Advice needed - OSTEO - Especially Knees!

NeverSurrender
NeverSurrender Member Posts: 10
edited 19. Sep 2024, 14:06 in Living with arthritis

Hi

I am having severe pain in my knee today - woken up early with it, and so far full strength Co-codamol, as well as Ibuprofen gel still haven't got rid of the pain 6 hours later.

I am about to start physio again but I have been taking a Glucosamine and Chrondrotin supplement every night, as I read it might help - Just wanted to ask if anyone else has found it useful, or is there something better I can buy?

I am going to see if my GP will prescribe the Capsaicin cream - Anyone using it and does it help- or just burn? 😂

Also I do have TENS Equipment - which I do find helps, particularly on my lower back, but the only way of really being able to use this for my knees is to buy one of the Knee stim fabric "electrodes", and they need to be connected with wires, but unfortunately the system I have is wireless, so it will mean buying another TENS unit. I have just been looking at 2 "recommended units for the fabric ones and 1 is £40, and the other £80!

So, what I wanted to ask was does anyone have one of the fabric, wired electrodes, and if so which TENS unit do you use to power it?

Any other helpful suggestions - drugs, treatments etc will be very welcome! (I know that exercise is a help, but unfortunately I am suffering from severe depression at the moment and that makes it very difficult - as well as the physical pain! - for me to get out and do this).

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Jon

Comments

  • CarylW
    CarylW Member Posts: 274

    Hello @NeverSurrender

    I am glad you have found this online community. We are a supportive and friendly group and I hope you get some useful comments.

    I understand you have pain in your knee from osteoarthritis, and you are looking for some help with pain relief. As you are suffering from depression at the moment which makes exercise quite difficult. I am posting some information from our website below which may help:




    Please do keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.

    Best wishes

    Caryl

    Need more help? Call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • jonr
    jonr Member Posts: 420

    Hi Jon, sorry to hear you're not on top of the pain yet, Arthritis is a bit like that I think, good days bad days.

    You've asked some good questions. Firstly, Glucosamine. I tried it and it made my symptoms worse and reading about trials it seems to have mixed results so if this flare-up is a bit unusual or is lasting longer than usual, that may be the cause.

    Secondly - TENS. I have OA in both knees and use the fabric electrodes. The unit is called a Easy TENS+. It only has 3 modes which is fine for me, I didn't want anything too fancy and it works well for me.

    As for other pain relief I take CBD capsules and use a deep tissue massager to soothe the tendons and soft tissue when my knees are stiff, usually first thing. I take Naproxen to help with imflammation and also take Bromean capsules.

    In terms of exercise I used to do a lot (which led to my condition) but can only now walk and cycle. If you can cycle then it's great low impact cardio which strengthens the knees and during the colder months I do weekly Spin classes to keep my fitness levels up too.

    Hope some of these might prove helpful.

    Jon

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 241

    Hi @NeverSurrender

    I have been taking high dose Glucosamine Sulphate on and off for several years now and to be honest I am not sure what benefits I get from it but I do know that although I have Osteoarthritis in one knee I do not suffer with any swelling. I was taking them years ago when I first had slight knee problems and kept on taking them. I mentioned this to the person I saw at my MSK appt. recently and he did not seem that concerned. My Doctor prescribed Naproxen and Omeprazole ( to protect the stomach lining ) and this does help with the aching and stiffness. I was also given physio. exercises to do and if done gently I find that they help keep me more supple and more mobile. You do need to do them on a daily basis if pain allows and it can be a while before you feel any benefit. I have been told that walking is also good for you but obviously go at a pace and distance that is comfortable for you.

    I hope this helps. Take care.🙂

  • Hi Fran

    Thanks for your reply - I have also been prescribed Naproxen and Omeprazole - No real pain relief, but I did get headaches from the Naproxen!

    I have been given a sheet of Knee exercises to do - all pictures of the model on a reclining physio bed!

    Anyways I have a 1st physio appointment in a few days, so my knees will be the first item on the agenda!

    All the best

    J

  • Baloo
    Baloo Member Posts: 497
    edited 12. Mar 2023, 20:56

    @NeverSurrender you beat me to the physio, I will be interested to hear how you get on. I started going to the gym for exercise, but they advised they want physio guidance. So I am on a steep learning curve.

    I tried the bicycle but immediately found the turning circle was uncomfortable. Then I tried the rowing machine and this was great but my shoulders got inflamed. Then I turned to the leg press as 30 lifts of 30kg is a lot less soul destroying than one cumbersome lift of 90kg getting out of a chair.

    I quit painkillers for a while as I want to know whats going on with my shoulders. If they need nursing the painkillers would allow me to over doing it. The same might be true at the gym I suppose.

