Solutions for joint problems - any ideas please?

Question

I'm looking for alternative remedies for joint problems. I can't find any non biased reliable information so I thought I'd ask you guys whats worked for you - I've heard about glucosamine, evening primrose and omega 3. I'm vegetarian.
Background - I'm not quite sure what I have. I'm 20, when I was a kid, about 11 I had bad joints in my legs. Went through all the rounds of consultants etc. I don't think they came up with a definitive diagnosis, but I think someone mentioned arthritis. I was on vioxx, but that was taken off the market. but i seemed to grow out of it. in the last couple of years it came back, and got LOADS worse this winter. I was taking sodium diclophenac, but it didn't seem to work, and when I did take it regularly, it really upset my stomach. The problem is really bad in my hands, but also knees and everywhere in the cold (changeable weather isnt helping) anyway, i have a phobia of doctors now so can't go back and discuss it. (sorry for the length!)

Answer 1

Hi
I'm sorry to read your dealing with pain problems, its no fun, & there are alternative things that can help you, but I really do think you should overcome your phobia, & see a Dr, & get a proper diagnosis, there are so many things that s could be causing your joint pain, some of which, if left untreated, can get a lot worse, & disable you, & others, that may be easily treatable, so please, do yourself a favour, & do PUSH for a proper diagnosis, dont be scared to make a fuss, & DONT be fobbed off.

That said, Black cherry juice can help, but I found it expensive, but I did notice a slight improvement in my pain levels.

Paingone pen, a little gagdet that zaps your pain, sort of like a mini tens pen... I love mine, it really does help, & is drug free.

Accupunture can help a lot, depending on what your pain is.

Chiropractic can help a lot too, & will help realign your body so your joints are not undr unecessary strain & making the pain worse.

Flax seed oil, is a vegitarian version of Codliver oil, & is much more potent, it will take about 2 weeks to kick in, but will help a lot.

Magnesium will help your body regulate pain signals (amongst other things), you can take supplements, but I love Epsom salt baths, 2 cups in hot water & soak for 20minutes at least, a few times a week, this is a good way of getting Magnesium into your system.

you may be suffering from a food intolerance, such as wheat or Dairy, they can & often do, cause joint pain too....keep a food diary(google) to see when pain flare ups occur, try illiminating foods & re-introducing, & check what happens.

Spirulina is a good source of nutiments, & can help your body fight illness, I love this stuff .

Cats claw is a fantastic herb for allsorts of things, including pain problems.

Clary Sage, is an aromatherapy oil, that is an anelgesic & a euphoric, so lifts you mood too, I swear by this oil, in the bath or pillow, or sleeve, etc.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage masssage, helps clear toxins out of your system, & always amazed me that it completely cleared any pain I had that day

Good luck, but please do yourself a favour & get aproper diagnosis.

Answer 2

You need to make sure to pick out all the stems, otherwise they will poke holes in your joint.

(Sorry, I couldn't resist).

Joints are one of the most delicate things on your body. A lot of people damage knees, ankles, etc. when they are younger, and don't think anything about it until they get old and start to get stiff arthritic joints.

There are a variety of treatments for relieving the discomfort, but not really many cures. You should be very careful exercising to keep from damaging them further - but definitely make sure to do some kind of low impact work out (maybe look up books or websites regarding what you can do).

You really should hunt around and find a doctor, maybe ask friends or family if they recommend anyone that isn't going to just waste your time, or make you nervous. See if someone can come with you to help you overcome your fear.

Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Firstly, at your age you really deserve a diagnosis - even a "best-guess" one is better than none (arthritis is too vague). I would advise you to overcome your phobia and see your GP who will probably arrange a rheumatological referral.

Secondly stay away if you can from taking diclofenac, vioxx etc daily. They will take the lining off your stomach before long. The occasional dose should not harm you.

Once you have a diagnosis, at least you will have a better idea what your alternative treatment options are. These could include glucosamine, an omega-3 oil supplement, acupuncture, dietary changes, homeopathy. If you're still suffering despite all this, your consultant may suggest some stronger drug treatments.

I do think you're right to be looking at alternatives to conventional treatment but I know I would be sending you off to get a diagnosis first

Answer 4

If he earns four times as much as you do and you are made to pay all the bills then be very wary of him and his motives because this is not the NORMAL behaviour of an honest husband. It would be pointless for you both to have a joint account if you are still meant to pay the bills. You'd have little to put in that account and what you DO put it he could then draw out if he wanted to. Keep your money (salary) in your account and tell him that you must either split the bills right down the middle or better still (because he earns more) he should pay three quarters and you pay one quarter of every outgoing. If that doesn't get him handing over some money and seeing sense then be very wary of him and his motives. If you are planning to have a family ask him what he intends doing when you are no longer earning or when you are having to pay high child care costs. It seems to me that he is one of those men (and there are many) who thinks that his money is HIS (even though he does not say that) and that yours is OURS. It sounds as if he has never matured and he needs to do so very quickly or this marriage will not work. Ensure you have this sorted before having a child to him or you will have a very sad and disappointing life.

Answer 5

Glucosamine chondritin works for some people. May I make a suggestion.....go have a thyroid test done. If your thyroid is off you will have a lot of joint pain. It is a simple blood test. The test is T3, T4 & TSH. All done with one blood draw.
In the meantime Tylenol Arthritis Strength works wonders.
Good Luck.

Answer 6

Sounds like Rheumatoid Arthritis you should see a bone specialist if you haven't already. Get the blood work done, my daughter was 18 months at the time and on occasion she has issues they give her naproxen when it acts up. Glucosime is good for the joints, you can also try fish oil, and try avoid eating rich foods.

Answer 7

It appears that you lack the proper amount of calcium in your diet. Do you take food supplements? If not, you should, because the food you buy in the marketplace needs to be carefully cleaned and cooked. When this is done, most of the nutrition is lost. There may be other vitamins along with calcium that you need. There is one vitamin that is manufactured by only one company it is called OsteoMatrix that is extremely helpful in building strong bones and joints.
In search type in: osteomatrix and you will be directed to it by following the link.

Answer 8

i have severe joint pain and some changes in shape etc since a miscarraige but they still can't diagnose me with arthritis! who knows! anyway i find glucosamine is helping and also avoiding alcohol which really makes it worse for some reason. I can't help much sorry, but i can empathise that we live in a world where there aren't always answers for things.

Answer 9

I do not have joint problems myself, but my grandfather uses cherry juice. He drinks 6 ounces every morning and he states his joints feel a lot better. He has good and bad days but nothing like it was before drinking the juice.

Answer 10

All right here it is, glucosamine sulphate with chondroitin & MSM, thats one, and the other is Calcium citrate with magnesium. These products help restore the joints. I take these products myself and have no problems and I am 60 and move people for a living.