduced to 2 times a day.  I have gotten amazing relief from the arthritis pain and can golf again. After the 1st tube, I purchased the generic at CVS and also Walgreens which is much cheaper and has the same "active" ingredient as the Voltaren.  It directs you to use an inch length of it which is far more than you need.  I did that the 1st tube and the tube lasted  a week.  I only use a dollop of it, maybe marble size which works as well.  There are no words to describe how much this topical ointment has helped.  I also began taking Turmeric a few weeks after the Voltaren and think that also helped.  Purchased the pure form which is very expensive and think that may also be helping.  Try it, I think you will get relief.

[matty liz]

So much thanks to each of you.  I knew I would get help from you guys who actully experience it and tried and success or not.  Got some good advice and can't tell you how you helped me.  Thank you!

[Kachina624]

@Lois in SCC    My doctor writes me prescriptions for Voltaren because, with my drug plan, it's actually cheaper than otc.  However, the strength of the ointment on both is exactly the same.  I used to get a slightly stronger version otc in Canada, but their pharmaceutical authority took it off the market as an otc medication.