Arthritis

Does anyone have arthritis? What do you take for the pain - or how do you manage it? What causes a flare-up?
I've been taking Naproxen - which apparently works better the more you take it (cumulative effect), but I'm finding it makes me feel ill, fed-up and miserable. I've been out today and spent a fair amount of time sitting on a railway sleeper in the sun. As the effects of the Naproxen wore off and the sun warmed me - I felt massively better...........so perhaps direct heat would help?

Any hints and tips very welcome as I want to explore different ways of managing.

Re: Arthritis

I have it quite bad in my left hand. I haven't resorted to taking anything for it yet, but I do use a support glove on my left hand which kind of eases some of the pain.

I'll be interested to see what other sufferers take for theirs.

Re: Arthritis

Is it always painful? Or is it only during cold weather?

Re: Arthritis

I have an osteopath who mobilises my arthritic discomfort.
Works for me. I usually have one or two treatments a month.

Re: Arthritis

I have it in both feet, knees and assorted finger joints. Naproxen does nothing for me so I'm on one Diclofenac a day plus a couple of paracetamol before bed. My mobility has dropped due to lockdowns but I'm still hobbling about! (Also wear a compression sock on one foot and one knee)!
Life is much easier when it is warmer, cold wet days are a trial.

Re: Arthritis

It’s more painful in the winter than the summer, Lindy. I find the glove support gives some warmth which helps.

Re: Arthritis

I have it in both hips ,spine , shoulders ,ankles and feet . Not all at once on any given day thank goodness
Probably damp and wet conditions make the pain worse although I had excruciating pain in my feet in warm weather last summer!
I take soluble paracetamol .

Re: Arthritis

I have a wheat bag I bought years ago for a pulled muscle in my shoulder and I've now micro-waved that and it's on my knees and it feels great - all pain has gone.
Has anyone tried an infrared lamp?
My arthritis is definitely triggered by cold weather and the flare-ups so far seem to occur in February - after prolonged standing.

Re: Arthritis

I have basal thumb arthritis in both thumbs, worse in my left one though. Also knees and hips. Naproxen does seem to help but not as much as I'd like. Warmer, drier weather definitely improves it, and keeping my hands busy is a must - I always have some knitting or crocheting at the ready, which sometimes is painful to begin with but it definitely improves my mobility if I keep at it.

Re: Arthritis

Thanks everyone for your replies. I've now spent a second afternoon mostly sitting in the sun but today has been without medication after researching the side effects of my painkillers - and so far so good. Far far better than yesterday, so I'm wondering how much the painkillers contributed to my fatigue and concern.