Pain Killers

[Spreeny]

Can anyone please recommend anything else to help with arthritis pain?

I’m taking the usual paracetamol, ibuprofen & co-codamol but would love to take something less “toxic” as I’m seeing the longer it goes the less effect they’re having ☹️ Tia

[maggiebee]

Not 100% sure but think these may be the strongest painkillers you can get without a prescription. Perhaps a word with your GP is in order?

[Buenchico]

There are other (or additional) options to drugs. They include TENS machines and CBT. These links, all from reputable sources, might help:

https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/living-with-arthritis/self-management/pain-management/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/treatment/

[Sqad]

Not enough information for a reasonable response.
From what type of arthritis are you suffering, what dose of drugs are you taking and have you seen and been investigated by a medical practitioner?

[Buenchico]

Some AB members have reported that CBD products have helped them with osteoarthritis pain but 'the jury's still out' at the moment among the scientific community:
https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/march/complementary-treatments-and-arthritis-from-turmeric-to-cannabis-oil/

[Barsel]

I saw the Orthopaedic surgeon last week and he has arranged for me to have acupuncture at my local hospital. This is for Osteoarthritis.
You haven't said which type you have.

[bednobs]

you SHOULD NOT take co-codamol and paracetamol together

[davebro]

I try to avoid pain killers - as you say their effectiveness wanes the more you take. A friend has progressed from co-codamol to tramadol to oxycontin & still has pain.

[rowanwitch]

You might want to speak to your GP about capsaicin cream, the arthritis research people have had decent results of a trial against other options. Not everyone can use it as it can blister your skin but especially on knees and elbows it seems to work. They also 're commend precise ointment for arthritis in the knees, I can recommend it, it's too expensive for everyday but I use it before and during holidays so I can walk a bit more.

[rowanwitch]

Precise!!!! FLEXiSEQ

[davebro]

I did try flexiseq for my bad ankle but didn't notice any improvement.

[woofgang]

have you been referred to a pain management clinic?

[Spreeny]

I have osteoarthritis in my hips & hand, I have co-codamol & Fenbid gel on repeat prescription

[davebro]

As an aside whenever I take co-codamol (30/500) I get a pain in the middle of my chest/diaphragm. It's not listed as a side effect as far as I can see. Anyone else? Is there an explanation?