I’M one of the ten million people in the UK with arthritis.
Nearly half of sufferers depend on the use of painkillers to manage symptoms.
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But GPs should tell patients to exercise and lose weight first, NICE guidance for osteoarthritis, says.
Consultant rheumatologist, Dr Rod Hughes said: “I always encourage patients to take as few of these painkillers as possible and to look for safe natural supplements.”
I’ve suffered from back ache for 17 years after a lorry drove into the rear of my car.
Since then I’ve managed the pain with a combination of osteopathy, yoga and being mindful of how I lift and carry things.
However, in 2022 the pain changed and every night my left leg was in agony, as well as my hips and groin.
An X-ray confirmed arthritis in my spine, which can occur after a traumatic incident such as a car accident.
Desperate to find ways to ease my pain, I’ve tested a range of options since my diagnosis.
As the weather changes, exacerbating symptoms, here, I give them marks out of five for how well they did and didn’t work.
1. ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES – 1/5
Naproxen on prescription
ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES (NSAIDs) are a standard treatment doctors prescribe for osteoarthritis pain.
Naproxen (Naprosyn, Stirlescent) is one of the strongest on prescription.
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The drugs offer relief within an hour, lasting for up to 12 hours.
The medication helped immediately with regards to the pain relief but I reacted badly and had to stop taking them.
They gave me a terrible upset stomach, heartburn and abdominal pain — as well as exacerbating my migraines . . . they’re not for me.
If you have a long-term condition, like rheumatoid arthritis, you may need to take naproxen for some time and a doctor might need to prescribe a medicine to protect your stomach from side effects.
2. HEAT – 3/5
Puressentiel Muscle and Joint Heating Patches, £11.99, hollandandbarrett.com
DIRECT heat can loosen stiff joints and relieve aches and pains, research shows.
These patches combine 14 essential oils and can be applied directly to all parts of the body including the back, knees, shoulders and neck.
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If I’ve overdone it during the day by cycling or walking too far my back lets me know as it stiffens up.
I find applying direct heat comforting and it does help ease the pain too.
A benefit is they smell lovely and are calming.
3. TUMERIC – 4/5
Turmeric Oral Spray, £22.95 betteryou.com
BRIGHT orange-yellow spice from the root of the turmeric plant and has been used for thousands of years in Eastern medicines for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Many studies have found it has pain-relieving effects.
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I’ve been using this spray each day for around five months and it has helped me no end.
The groin pain has gone — unless I overdo it.
This is pricey initially but it lasts for ages.
4. MOVEMENT – 5/5
“MOTION is potion” when it comes to arthritis, or so they say.
The yoga position cat and cow is thought to be particularly beneficial for my form of arthritis as it moves the whole spine.
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Begin on your hands and knees with your hands shoulder width apart and your knees hip width apart.
Inhale, relax your shoulders, look up and allow your abdomen to sink towards the floor.
Exhale, and roll your shoulders in, drop your chin to your chest and round your back.
Flow with the breath between the movements for at least six repetitions.
To finish, push your hips back to your heels and breathe.
My back is very stiff in the morning and a few rounds of this loosens it beautifully and means I can stand up straight, rather than hobbling around.
5. PAINKILLERS – 2/5
Paracetamol 500g caplets, 39p, from chemists nationwide
THIS painkiller is often prescribed for short-term relief, especially if you’re unable to take anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen.
It did take the edge off the pain in my groin if I was having a very bad day, but it didn’t get rid of it entirely.
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6. JOINT SUPPLEMENT – 4/5
GOPO® Joint Health, £21.99, amazon.co.uk
THE star ingredient is a galactolipid compound (patented as GOPO) from the rosehip plant.
This has been shown to have powerful natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties for those with joint conditions.
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It is also a rich plant source of vitamin C. These really work.
After three weeks the burning pain in my leg had gone.
My back can still get stiff, but it’s far more manageable.
The only downside is you have to take six tablets a day for the first three to five weeks.
7. GREEN TEA – 3/5
Green Tea Oasis, £1.65, morrisons.com
PERCEIVED to be one of the healthiest drinks ever, green tea is full of antioxidants which are believed to reduce inflammation — the key to managing arthritic pain and stiffness.
I’ve given up my daily cuppa with milk and sugar and swapped it for green tea.
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The advice is to have two cups a day for pain. It has helped, but I miss my mug of builder’s tea.
8. MAGNESIUM – 4/5
Magnesium oil massage roller, £14.99, theives.co.uk
MORE than half of us are not getting our daily magnesium requirements and low levels are associated with headaches, anxiety and muscle pain.
The roller is used at bedtime and can be applied directly to any affected areas.
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I really liked this. It smelt divine and was very easy to use.
I used it every evening on my lower back and hips and it made a difference.
I reckon it also contributed to some great sleep.
Bonus.
WEIGHT LOSS – 5/5
The NHS advises losing weight if you have arthritis.
It says: “Too much weight places excess pressure on the joints in your hips, knees, ankles and feet, leading to increased pain and mobility problems.”
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I decided to slim down at the beginning of the year, as I have a big birthday coming up and want to start the next decade feeling as healthy as possible.
Since March I’ve lost just over 2st by reducing calories, sugar and carbs.
I’ve also increased the amount I walk to at least 8,000 steps a day.
The impact of the pain caused by arthritis has been huge.
I only seem to get a flare-up on occasional days, perhaps if I’ve overdone it a lot or if the weather is particularly damp.
