Ostio and Rheumatoid arthritis

[villagetinker]

Has anyone found a medican OTC or prescription that works for both of these? Wife is suffering. Also if you have a really good doctor for these conditions that would be appreciated if she decides to change doctors.
Thanks in advance, VT

[Happydaz]

Has anyone found a medican OTC or prescription that works for both of these? Wife is suffering. Also if you have a really good doctor for these conditions that would be appreciated if she decides to change doctors.
Thanks in advance, VT

You can find many over the counter treatments for osteoarthritis such as Motrin, Aleve, aspirin, diclofenac creams, etc., etc.. There are many products that can help temporarily relieve symptoms. If you have a chronic problem you should check with your primary care physician for more extensive treatment options. Now, if you are talking about rheumatoid arthritis you have a more serious issue and need to talk, at a minimum, to your PCP and maybe then be referred to a Rheumatologist. Osteoarthritis is the pain and swelling from the normal wear and tear of our joints that most of us get as we age. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results in much more serious consequences. That is why you may want to talk to a Rheumatologist and discuss many of the treatment options for this disease. These specialists are the doctors to talk to if you have rheumatoid arthritis.

[jdulej]

There is the pain management side and the actual treatment side. I think you will only find pain management stuff otc. For me ibuprofen is the only drug otc that touches RA. I lived on the stuff for 15 years. You need a big dose. 800 mg 3 times a day but for me it was the difference between crawling up and down the stairs and walking
There can be bad side effects over time with that big a dose
My Villages dr was horrified at the dose I was taking and moved me to 5mg X 2 times a day of prednisone. That also seems to work but my swelling and pain are nowhere neAr as bad as when this first kicked in
Dont neglect the treatment side or your joints will continue to get eaten away. I take Methotrexate weekly and it works fine. Be aware that some treatments cost a fortune like Embril. Dont let yourself get talked into those if you can help it

[villagetinker]

Thank you all for the info and comments so far, a lot of this is what my wife has already tried or is currently doing, hoping for something she has not tried yet.

[Babubhat]

Voltarin gives me temporary relief but is not a long term solution. Still waiting for my appointment with a specialist

[wisbad1]

Has anyone found a medican OTC or prescription that works for both of these? Wife is suffering. Also if you have a really good doctor for these conditions that would be appreciated if she decides to change doctors.
Thanks in advance, VT
I’m suffering from RA, effecting my lungs and joints. Been going to Sands in Gainesville, taking Prednisone for two weeks, never felt better . You pm for more info if you need.

[tophcfa]

CBD works very well for many people with Ostio, including myself. Rheumatoid is a very different and more difficult nut to crack. A couple of close friends have been battling RA and nothing available OTC has provided relief. However, both of my friends got very good results from the prescription medication Hydoxychloroquine. The medication works slowly over time, but after a couple months both friends got significant relief. Played golf with one of them today and he shot a 73 and kicked my a$$. Wishing the best for your wife!

[rjm1cc]

I do not know if this will help or not. Over the counter "schiff move free"

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Voltaren can help with some of the joint pain. I wouldn't put it on the fingers though - you need to wash your hands pretty thoroughly after applying it to other parts of the body - rubbing an itch on your eye would be a pretty nasty experience if you had voltaren on your finger.

I just bought a bottle of Bigeloil, hoping it'll help my own OA pain. It's a horse liniment that is pretty popular I guess with the Senior set, made by Absorbine (remember Absorbine Jr? Same company). Ingredients are mostly menthol, with salicylic acid and methyl salicylate (both chemical components of both aspirin and of willow bark), juniper berry, thyme, rubbing alcohol, and water.

The only real treatment for my OA will be a hip replacement at this point, so pain management is the best I can hope for until then.

[Catfishjeff]

Dr. Catherine Sullivan, rheumatology at the Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood. She’s been treating my two types of arthritis with lots of success. 352-674-8700

[Hape2Bhr]

I have been using this for over 20 years. It works for me, and several other people I know of. It does not help everyone.

