any tips for easing the pain of OA?

evabuk

I'm wondering what methods people may have found that help to at least ease the pain of arthritis...when the meds don't seem to be providing enough relief.

I've got a TENS machine which seems to help - albeit only temporarily - but it seems to sort of take your mind off the deeper pain while you're using it.

Also heated pads and/or ice packs (frozen peas, basically )

No medical personal has, as yet, given me specific advice, and I just wonder what other people have experienced.

Sometimes, I find soakiing in a warm bath eases the stiffness and pain, other times I suspect heat aggravates it.

SAme applies to cold packs...sometimes it helps, sometimes doesn't feel good.

I wonder what other peoples' experiences are, and whether you should go with your gut instinct as to what feels right at any given time?

woodbon

Hello, Have you been back to your GP if the painkillers arn't working? They have different painkillers and sometimes it takes a while to find the one thats right for you. Also, has your doc referred you to physio, I have OA and I've been helped in the past by a good physio and exercises she gave me. I've tried a tens machine but, the pain is in several places and I can't get the pads on the right places on my back, so it doesn't help me, but if a physio saw you they may help you with pad placement, so you get more relief. I have a memory foam mattress topper, which helps a lot and also a memory foam pillow. My OA is mainly in my spine and hips. The only other thing, is to pace yourself, not do anything for too long, standing, sitting whatever.

Thats all I can think of, but others have more ideas than me! Love Sue

lindah

I sleep with splints and when my neck was bad I also had a soft collar to help.
When my fingers are stiff and sore I wash dishes or do hand washing and this seems to free them off a little.
My hands and thumbs sometimes need a bit of anti-inflammatory cream rubbed on,I use voltarol,bought over the counter.
Pain in my hips when trying to settle for sleep is sometimes relieved by placing a pillow between my knees.
Hope to see some good hints on this post.
Linda h 8)

elnafinn

Hi Eva

For me, with OA, it is heat that always helps. I find it very comforting. Massaging my arthritic thumbs is soothing too and even better if someone else does it. In actual fact it would be fantastic if I had a masseuse to always be available as and when, to give me massages on my back and shoulders, neck, hands and legs,but that is in my dream world!

So it is the electric blanket and wheatbags, as and when, for me all the year round. Hot baths and showers help too.

The only time I used ice packs was soon after my total knee replacement, as instructed, because of swelling and pain and it numbed the pain and brought the swelling down for a time.

I am pretty positive that daily stretching exercises have kept me as mobile as I am.

Luv
Elna x

eckstardeluxe

Hi there

Well for me heat works best. I have a little bean bag you put in the microwave that helps. I used to use my TENS alot but have not needed it since having my drugs changed. This would be the best thing I'd say, getting the right drugs.

You get so down about things but if you persevere with your Dr or get to the Pain Clinics etc you can really try different things to get a balance that works.

Physio does help. I do a few excercises at night which help make the stiffness in the morning not so painful. The first I lie on my back and put my hand under my back, imagine I am pushing my muscles of my back into the floor, I almost lift my bum up until I feel the muscles pushing into my hand. I do this for about 5 seconds then relax, do 5 reps on each side. The other, I lie on my side and gently bring my knees up to my chest and roll my legs over to the side, keeping my body straight and just moving from the hips, again 5 reps each side. Very simple but it does help.

sorry should add those are for OA in back

sharmaine

Hi

Sorry to hear that you've been in pain. You should see your GP again. It took my GP a year to hit on the right combo of meds for me. When I feel achy etc I find a heat pad helps or a warm bath. I also try and keep my joints warm - slippers/socks on my feet. My feet are always cold. I haven't had a flare up in a while and wondered if it was becasue I've learnt to listen to my body and not overdo things.

I've been drinking herb tea all week (mint, rosemary, oregano and rosemary infused with hot water). I've noticed that it makes me sleep better.

I've been thinking about doing an exercise class and wondered if pilates would be ok with my dodgy knees? May have to post this as a new topic.

Anyway take care and I hope you sort out your meds etc.

Sharmaine

evabuk

thanks, everyone, for your replies...it's early days for me, so any info and experience is very useful to hear.

I've been referred to pain clinic, so will see what they say about exercise etc.

Am still waiting for my facet joint injections to kick in....

woodbon

hi i hope the pain clinic help you. I have just had my first appointment with them and they were very helpful and informative. I found out more about my condition then than I had at all. They are referring me to a special spinal physio and changed the way I have my medication, to hopefully give me better nights.
I'm sure they will come up with something for you, as you say it is early days and sometimes it takes a while to find what works for you. I hope you find something quickly!
Love Sue

airwave

Ditto,
1. wheat bags- keep their heat much better than a hot water bottle.
2. cold packs-yuk
3. Baths-a good soak helps, especially in the winter.
4. Tens machine, not long lasting, but does help.
5. Music-Drifting with Classic FM 8)
6. Do something-cut the grass, make something, do some cooking, whatever!
7. Sleep-works wonders, sometimes.....
8. Pills-they have their uses.
9. Swimming helps reduce the pain by 50%, in my shoulders, not anywhere else, but hey ho, better than nothing.
10. S%$!!!- say no more!
11. A massage-It helps.
12. Change position-find a comfy chair.
13. Listen to a play on the radio-
14. Go round pushing all the badger divots in my lawn down (little &&%^$££sss).
15. My Shed- building things takes my mind off of aches and pains.
16. Food and drink-has its uses and it needs to be done well anyrate.
17. A good Laugh- Watching a good comedy, excellent!
18. a Good Chat-another diversionary technique!
19. The sun-always makes me feel better.
20. The Osteopath-still manages to help those aches we caused.
21. A good Book-read it in three days, thats concentration for you.
22. All the other things that I can't think of!
8) Its a grin,honest!

andream

Hello

The most helpful thing that I have found for the stiffness and pain of OA is my pilates. I joined a class in January, and wish that I had done so years ago as it makes such a difference. The exercises that I do are the same as those given to me by my physio, and those that are shown in the ARC booklets. The class helps you to get out and meet people, (you can all go at your own level), and you can also do the exercises at home.

All the best.

Andrea

dachshund

I tried pilates. i had trouble getting on the floor because of arther in my spine thr and tkr.
i would like to have stayed at it but it was not worth having more pain.
i go to the gym and do a bit and the pool.
joan xx