looking for new ways to help relieve severe arthritis pain.?!
Question: my 62 year old mother has suffered with arthritis for over 10 years. she has tried just about every rub and pill there is. she hates doctors, and is looking for more over the counter things to try. she is currently using "blue emu" and "move free". she has tried the regular glucosamine and condroiten, but it only works for a little while. i have been searching for different things, but i mainly find variations of the glucosamine and condroiten formulas. any suggestions on what to try next? please help. we are desperate.
Answers:
How Is Arthritis Pain Treated?
There is no single treatment that applies to everyone with arthritis, but rather the doctor will develop a management plan designed to minimize your specific pain and improve the function of your joints. A number of treatments can provide short-term pain relief.
Short-Term Relief
Medications--Because people with osteoarthritis have very little inflammation, pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol*) may be effective. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis generally have pain caused by inflammation and often benefit from aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).
Heat and cold--The decision to use either heat or cold for arthritis pain depends on the type of arthritis and should be discussed with your doctor or physical therapist. Moist heat, such as a warm bath or shower, or dry heat, such as a heating pad, placed on the painful area of the joint for about 15 minutes may relieve the pain. An ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables) wrapped in a towel and placed on the sore area for about 15 minutes may help to reduce swelling and stop the pain. If you have poor circulation, do not use cold packs.
What does it do?
Glucosamine is an important building block needed by the body to manufacture specialized molecules called glycosaminoglycans, found in cartilage.
Where is it found?
Glucosamine is not present in significant amounts in most diets. Supplemental sources are derived from the shells of shrimp, lobster, and crab, or may be synthesized.
Why do athletes use it?*
Some athletes say that glucosamine
helps reduce joint pain.
What do the advocates say?*
For a long time, glucosamine dominated the market among supplements used to ease joint pain. Now, many practitioners prefer to use a combination of both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Many have found this combination to be effective, particularly for runners, who tend to develop problems with their knees. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are well absorbed by the molecules that make up cartilage. They are not available from food. It is not uncommon to have to take these supplements indefinitely to continue to experience relief.
Recent research has shown that the results of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis in the knee is no different than that of placebo. This gives people further reason to at least give supplements, such as glucosamine sulfate, a try before enduring more invasive, expensive approaches.
How much is usually taken by athletes?
Glucosamine sulfate, 1,500 mg per day, is effective for reducing joint pain caused by osteoarthritis according to most studies,1 2 3 Whether other forms of glucosamine, such as glucosamine hydrochloride, are as effective for joint pain as glucosamine sulfate is unclear at this time, but studies have found some benefits from the use of the hydrochloride form.4 5 Other uses of glucosamine for sports and fitness, including prevention of joint pain or treatment of sports injuries, have not been studied.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
At the amount most frequently taken by adults—500 mg three times per day of GS—adverse effects have been limited to mild reversible gastrointestinal side effects. In one trial, people with peptic ulcers and those taking diuretic drugs were more likely to experience side effects.6
Animal research has raised the possibility that glucosamine could contribute to insulin resistance.7 8 This effect might theoretically result from the ability of glucosamine to interfere with an enzyme needed to regulate blood sugar levels.9 However, available evidence does not suggest that taking glucosamine supplements will trigger or aggravate insulin resistance or high blood sugar.10 Two large, 3-year controlled trials found that people taking GS had either slightly lower blood glucose levels or no change in blood sugar levels, compared with people taking placebo.11 12 Until more is known, people taking glucosamine supplements for long periods may wish to have their blood sugar levels checked; people with diabetes should consult with a doctor before taking glucosamine and should have blood sugar levels monitored if they are taking glucosamine.
In 1999 the first case of an allergic reaction to oral GS was reported.13 Allergic reactions to this supplement appear to be rare.
Some GS is processed with sodium chloride (table salt), which is restricted in some diets (particularly for people with high blood pressure).
The theory that GS and chondroitin sulfate work synergistically in the treatment of osteoarthritis remains unproven.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with glucosamine.
Resources
See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.
*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for glucosamine based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles on glucosamine. For more complete and detailed information, including references and safety information, see Glucosamine as a nutritional supplement.
Other Answers:
Try aleve it really works!
THEIR is this stuff called tiger balm its great on my lower back and for my knee i suffer from a degenerative bone diasese
Everything works for a little while and then your searching again. I have has arthritis since I was 18 and I hurt everyday. Aleve will help some but you have to take 3 to 4 pills. I have tried everything and I really don't think there is anything on the market that really really helps that much. If you would happen to find something please let me know too. Thanks and Good Luck.
Not over the counter and not real cheap, but Arthrotec worked like a miracle drug for my pain. About $135.00 for 60 tablets @ 75mg.each. Never break them. 1 a day works for me.
Aleve can destroy her gut! It can actually CAUSE arthritis! It is a very Dangerous drug!
I highly recommend a book by Sherry Rogers, M.D. called: "Pain Free in 6 Weeks". She explains the many causes of pain and arthritis and how to treat the cause (versus drugs that just try to cover up the symptoms while the underlying problem continues to worsen).
For example: Arthritic pain can be caused by an allergic reaction to the group of foods known as nightshades. These foods include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and more. Dr. Rogers is a specialist in environmental causes of chronic pain and arthritis. This is a powerful book.
The book is available at Amazon.com or through the publisher at 1-800-846-6687.
Best wishes and good luck!
Try Vemma. It cures my pain on my arm. http://vmatestimonials.com
http://www.myvemma.com/juicytwist
Hi Glucosamine with condroiten is a supplement that needs to be taken long term to get its full affect. It takes at least 4 weeks to really begin helping. It nourishes the joints and is a great natural anti inflammatory, hence why its recommended. Some doses are stronger than others. I know you said your Mum has tried this already but how long did she try it for?
Ice Gel is a really great pain relieving rub which our local Chiropractic Clinic uses. Its available in Coles Supermarkets and most Chemists. Good Luck
Source(s):
Personal Use, Chiropractors recommendation
Hi, I believe that Tylenol sells an Arthritis formula, and a lady that I work with swears by Tahitian Noni Juice. It is a juice made from this fruit called Morinda citrifolia. It helps all types of ailments, she said she had arthirtis really bad, and she's completely cured. I just starting drinking it, so I don't know how good it is. Also there are many home remedies and natural cure books, I am not familiar with the names, you may be able to check out some at the library. If all else fails, I believe in the power of prayer, I will pray that your mother will be healed from the arthritis.
Hatha yoga. It will relieve the pain a lot if she can stretch and tone her major muscle groups, especially hip flexors, quads and hamstrings.
And no, she is NOT too old to start. I am turning 50 this year, and there are several in my regular yoga class who are well into their 60's and 70's who put me to shame. I started because I was having early symptoms of osteo-arthritis in my hips, but now I am pain free and completely mobile again. Maybe you can join her so you don't develop it too?
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