Is Pineapple Juice Good for Arthritis Pain? | Healthfully (https://healthfully.com/488729-is-pineapple-juice-good-for-arthritis-pain.html)

[jdulej]

Dr. Catherine Sullivan, rheumatology at the Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood. She’s been treating my two types of arthritis with lots of success. 352-674-8700
I’ll second Catherine Sullivan

[NotGolfer]

I'm so sorry your wife is suffering. I have both of those plus fibromyalgia. We're all different with our diseases so how she responds to treatments may be different than others. You said she's pursued treatments to no avail. I don't know that OTC can help much as the RX meds are supposed to slow down the progression. OTC and pain meds just cover the issues that cause the pain. One thing I found though to help my fibro. is CBD---I use both tincture and gummies at bedtime. I would say she needs to continue with a rheumatologist. IF she's unhappy then find another one. Dr. Gresh in Ocala is a good one. I see Catherine Sullivan at the Specialty Clinic but heard she's not taking new patients. Not sure if that's correct or not. Used to go to Simed but can't recommend anyone there.
Osteoarthritis comes from aging and use of the body parts. It's different than RA, which is an autoimmune disease. I can't take nsaids so my rheumatologist recommended acetametaphin. She also prescribed a muscle relaxant that I take at bedtime. If pain really hits in certain areas, a heating pad or a soak in the tub might help. I've been the route of pain specialists and won't do it again. Steroids just aren't good for your body. They thin the bones, skin tissue and veins...example with me is being poked for labs or having IV's in the hospital. My veins are hard to find now AND I "blow" the IV's so multiple tries have to happen which isn't fun. PLUS if you get the steroid shots from a pain specialist---I'm talking the kind where you have to fast and they use an x-ray machine to place the needle---these are short term fixes.

[socrafty]

I was referred to Dr. Kennth Stark in Tavares and saw him last week for the first time. I was very happy with him and Dr. Blum and felt they were well worth the 45 min drive. They spent a lot of time with me, and explained things in a way I could understand them. They think there are a couple things going on and gave me a couple of options to ease the pain. Prednisone was one, but it whacks me out and once done with it, the pain comes back. My other option is Methotrexate, which they monitor closely with bloodwork. I think I'm going to go that route. I hope your wife gets some relief soon.

[La lamy]

Doctors always go to drugs as a treatment, and I know arthritis is very painful, but maybe she can also try anti-inflam foods and all holistic approaches. Like others have said, I've heard CBD oil is quite effective. All the best to her.

[HospitalCoder]

Thank you all for the info and comments so far, a lot of this is what my wife has already tried or is currently doing, hoping for something she has not tried yet.

If she has not tried turmeric, highly recommend.

[Bleudeturquoise]

Dr. Catherine Sullivan
restored my life
Referred by my Primary Care Dr.
Had to wait 2 months for appointment

[Rzepecki]

I was referred to Dr. Kennth Stark in Tavares and saw him last week for the first time. I was very happy with him and Dr. Blum and felt they were well worth the 45 min drive. They spent a lot of time with me, and explained things in a way I could understand them. They think there are a couple things going on and gave me a couple of options to ease the pain. Prednisone was one, but it whacks me out and once done with it, the pain comes back. My other option is Methotrexate, which they monitor closely with bloodwork. I think I'm going to go that route. I hope your wife gets some relief soon.

My husband has been seeing Dr. Stark since 2010 and wouldn’t leave him for anything. He doesn’t accept Advantage plans. Regular Medicare pays for infusions that can only be done in a doctor’s office. Dr. Stark is very knowledgeable about these and his office does administer them. He also used to be (may still be) on the state Medicare board for rheumatology.

[Maybelle]

Has anyone found a medican OTC or prescription that works for both of these? Wife is suffering. Also if you have a really good doctor for these conditions that would be appreciated if she decides to change doctors.
Thanks in advance, VT

Not many good arthritis doctors around here. I definitely recommend going to Shands. A bit of a drive but worth it.

[Scbang]

Thank you all for the info and comments so far, a lot of this is what my wife has already tried or is currently doing, hoping for something she has not tried yet.
Don't know about RA but if it's OA, take Krill Oil, it helped me a lot. I used have very stiff fingers in the morning.

