Painkillers for arthritis?

[windywillow]

Is there a painkiller I could take on a regular basis to ease the discomfort of arthritis? I have it in my hands, hips and knees.

My OH takes Diclofenac, he has suggested I ask my doctor to prescribe me some. I'm not sure that Diclofenac is a painkiller though.

Also, if Diclofenac is a painkiller, would it be safe for me to try a couple of his tablets? ... I take medication for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and digestive problems.

[windywillow]

Hope you don't mind me asking ... what make is it and are they expensive?

[bednobs]

tens machines can be bought at a pharmacy, they are about £15 (lloyds)
Pharmacists are an excellent source of health information, and (in my PCT at least ) are a very underused service. There is currently a national NHS campaign called "choose well" which aims to help patients use the right health service at the right time (ie pharmacist, gp, out of hours service, minor injuries unit, A and E)

[windywillow]

Thank you bednobs. I'll look further into those machines.

[Wak]

For what it's worth I turned up the following interesting information some weeks ago and noted that, like the Ginger and Turmeric mentioned above by Rowan, Cinnamon and Honey are also natural products.

Extra Information via Google.
In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.

[angiealf]

Sorry i didn't answer you yesterday - was out all day with my man (who is now as from last Saturday my Fiance). Anyway back to my answer - My Tens is an "ALPHA 2". Can't remember company I got it from (mail order health catalogue) but it cost about £10 (was a number of years ago though, so will be more now).

[angiealf]

Just found a web address in box >www.shiretens.co.uk<

[windywillow]

Thanks very much for replies.

Wak, that's quite something! Well worth giving that a go.

I'll also look further into that machine, angie. Thanks for the web address. Btw, congratulations on your engagement. Hope you'll both be very happy together.