Pain relief

Karond123

Hi

I am wondering if there maybe any natural pain relief for my OA I have in both knees the right one is worse than the left .I am taking Naproxin and painkillers but I feel uncomfortable about having to take them . I try to keep moving and swim regularly but I feel that without these meds I'll be in pain. I am currently on a waiting list for surgery so it could be while any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks 😊

olivia_b

Hi @Karond123,

I have pulled the OA advice off of our website and it lists ways to try and help such as splints and different footwear. As for other forms of pain relief may I suggest you contact the helpline on either 0800 5200 520 or email helpline@versusarthritis.org. They may be better equipped to properly advise on alternative pain relief methods.

I hope this helps you and please continue to contact us for advice.

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis/

jonr

Hi @Karond123,

Since my formal diagnosis 3 years ago I've researched a great deal into pain management, particularly natural supplements and alternative remedies. There is a huge choice of supplements on the market and most are aimed at either protecting cartilage such as Glucosamine & Choindratin or managing inflammation such as Curcumin, Boswellia Serrata and Omega 3 fish oil. If you're going to try some of these aim for the ones with proven scientific efficacy and check there's no conflict with your prescribed meds. In my own view, the reduction of inflammation is helpful to manage its associated symptoms (fever, throbbing and aching, itchiness and stiffness) but in my case and I suspect yours, they'll not deal with bone-on-bone pain and there's precious little on the market as a natural alternative to meds such as Co-Codemol, perhaps only CBD. I turned to Acupuncture and for me it's been very effective, though it took 8 weekly treatments before it really kicked in. The reduction in pain has meant I've been able to step up my exercise and physio significantly. I now go once a month for a top-up. Other aids I've used which have helped me include a TENS machine, deep tissue massaging gun (helps sore muscles and releases tendon locks) and elasticated knee supports for stability and compression.

Hope some of these help

jon