Cheers!

[kthyfla]

Schiff Move Free Advanced (not the Ultra) does really work for me. Take 2 in am and 2 in pm. Starts working in about a week. Have used for years. I have tried other brands when on sale etc. always come back to Move Free Advanced (again I say not the Ultra).. I was surprised myself when it actually worked. Must take everyday, if you forget or run out for a week or so it will be like starting from scratch. I hope it works as well for you as it has for me.

[moerman]

Has anyone found a medican OTC or prescription that works for both of these? Wife is suffering. Also if you have a really good doctor for these conditions that would be appreciated if she decides to change doctors.
Thanks in advance, VT

My OTC is Tylenol for Arthritis. Dr Gresh 352-861-0100 is the Rheumatologist I was referred to. His office is in Ocala, but well worth the drive.

[Gobragh]

It took about 2.5 - 3 years to figure out what worked for me. Presently on a combo of 2 meds that work for me. The hard part is that some meds take time to build up in your system (4 to 6 Months). It does take time to figure out.

[villagetinker]

It took about 2.5 - 3 years to figure out what worked for me. Presently on a combo of 2 meds that work for me. The hard part is that some meds take time to build up in your system (4 to 6 Months). It does take time to figure out.

I sent a PM.

[rjdfitzpatrick@aol.com]

I swear by Celebrex for Osteo

[waltwl]

I have found some relief with tart cherry extract..Zazee found on Amazon.

[SusanStCatherine]

I stumbled upon someone suggesting collagen and bone broth. I tried the collagen and I was shocked that it took away most of my pain. I haven't even tried the bone broth yet. I use the Orgain brand 10g per day. If I skip a day I notice the difference.

Everyone is different and different things work for each person.

I like the dietary or OTC supplement approach as it's easier than dealing with docs. I was on celebrex which didn't work well.

I like naprosyn Rx best for pain and next best is OTC naproxen (Aleve). It is better long term use than other common drugs.

A topical CBD also works wonders - Green Roads muscle & joint relief.

I think stem cell treatment is coming along in this area.

It's also possible just getting daily exercise can help. Or losing weight to take stress off your joints.

I prefer a functional doctor who doesn't push Rx meds.

Good luck!

[txyaya]

Has anyone found a medican OTC or prescription that works for both of these? Wife is suffering. Also if you have a really good doctor for these conditions that would be appreciated if she decides to change doctors.
Thanks in advance, VT

CBD oil and tart cherry along with Naproxen

[golfing eagles]

Has anyone found a medican OTC or prescription that works for both of these? Wife is suffering. Also if you have a really good doctor for these conditions that would be appreciated if she decides to change doctors.
Thanks in advance, VT

Sorry to hear about your wife, chronic illnesses are difficult for patient and doctor alike. My best advice is to see a good rheumatologist, either locally or at the university. Just as you probably chuckle at the responses to an electrical engineering question when posed on this forum, it is even worse when a medical question is asked.

So far, the suggestions have been "food and a holistic approach", CBD, pineapple juice, collagen, bone broth, tart cherry extract, turmeric, and "possible future stem cell treatments". There have been several well meaning amateurs attempting to give a didactic discourse on OA and RA. No different than past threads and just as expected. Just get to a rheumatologist and let the professionals help her.

[DAVES]

The sad reality, we are not 20 anymore. Amusing? Ponce DeLeon discovered Florida in search of the fountain of youth. The Villages in here. With all the digging are they really building homes or searching for the fountain of youth. Imagine home values if they find it.

The best pain killers are opioids. Every drug has side effects. Opioids have as well as being habit forming, the effect diminishes and the does needs to be increased making addiction worse. Aside the same is true of Steroids.

I think it was George Burns who said if I knew I was gonna live this long I woulda taken better care of myself.

Where is that fountain of youth? I need it.

[golfing eagles]

The sad reality, we are not 20 anymore. Amusing? Ponce DeLeon discovered Florida in search of the fountain of youth. The Villages in here. With all the digging are they really building homes or searching for the fountain of youth. Imagine home values if they find it.