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 241

    Hi @NeverSurrender

    Yes I was given sheets of physio exercises for knees but not showing reclining on a physio bed! One of them was meant to be done lying on the floor but as I find it very difficult to get down and up from the floor, I was told I could do the exercise sitting up on my bed ( thank goodness ).

    I hope that you get on alright with your physio. appointment. I now do my exercises every day and am finding that they do help considerably.

    By the way I like your user name and think it is most appropriate for us all not to surrender to this debilitating condition.

    Take care and let us know how you get on.🙂

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 686
    edited 13. Mar 2023, 08:56

    Hi @NeverSurrender

    I have the boots own brand tens machine which is a godsend. The belt clip is useless though hence the bag for storage and when using the machine.

    The machine has tens ems and massage settings and the leads would reach down to my ankles. 3 X AAA batteries last ages.

    I purchased the bag in the photo from the shop named after a tropical storm and also stores spare pads and batteries. Wouldn't be without mine.

    Love n hugsTrish xx

  • Hello Jon


    I use Capsaicin cream and haven’t experienced burning. I do make sure I wash my hands well afterwards though!!!

    I have OA in one knee . On diagnosis the pain was bad and my mobility affected. Since using the cream and doing my physio prescribed exercises , I am almost pain free and find waking much easier. I don’t know if it is the cream , the exercises or just a fluke…whatever it is I’m not complaining!!!

  • Byrdman1
    Byrdman1 Member Posts: 4

    Hello

    am new on this site. I have OA in my left knee, both hands and I think my spine.

    Does anyone take omega 3 and find it helps ?

  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 1,068

    Hi @Byrdman1 and welcome to the online community,

    There are quite a few alternative treatments around for OA, and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Have a look at the Versus Arthritis website which discusses the benefits of fish oil:

    All our members live with arthritis, and as you can see above, there's plenty of discussion on the forum about trying out natural remedies. Here's a recent thread where supplements are discussed:

    Do have a look round the frum, join in any conversations where you feel comfortable - everyone is very friendly and supportive - and ask any more questions you may have. If you give omega 3 a try, it would be great to hear how you're getting on.

    Anna (Moderator)

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • Gattus
    Gattus Member Posts: 2

    I have osteoarhritis in my knee and have been taking Tumeric,Ginger and Black Pepper capsules for over two years took about a month to kick in but really works.

    I no longer have to use a stick to get around and have hardly any pain. Take two capsules every morning. Buy these on Ebay at a very reasonable cost. Fully recommend.

  • Byrdman1
    Byrdman1 Member Posts: 4

    Hello

    am new on this site. I have OA in my left knee, both hands and I think my spine.

    Does anyone take omega 3 and find it helps ?

  • Byrdman1
    Byrdman1 Member Posts: 4

    Thank you for helpful comments. I just trying to navigate this site,but think will be geat to communicate

  • Byrdman1
    Byrdman1 Member Posts: 4

    With people who are suffering as well.I also have sciatica at the moment. ? Related to arthritis in spine

  • The user and all related content has been deleted.
  • Shauny
    Shauny Member Posts: 1

    Hi new to this group. I am nearly 64 with OA on both knees, left is worst exasperated by my other leg being 3cm longer after hip replacement.

    I have paid a lot of money to have a bespoke insole made which hopefully will correct my severe limp and ease the pain and rescue swelling around my knee.

    However my masseuse has suggested I try a course of laser treatment. Has anyone tried this and what were your results please.

    Thankyou

    Shaun

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,757

    Hi @Shauny welcome to the online community.

    A quick search on the subject of laser therapy gave up these threads:

    Some of them seem to concern eyes but most are relevant to arthritis. Might be an idea to chat more to your masseuse about what type they had in mind for your knees? and the cost too.

    Best wishes

    Ellen.

  • Hi Jon(R) - thanks so much for your useful information and understanding of the problem! Do you buy some of the Fabric Electrodes from the same company as the Controller? I have just been on the website, and found socks and gloves with Electrodes in, but no knee ones, but saw there is an assortment of fabric Electrodes - from quite small to larger ones - Just wondering if you use some of them - As opposed to an actual knee specific one?

    Thanks for your suggestion for supplements - I know now that Glucosamine and Chronditin supplements are not effective, and that's the usual verdict on various websites! Am interested in the CBD Capsules, have read a few articles on them, but not sure where to get them from - I know you have to be careful with who you get them from etc?

    I have also read about Naproxen as a pain reliever, but from sites like WEBMD etc am a bit wary of the side effects? Just wondering what your experience is? Also if you are talking about the Bromelain capsules - Pineapple extract ones? I just looked them up on amazon and they sound good - I've never heard of them before, so big thanks, & I think I will try some!

    Anyway I hope you continue to hold off this painful disease and again many thanks for your help Jon

  • Hi to all of you who have given me great advice and support on my other post.

