Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

What has helped your arthritis pain?

8 replies

MelonUsk · 02/05/2025 11:10

I’m over weight so that must change. Weight loss injections had horrible side effects
Im back to calorie counting but what else can I do to help myself?
Ouch! my ankles and feet are throbbing! Unfortunately ibuprofen hasn’t helped.
I can’t get a routine GP appointment for weeks!
Are there supplements or exercises that have helped?

OP posts:
Crunchymum · 02/05/2025 11:19

Have you actually been diagnosed with arthritis? What type?

If you have an autoimmune arthritis (Rheumatoid or Psoriatic) then you need to be referred to Rheumatology for proper consultation and medication.

When my arthritis flares I use Diclofenic (prescribed) but Ibuprofen does work I just need to take it x6 per day for a good week so the anti inflammatory properties begin to work. Taking it ad hoc for pain doesn't work, it needs to be taken as a "course"

* Ibuprofen should never been taken with Diclofenic. I use one or the the other. You can use paracetamol alongside.

Your GP should be able to look at other pain meds for you though.

Worldgonecrazy · 02/05/2025 11:26

I have osteoarthritis. Exercise helps me the most - it takes a while to get the full benefit. Lunges are great for strengthening the muscles that support the knees but you need good form and patience and a slow build.

A low inflammatory diet can also help, so cutting back on sugars, simple carbs etc.

My wrists and hands hurt less if I wear supports at night.

Thelnebriati · 02/05/2025 11:43

I have diagnosed osteoarthritis. I use paracetamol (4 doses every day), weight loss, exercise, and I drink bone broth every day. I use over the counter codeine and paracetamol as needed (reducing one dose of paracetamol for every dose of cocodamol). I'm also prescribed a higher dose of codeine for another condition but don't take that regularly, only when the pain is really bad.
My GP used to prescribe extra strength ibuprofen every winter until one year I ended up with a stomach ulcer, so I can't take it at all which is a shame as it used to be effective.

I struggled with weight loss until I got my blood sugar under control, also carbs seem to make the pain worse.
I eat anti inflammatory foods regularly.
I've been making bone broth from chicken bones for years. I drink some in soup every day, and my arthritis is not as advanced as they would expect, based on a recent MRI.

I regularly have my Vit D levels checked and take a high dose supplement every day (1,000microunits) - low D can aggravate joint pain.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Thelnebriati · 02/05/2025 11:47

For effective weight loss try the diet for type 2 diabetes, plus whatever exercise you can manage. Ask your GP if you qualify for help, there are classes you can join.

www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/eating/i-have-type-2-diabetes

Sonolanona · 02/05/2025 16:40

Osteoarthritis , disgnosed, here, back and hips (and one big toe joint, weirdly). I'm not overweight at all, but even an extra pound or two makes it worse.
Keeping really active is essential.. I play squash, walk the dog and dig an allotment. It hurts, but it hurts more on the days I don't.
I take Ibruprofen and sometimes naproxen but then need Omeprazole to prevent stomach issues!
I also take daily prescribed Vit D as I'm always a bit low.
Rheumatoid is a different beast and needs rheumatology.

LaurieFairyCake · 02/05/2025 21:09

Ugh don’t hate me but have you tried ALL the weight loss injections? Because I’m hoping one will work for you.

3 years ago I was having steroid injections every 3 months in my knee. Terrible inflammation, constantly exhausted. Arthritis in both knees, hands, big toes.

after losing almost 5 stone I can walk, run, play sport. No inflammation. I still have the arthritis obviously but no pain, no painkillers - just a slight stiffness in the morning.

the reduction of inflammation has been life changing for me.

also I take a table spoon of olive oil every day for lubrication .

TammyJones · 02/05/2025 21:19

Cutting out potatoes.

MelonUsk · 02/05/2025 22:17

@LaurieFairyCake no, just wegovy. However thanks for your positive post. It’s inspiring. Means that hard work could be worth it.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page