The best pain killers are opioids. Every drug has side effects. Opioids have as well as being habit forming, the effect diminishes and the does needs to be increased making addiction worse. Aside the same is true of Steroids.

I think it was George Burns who said if I knew I was gonna live this long I woulda taken better care of myself.

Where is that fountain of youth? I need it.

His better line was his response to the inquiry: "Mr. Burns, you drink 4 martinis and smoke 6 cigars each day, what does your doctor think about that?"

George: I don't know, he's dead :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Almanurse1]

I’ll second Catherine Sullivan

Third.

[Spalumbos62]

I sent a PM.

I have osteo and sure enough as soon as I get in bed the pain starts to crank up.
OTC I use Biofreeze, none greasy, comes in a roller form. My physical therapist suggested it. I roll some on my barking ankles and shortly in LA LA land. Best of luck.

[cbmerl]

Thank you all for the info and comments so far, a lot of this is what my wife has already tried or is currently doing, hoping for something she has not tried yet.

If you are looking for a great Rheumatologist, Dr. Catherine Sullivan (at Brownwood specialties) is amazing and wonderful. Phone number is 352-674-8700. Good luck.

[Haggar]

Voltarin gives me temporary relief but is not a long term solution. Still waiting for my appointment with a specialist

My wife used Dololed. She got off of it to see if her Kidneys were being affected,
After review by primary doc that advised her dololed was safe she went back on it and got immediate relief. It's a marigold abstract.

Normally I think these are all a bunch of marketing crap but this really seems to work for her.

[lindaelane]

I think you have tried a lot and want something unusual but good.

I suggest items you can have shipped from Europe.

I recommend NutraLenk Gold from Iceland.

Do not be confused by products named NutriGold or NutraLenk Gold from Denmark, etc. Here is a website for NutraLenk Gold from Iceland:

NutriLenk Gold fyrir lidina 180 toflur | Lyfjaver (https://www.lyfjaver.is/vara/nutrilenk-gull-180stk/)

Google will translate this website.

They will ship here. It is about $50 for a two month supply, but the shipping charges will add quite a bit to this. Plus, the 2-3 weeks you should take 2 tablets 3 times a day, then you cut back to 2-3 tablets a day (so it costs a little more for the first 2-3 weeks.)

You must order two bottles and pay $25 shipping, so about $125 for a four month supply.

You won't feel a difference immediately, but within a month or two there is a great difference.

This worked wonders for me where nothing else did very much.

Additionally, as others have said, I strongly recommend Dr. Sullivan of the Villages Healthcare.

Finally, physical therapy implementing the right exercise program has the potential to make a huge difference. You do have to find a good physical therapist (I visited with one in Europe and so have no one to recommend here.)

[tophcfa]

Not many good arthritis doctors around here. I definitely recommend going to Shands. A bit of a drive but worth it.

The irony of it, good doctors don’t want to practice in a market where most of the patients are on Medicare, which pays low reimbursement rates. Yet, most of the arthritis doctors patients are 65 plus and on Medicare. That’s probably why there is a nationwide shortage of good rheumatologists?

[Carla B]

I think different drugs either work for different people or harm them. My particular version of arthritis first started at age 34 when I was hospitalized with a rheumatic-like illness. In the following years it would come and go with acute episodes in the fingers but did not progress beyond the fingers. By acute, I mean red, swollen, and painful joints. In the 1990's, while taking prescribed Feldene, I suddenly contracted Ulcerative Colitis. With no family history of UC I think the use of Rx NSAIDs caused it, although the doctors more or less scoffed at the idea. However, the gastroenterologist at Baylor College of Medicine who treated me advised that I should never take OTC or prescribed NSAIDs again. Said to use Tylenol, and "just live" with the pain. I followed his advice. The acute episodes continued for the next seven or eight years, attacking one finger at a time, sometimes for as long as a year, then suddenly leaving when the damage to the joint was done.

After treatment for the initial episode of UC, I was among the lucky ones who have never had a flare-up of that disease. 25 years after the onset of UC, I cautiously tried Celebrex, which wasn't available during my active years of arthritis, and found out that it suppressed acute pain and swelling after a few days.

