Home Remedies For Osteo Arthritis

[Rosie29]

I have OA in both knees and an appointment coming up to discuss a possible knee replacement. I'm not at all sure that this is what I want and, depending on the advice given, would have to consider this operation very carefully.

I actually feel that the pain and stiffness has improved. I resort to Diclofenac rarely - not even once a week. My x rays show severe tricompartmental OA with complete loss of medial joint space on the R.

I take the arthritis magazine and from time to time there is a letter about some home remedy - turmeric, cinnamon etc.

I know there will be ABers who will have a laugh about this, but I'm wondering if anyone has found any benefit from a home remedy. Thanks very much.

[Sqad]

\\\\\I actually feel that the pain and stiffness has improved. I resort to Diclofenac rarely - not even once a week.\\

and that is surely your answer.................postpone the need for a knee replacement.

No "home remedy" is going to reverse your arthritis.

[Ann]

I cancelled an appointment for a knee op (not a knee replacement) doubled my daily dose of Glucosamine, lost weight, did more gentle exercise and lo and behold it improved ........ touch wood!

[Rosie29]

Well thanks Ann - that sounds encouraging - I'm grateful for that.

[Rosie29]

Sqad - I don't expect a reversal - that would be physiologically impossible. But, nevertheless there are folks who do genuinley seem to get some relief from their symptoms by non orthodox means. Thank you anyway for your input.

[woofgang]

have you spoken to a decent physio?

[lcg]

i agree with squad. i have osteo arthritis and have fentanyl patches, and take co-codamol, meloxicam and pregabalin on a daily basis. without that, i would be crawling around the floor in agony....and no home remedy will help arthritis, it will just lighten your wallet. at a push i would take cod liver oil, but that's it.

[Rosie29]

Hello Woofgang - I used to visit an osteopath - but that was a while ago and I don't seem to have as much of a problem as I used to. My GPs thoughts were, that as I'm 81, to have a replacement now rather than later. But when I saw her this morning she admitted an opn. might make things worse but advised me to keep the appt. anyway.

[Rosie29]

Yes Icg - I feel that I'm tons better off than, for example, people such as you. You have much sympathy from me. I don't want to go to the appt. and feel I'm time wasting - but as I say my GP thinks I should see what the Consultant says.

[woofgang]

that's a bit odd Rosie. Normally joint replacements are put off for as long as possible.

[pixie373]

I would leave an operation unless there's no other real option. A replacement could last for many years, or may only be ten (I've known that), so there's a chance you'd be looking at another operation at 90. If you can leave it a few more years, there's more chance only needing it done once.

[clivebeca]

Sorry if I've missed your age, and other physical attributes.
Have suffered, but certainly keeping fit, is a major help.
Also, OK an old wives tale; but, and it is the wrong time of year.
New nettle leaves, rubbed quite vigorously into the knees [if you can stand the initial pain] certainly has a beneficial advantage. Mainly 'cos it seems to 'kill' nerve endings. Also, try 'Bromelain' and 'Rose Hips'.
Also, on the age question, try and avoid as long as pos. an op.
Cousin in mid 70's has just has a knee replacement joint, and is 'like a spring chicken'; but he has been warned that may need a replacement for the replacement in x! years. Hope it helps, but do try and stay off 'branded' pain-killers. And accept we do not know at what pain level you are - pain is personal.

[Rosie29]

Thanks clive - all these answers are really helpful.

[anneasquith]

if your knees are painful, why not take pain killers on a regular basis ?

[Ann]

Have you tried Glucosamine Rosie? I have been taking 2 tablets of 1000mg daily for over 15 years together with 2 Omega 3 fish oil tablets. As they are not prescription medicine I occasionally forget to take them and I really know about it the next day which convinces ne they do work. Most doctors are very sceptical that they have any effect but I'm quite sure they do and I'm not usually one who believes old wives tales. I get them from Healthspan but Tescos usually have tubs of them on offer. Do give them a try (but maybe perhaps check with your pharmicist they are safe to take with other medication (but think they are safe with most)

[Ann]

//why not take pain killers on a regular basis//
anne - my GP told me this is not a good idea as your body becomes dependendent on them and especially taking paracetemol for daily headaches is not good as it can actually cause the pain to get worse.

[pixie373]

Many, many people over 80 take regular painkillers without ill-effects, but Rosie doesn't seem to be struggling with pain at the moment.

[dolberrow]

Ann - I might try that combination. What strength fish oil do you take two of? ( I'm a bit late replying - am visiting my loved one in Somerset )

[dolberrow]

PS he's dolberrow in case of confusion.