I am 39 years old, with a left hip degenerating. What otc pain relievers are most helpful?

Question

I have gotten the most relief with 2 Aleve 2/day, but am still in pain. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I'm sorry to hear that you're hurting like this. You said Aleve helps you.....and that is good. You have to be careful with the anti-inflammatory drugs (tylenol, motrin, aleve). They are very good for stopping the inflammatory process which causes the pain, but they can sure be hard on your stomach and on your liver. Make sure you don't take more Aleve than you're supposed to. There is a cut off amount of Naproxen (Aleve) that you can take without causing stomach and/or liver problems. It would probably be better for you to eat when you take these medications. Just remember that we're all different, so what may work for someone else may not work for you. Sometimes heat will help.....try a heating pad, or even possibly some Ben-Gay. Also a good hot shower in the morning may help things out......whatever works for you. I wish you the best of luck...............

Answer 2

Unfortunately, I have alot of experience with bone & joint pain; having degenerative bone disease.... ( I'm 48, been dealing with this since I was 19 )

First thing is: have you had xrays so you KNOW where your bones/joints stand, medically ?
2. Be very, VERY careful self-medicating with OTC meds.... You MUST be careful of the total about of acetomenaphin ( sp ?) you are taking....too much Tylenol, Aleve & the like adds up over the 24 hours, and can KILL your liver and/or kidneys ! I have lost friends doing this !
Your best bet, is to bite the bullet & ask your orthpediac doctor, to start you on a prescription pain killer; or an NSAID, if your stomach can take it. Just be glad you CAN take these....I could only take Vioxx :-( until it got my heart.....and now I just have to suffer. My gastric bypass won't let me take much of ANYthing.

Have you ever had the cortisone injections in the hip ? That helps ALOT to break the pain cycle.... I just got these in FIVE joints this morning...already I feel better... Most people have good luck with these. Mine only last about a month instead of 3 , 4 or forever.

If the drs have mentioned a hip replacement; don't want too long to get it. The longer you wait, the more it degenerates and the LESS the drs have to work with when you get the surgery. Ask me how I know THAT one... :-(

If you have gone more then a few years with this; it's time to go for the Prescription stuff...as bad as we patients don't want to admit it...sometimes we gotta have the "good stuff".
Good LucK !

Answer 3

Shake hands, I have identical to you!! I find ordinary Asprin works for me, but I am very careful in what I do so's not to aggravate the condition,I'm sure you know all the do's and don'ts. You can buy Asprin with a special coating on them to prevent damaging the stomach lining.As with ALL anti-inflammatory tablets,take AFTER food. If your hip is very advanced, I'm afraid over-the-counter remedies will be of no use,you will need stronger, specially prepared tablets for your particular problem. Warmth eases the discomfort,if you are able to, take a nice long bath,or even strap a hot water bottle to your hip. Have you tried a heating pad that you warm in the microwave. All these little things help.I wish you well,and hope you find some relief soon. Good luck.

Answer 4

I am Assuming you know it's degenerating. If not, ask your Doc.

I have a deg. shoulder. Had to have cortisone injections only a couple times and don't get scared of the pain of them. They really don't hurt that bad.

What's helped and is for years is Glucosamine tabs that have Crointiden(sp?) and MSM. It's costly but really helps with flexibility and movement of the joints. You can get it much less at a wholesale store. I don't know if there's a Costco near you. Check and compare prices. They cost a lot more if you buy them at drugstores, grocery stores, health food stores or buy them individually. At Costco, I get 250 or more for under $30.00.

Hope this helps. Keep me posted.

Answer 5

Aleve or Naproxen, I think is the strongest your going to find over the counter....Get a low dose of darvocet from your doc., it's not as strong as vicodin, but it should do the trick... Hope you feel better....

Answer 6

Glucosamine and Chondroitin, advil for the pain

Answer 7

I have rheumitoid arthritis and I find that plain aspirin works great.. but so doesn't Extra Strenght Excedrin.

Answer 8

Aleve i found to be the best by far. - sorry

Answer 9

If there is also arthritis try tylenol arthritis I take those for my back I have degenertive disc and arthritis but they help alot.