Just my story and no advice offered here. Just that there are many aspects related to arthritic diseases, how to diagnose and how to treat.

[Notsocrates]

Has anyone found a medican OTC or prescription that works for both of these? Wife is suffering. Also if you have a really good doctor for these conditions that would be appreciated if she decides to change doctors.
Thanks in advance, VT

OA and RA are two different inflammatory diseases. The former can be thought of as "wear and tear." The latter is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakes friend from foe. The first is treated, as you know with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The second is treated with other classes of agents. Because different agents work differently on different persons, this is not the place for that discussion.

[richrjones]

Thank you all for the info and comments so far, a lot of this is what my wife has already tried or is currently doing, hoping for something she has not tried yet.

Gabapentin 800 mg 3 times a day helps me. Prescription needed.

[Marykess1802]

I’m doing well on Gabapentin supplemented with Tylenol x-strength. Tried lots of other OTC and Rx meds. Sombra OTC works great. Voltaren on rough days. Careful…Voltaren has ibuprofen.

[Burgy]

It has all been very good advice. For major flare or misery a burst and taper of prednisone may help.

[golfing eagles]

I’m doing well on Gabapentin supplemented with Tylenol x-strength. Tried lots of other OTC and Rx meds. Sombra OTC works great. Voltaren on rough days. Careful…Voltaren has ibuprofen.

Voltaren is diclofenac. It has nothing to do with ibuprofen (other than they both belong to the broad class of NSAIDs) and does not "contain" any either

[golfing eagles]

It has all been very good advice. For major flare or misery a burst and taper of prednisone may help.

Actually, half has been lousy advice, 40% mediocre, 5% fairly good and 5% very good

[Inexes@aol.com]

Actually, half has been lousy advice, 40% mediocre, 5% fairly good and 5% very good

You tell 'em, Doc.......just think of all the time, effort and money, and (blood, sweat and tears), you could have saved when all you needed was a Google search button.......
LOL

[JohnN]

I have extensive osteoarthritis in my back. The back is different than knee, fingers, etc. so maybe none of this is helpful.

1) prednisone works great for me, but it's a steroid and I've used it very very sparingly (those times when the pain is just beyond me).
2) I have a "bed of nails" mat, much like a yoga mat with plastic nails. Surprisingly, it does work for me and I use it daily. Relief is usually temporary.
3) Nsaids, creams, supplement (Devil's Claw and turmeric) give some relief.
4) I've read about PEMF (Pulse Electro Magnetic Frequency) and while it may be snake oil, maybe it works. I'd like to try it since it's non-invasive, non-meds, etc but it's a bit pricey.
5) Yoga, meditation, etc. all helps a bit.

Best wishes and if you find any success, pass it along.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Update on the Bigeloil:

I've applied the liniment a few times so far now since the bottle arrived from Amazon I think this past Monday (might've been Saturday).

I tried combining with my usual lineup of OTC ibuprophen/acetaminophen, and without, and with just one or the other.

I also sometimes just have bad days and good "hours" with my hip. Some days will be great, except a few hours which are horrible. The rest of the time it's pretty bad if I don't take my pain relievers.

So - it SEEMS as though the Bigeloil really does help. There's no measured dosage, it's a non-oily alcohol-based liquid. You tip the bottle to get a spoonful or two into the palm of your hand and rub it onto the affected area a few times a day (or as needed).

It SEEMS as though the pain relief will last a few hours. And it also SEEMS as though, when combined with my usual meds, that the pain relief is more significant than when I don't use it.

By "relief" I mean very specifically - that I am able to walk without limping and contorting myself to shift the grinding of bone against bone, and I can wash the dishes without needing to stop because of the pain, and I am able to bend to pick up the cat dish and put food in it.

It contains aspirin, so if you bruise easily or are on strong blood thinners, probably not a good idea. Check with your doctor on that, if so.

The #1 active ingredient is menthol.

[JMintzer]

CBD oil and tart cherry along with Naproxen

My money is on the Naproxen...