    I would really appreciate it if anyone with experience of OA in the fingers could help me with any suggestions re treatments - Oral Ibuprofen does not help, and Naproxen causes major headaches. I am going to Bromelain - as recommended on the other thread and I am already trying :-

    Green Lipped Mussel extract capsules, Astaxanthin, Flexee, Hyaluronic Acid Supplement, and Fish oils! I have topical Ibuprofen gel and even some Voltaren gel - despite the Diclofenac - which a GP was very wary of! But it's the only thing that helps with my shoulder pain!

    Anyway it feels like the OA is just exploding in my body and it's scary, but I am sure that I don't need to say that on here!

    I am seeing a private physio - as my NHS MSK is useless and have told me that I have to be assessed by them if I want to see a Rheumatologist again - Unfortunately the waiting list for this in Hertfordshire is about a year!

    Anyway I will really appreciate any advice you can give me - I know that there are expensive injections - Hyaluronic Acid etc, but I can't afford them, as I guess most people can't.

    Many thanks in advance

    Jon

  • susy123
    susy123 Member Posts: 48

    Hi how much are they and what is the brand name do you buy. Regards Susy123

  • jonr
    jonr Member Posts: 420

    Hi @NeverSurrender (Jon),

    You've asked some good questions. Firstly, with TENS machines, they're not sold for a specific part of the body which needs treatment and are available in wired or wireless options, the latter useful for difficult to reach areas. I bought mine from Lloyds Pharmacy, electrode pads were included and Lloyds sell spares when the adhesive stops working. Re: CBD capsules, I used a full spectrum supplement online from a company called Hempura, seemed to have the same sort of effect as Co-Codemol and not as expensive as some of the options out there, particularly on the high street. As for Naproxen, the main side effect is bleeding to the stomach lining which is why GPs should prescribe Omeprazole to protect it. I take 2 x 500Mb tablets daily and have done for the last 3 years or so without any side-effects but I gather its not suitable for patients with high blood pressure which NSAIDs like Naproxen and Ibuprofen can raise. As you're in England you can bypass the usual NHS pathway and go to Connect Health (Google it), you can self-refer if your GP doesn't want to or can't refer you. It's essentially a fast track service for MSK sufferers. There's also the GP Exercise Referral Programme (Google that too) for a tailored exercises and other physio-type activities you can do under the watchful eye of a Specialist at your local sports centre, also gets a discount off the annual membership, well worth it based on my experience. Finally, don't forget the exercises and videos on this website, available to help manage all forms of Arthritis.

  • Oh BTW Jon - I forgot to ask which of the Bromelain supplements do you use? I've had a look at a few, but as usual it is hard to go through the dosages, and purported benefits of them - Especially when it feels like your brain is in a huge amount of fog!

    Thank you again

    Jon W

  • Thanks for your advice and I appreciate it - I do have a wireless TENS machine and gel to re-stick the pads - I have seen gloves with Electrodes in for fingers, but I think they were for use with wired units, and am not sure how effective it would be for fingers. I have mainly used the large pads for my back, and some smaller ones on my knees.

    Thanks for the CBD info - I will def check it out with the route you use! I know about Omeprazole and protecting the stomach from all the NSAIDS - My OA was originally misdiagnosed by a GP, as Polymyalgia which of course is RA. He also put me on steroids - Prednisone & although I had monthly blood tests to check my CRP'S, and was then seen by a series of GP'S, it actually took a letter from my Consultant Psychiatrist, in which he asked "Could there possibly be another diagnosis?" The letter was to my named GP (Who was one of the ones who had been seeing me after some of the blood tests!).

    Anyway he called me in to see him, had the letter on his desk and said to me "How old are you - 55, Polymyalgia?! I don't think so!" He then referred me to the Rheumatology service at the local hospital (luckily there wasn't a years waiting list - as there is now!), so I was seen, had X-rays and scans, and examined, and told it was not RA, but Osteoarthritis - and I should not have been on the steroids for 18 months. Especially so as it made my depression much worse!

    Thank you for the advice on the Connect health - I am going to look that up in a few minutes! As well as the exercises! I've ordered some of the pamphlets from this site and donated, and will check out the exercises and videos too.

    You are a great source of information! Hope you are managing to hold off and prevent your Arthritis from getting worse - you sound pretty tough so I'm sure you are!

    Anyway all the best

    Jon

  • Hi mate I'm sorry to hear that you are having pain - if you look at my other posts you will see the supplements I am on - Also jonr's posts are really good.

    The private Physio I have seen uses LLLT = Low Level Laser Therapy approved for osteoarthritis and RH too - I have had one quick treatment and it helped my knees and can be used for most other parts of the body. There is another treatment called SHOCKWAVE THERAPY - Don't worry it's not electrical but mechanical and I have not had it yet but have read it can be very effective too

    Anyway if you Google them and look for genuine sites (not just the Sponsored ones!) you will be able to learn all about them and see what you think.

    All the best

    Jon