I was diagnosed with arthritis at 24. The doctor never even told me what kind, so I assume it’s osteoarthritis (both hips and knees). When I started having symptoms at age 19, I was anything but overweight. I’ve no idea why I got it at such a young age. It has gotten worse in the recent past-almost unbearable at times. Heating pads don’t help much, and I only have a shower-no tub. I used to exercise regularly, but lately, I haven’t had the time. When I don’t exercise, the pain gets severe. There are times, at night, when I literally cannot move without screaming. I’m wondering what over-the-counter meds really work best when it gets like that. I don’t want to take both analgesics and NSAIDs at the same time, but I have. My dr. gave me Ultracet as well, but a limited amount, and no refills. I’m getting back into the exercise routine, but until I build some muscle around those joints again, I want to know others’ experiences with otc pain pills. I also take Osteo Biflex regularly.

Is it safe?
Is it prescription?
Are their worrisome side effects?
Are there any other things you can do, such as dietary, that truly help?
What about herbal supplements?
I have a doctor, thanks. But, the prescribed medications have warnings on them about stroke and heart attack. I’m concerned. Would like to hear what people have to say and then see the doctor afterwards. I appreciate other’s experiences.
By the way, I have joint damage due to long term undiagnosed Lyme Disease. I suppose some of it is also due to aging, something I choose not to admit to.

I really need something that will let me exercise daily without hurting my knees.

Running has no effect but just walking up stairs pains me greatly.

Is the elliptical machine a pain free workout for people with arthritis?

My father is 76, and just starting to have pain from arthritis in the back and knees. I was hoping you guys could suggest something that would work a good portion of the day – - or at least from breakfast until dinner (he tends to be much less active at night most nights…..he does go dancing a couple nights a week)

What do suggest that is available over the counter?

Thanks all
Be well
Tink
For someone his age he is really good shape. He only takes a low dose of blood pressure medication. I was planning on getting the okay from his doctor, but I was just wondering what other people found to be helpful for more than a few hours, because it would be easier for him to take something only once a day…..

Thanks for the suggestions all
Because the pain is directly between his shoulder blades and a couple inches below, I think he would have a real hard timewith applying topicals…(though I really like tiger balm too, lol) There are some good answers here. I’m going to leave it open for a couple more days in case people starred it and others want to answer. I’ll email this to my Dad, and see what he has to say….

Thanks everyone.

I Am just wondering. I used to take tylenol,but it only lasts about an hour. I tried aspirin and it really helped,but is this safe? I tried Iboprophen but somehow I worry that it will be unsafe also. Best in your opinion? I want to take an over the counter medicine only. Best and safeist in your opinion?
Thanks for answering.

My senior maine coone already suffers with UTI and blockages so far the past year he has been on Wysong Uretic, but he has bad arthritis and now diagnosed with Diabetes!

The vet of course is pushing Science Diet but I hate all of their foods from previous experiences.
This darn cat REFUSES to eat wet food so does anyone have a good dry food suggestion for diabetics?
As I said, this cat doesn’t eat wet food. The vet and I have tried to switch him for 5 years and thats not happening.
Any suggestions for a dry food?
Thanks for all the good suggestions I am already following up on finding some of the suggested foods.