[JMintzer]

The sad reality, we are not 20 anymore. Amusing? Ponce DeLeon discovered Florida in search of the fountain of youth. The Villages in here. With all the digging are they really building homes or searching for the fountain of youth. Imagine home values if they find it.

The best pain killers are opioids. Every drug has side effects. Opioids have as well as being habit forming, the effect diminishes and the does needs to be increased making addiction worse. Aside the same is true of Steroids.

I think it was George Burns who said if I knew I was gonna live this long I woulda taken better care of myself.

Where is that fountain of youth? I need it.

Opioids only mask the pain. They don't fix the root cause...

[JMintzer]

I have osteo and sure enough as soon as I get in bed the pain starts to crank up.
OTC I use Biofreeze, none greasy, comes in a roller form. My physical therapist suggested it. I roll some on my barking ankles and shortly in LA LA land. Best of luck.

I recommend that to my patients, as well. It masks the pain, by causing a more pleasant sensation. Much like rubbing your elbow after whacking your funny bone...

[JMintzer]

Gabapentin 800 mg 3 times a day helps me. Prescription needed.

I’m doing well on Gabapentin supplemented with Tylenol x-strength. Tried lots of other OTC and Rx meds. Sombra OTC works great. Voltaren on rough days. Careful…Voltaren has ibuprofen.

Gabapentin is typically used for nerve pain (neuropathy), not osteoarthritic pain...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Gabapentin is typically used for nerve pain (neuropathy), not osteoarthritic pain...

The OP, and in fact the entire thread, is about BOTH osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. Gabapentin is sometimes used to treat the pain caused by joint inflammation in RA.

[Sage327]

Has anyone found a medican OTC or prescription that works for both of these? Wife is suffering. Also if you have a really good doctor for these conditions that would be appreciated if she decides to change doctors.
Thanks in advance, VT

I would recommend Dr Catherine Sullivan. I know her from NY and she is a very caring Dr. who takes her time with patients.

[villagetinker]

Thanks to all for the information and discussion.

Moderator, you can close this thread, thank you.

[JMintzer]

The OP, and in fact the entire thread, is about BOTH osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. Gabapentin is sometimes used to treat the pain caused by joint inflammation in RA.

Thanks, but I'll stick to MY medical training...

Oh, btw, the Google machine says this: "Gabapentin is a drug treatment rarely tried in the rheumatoid arthritis community. It has been reported as tried by 4% of the members with mixed effectiveness ..."

Stuff That Works (https://www.stuffthatworks.health/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatments/gabapentin)

[Bleudeturquoise]

Dr. Catherine Sullivan
Restored my life

[Troopie]

I have injected Enbrel for about five years, now and am very happy with how it has diminished the pain and stiffness in my hands due to Rheumatoid. I also take Celebrex daily. I go to Dr. Sullivan in The Villages Specialty Health. I wish your wife the best.

[Sensei]

Has anyone found a medican OTC or prescription that works for both of these? Wife is suffering. Also if you have a really good doctor for these conditions that would be appreciated if she decides to change doctors.
Thanks in advance, VT

Antibiotics for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis - PMC - NCBIhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › articles › PMC3883615
by M Ogrendik · 2014 · Cited by 46 — Later, tetracyclines were successfully used for the treatment of RA. In double-blind and randomized studies, levofloxacin and macrolide ...
‎Abstract · ‎Introduction · ‎Tetracyclines · ‎Macrolide antibiotics

MINOCYCLINE CURES RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIShttps://www.drmirkin.com › joints
An exciting study from the University of Nebraska shows that the antibiotic, minocycline, helps to prevent joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

[Eg_cruz]

Has anyone found a medican OTC or prescription that works for both of these? Wife is suffering. Also if you have a really good doctor for these conditions that would be appreciated if she decides to change doctors.
Thanks in advance, VT
Morning, my daughter has EDS and MS she uses the TENS therapy. It works great on her pain. The TENS she can use on the part of the body that is have a flair up. You can order one from your dr or Amazon. They cost between $50-$100. I would definitely try this for her.
The other thing we do is belong to support groups on social media, have found them very helpful.
Healing vibes sent to your wife.