Advice needed - OSTEO - Especially Knees!

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

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.🙂

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!!!

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 ?

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

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.