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My mother uses Arinca Gel; it's all natural and provides immediate relief. It's also called Arniflora Arnica and you can find it in cvs, walgreens, riteaid, etc.
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We use arnicare gel for mom who has RA. Cheapest on Amazon I found. Also give liquid tumeric (Costco is cheapest) and tart cherry juice.
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Look in to some natural products to help her. A local health food store may be able to help with products for her pain. Also there are some online companies that have great products. My favorite company is Plexus Worldwide. I love their pain management products called Ease (capsules and cream). I use it all the time.
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I've used arnica gel and pills. Also mixture of fractionated coconut oil lavender and peppermint. Both work pretty well
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Hi, wonder if you can just explain a few bits from your post - sorry for adding more questions.
What do you mean she lived on aspirin (how many would that be)?
Do you mean truly allergic or intolerant to other drugs - as so many are similar to aspirin I'm trying to get my head round that?
How did she get a torn rotator cuff whilst having physio therapy?
Sorry for the questions.
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Papa Barkley’s 3 parts THC to one part CBD If you are in a state that marijuana is legal. No high just relief.
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anonymous902130 Sep 2019
I liked Mary's medicinal patches 1:1 personally, and cheaper than Barkley , but again depends on person.
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I confess I am soaking up many of people's suggestions for myself! OTC meds like Tylenol are ineffective. I can take NSAIDS only 2 times a month b/c of cardiac and GI concerns. I like using Arnica, Aspercreme, Biofreeze, CBD salve, Tiger Balm, and so on, but they don't control the pain much. I will try some of the products mentioned by your suggestions. They may do no better, but it will be fun to experiment.
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anonymous902130 Sep 2019
I gave my mom a combination of otc, pharma that the dr prescribed and cannibis patches and topicals. With trial and error we figured out the perfect mix throughout the day to relieve pain. She said she would be at a 3 level vs. 7 with only using otc and pharma drugs. Better than getting hooked on strong pharma opioids IMO . Good luck. Also we found best not to wait for pain to take meds.. good luck. I know everyone is differnt
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try Dr Sheffield's Arthritis Cream from Dollar Tree
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My mother and I find relief from buffered aspirin and gel packs - the kind that can be frozen in the freezer or heated in the microwave. We have several sizes I usually keep in the freezer or fridge. Most go into sleeves to wrap around the knee or elbow; one large sleeve wraps around the body to hold the pack in place around a shoulder or across the back/hip area and I often use a washcloth or small towel to add a layer between the cold pack and Mom's skin. These work particularly well for knees when the pack is wrapped to exert a slight compression. The cold and pressure together can significantly reduce or eliminate the swelling in a bad knee in a couple of hours.

Although Mom cannot take NSAIDs due to stomach issues she often takes one extra strength buffered aspirin in the morning with her breakfast. As long as we can reduce inflammation, pain seems manageable without narcotics.

Recently we started using a walk in tub with heated air bubbles to circulate the water for a 30 minute or so hot/warm (95-100) bath with Epsom salts followed by a complete application of a good lotion and some range of motion exercises. We can do the hands, wrists, elbows, feet and ankle exercises during the bath, others afterwards. So far 3-4 baths a week is reducing inflammation and pain without causing any skin problems. Mom's skin actually seems to have improved a bit and she is complaining a lot less about itching. Although these tubs can be expensive, I was able to find one for just under $2500 (including faucet and handheld shower head) that my family installed for us. The air bubbles circulate the water but since the water from the tub doesn't go thru any pump, there's no extra cleaning requirements like whirlpool tubs. Because there's a heater that warms the air bubbles, the water maintains a constant temperature during the bath.
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Dora1956 Sep 2019
All sounds great but...
The only thing that would be worrisome about so many baths would be UTI’s. My Mom has had 8 straight in a row. Now she’s on antibiotics for 8 months.
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I have been using CBD CREAM (American Shaman), on severe muscle pain 2x a day. It really works, if I skip an application, I can sure tell. This is not marijuana, you can buy it online. Hope this helps.
Pat
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Have you checked out the medical marijuana, they have a topical cream with THC in it and it may work. Depending on the state you live in you may need a medical marijuana card.
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So many answers and options. My husband and I use Blue Emu super strength. Has emu oil in it. There is version called Australian Dream. I recommend both to my clients. One works for some and the other works for others. Some neither works. Australian Dream doesn't work for me, but does for my husband. I started using about a year ago for neck arthritis that developed after a car accident 25 years ago. Also on my hands. husband uses it on hip, low bak and hands. Start by using it 2-3 times a day for a couple of weeks, then gradually can dial it back. We now only need it about 2-3 times a week for maintenance. I get mine in the 12oz size and a jar lasts us about 6 months. Just a very little on affected ares, absorbs in quickly and no greasiness, seems to be water based, no residue. All the best.
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I'm saving all of these suggestions for me and my 93 yearold mom. I have an older German neighbor who swears by castor oil. I bought some for my mom and she says it works. Going to buy some for me now, and it costs almost nothing. Here's the rundown: "castor oil has inflammatory properties that can treat joint pain and inflammation. As such, castor oil can be used as a topical treatment for joint pain. Individuals who have rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis will find particular improvement and benefits from using this oil. Of course, anyone struggling with joint pain can try this natural remedy. Topical. BTW you should look up and read some of the other "properties", it sounds like a miracle oil.
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Aspercream with Lidocaine is a gift. No smell at all and the roller version is not messy.
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I gave my mom cbd topicals I got from the marijuana dispensaries here in California. The creams that were 1:1 meaning cbd:thc seem to work the best. That in conjunction with cbd patches took the edge off her pain. No worries, they won't get your mom "high" . The best brands I found were ones that also included other herbs, such as turmic for inflammation and arnica. Read the labels.
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In terms of over the counter medications, I found that Aspercreme with lidocaine works well. There was also a study performed with nursing home residents suffering with arthritic pain. They used arthritis strength Tylenol and gave it as a scheduled dose (every 8 hours). Can your mother tolerate any of the muscle relaxants such as felexeril or tizanadine? Lidocaine patches are also available with a prescription. Tramadol is a prescription pain reliever and some pain management physicians are using gabapentin or neurontin. Perhaps if she is able to be transported outside the home, a consult with a pain management specialist would be beneficial. Hope she finds some relief.
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Dora1956 Sep 2019
Hello, just a question. What is it about the gabapentin or neurontin that has Dr’s pushing that stuff? What is it really for??
My Mom was on Gaba but we took her off because we (Sis & self) saw Mom going through major changes! Not good changes! She was sleeping ALOT. As it turned out she had a hemorrhagic stroke. We can’t be sure that the GABA had anything to do with it. Again she’d been prescribed & had been taking this for years. I think it may have been for depression.

Thank you.
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I'm so sorry your poor mother, and you, have to deal with such a challenge. I also have chronic sciatic pain that is overall not relieved by even pain shots. My dr contacted a pharmacy which formulated a prescription cream similar to something called Voltaren (you can Google it) and she also recommended CBD oil which you can order from Amazon without a prescription. I just ordered this so can't give you any direct input yet but I will try and remember to do so after I start using it next week. Sending hugs to you and your mom, and I truly hope there is something that will give her at least some measure of relief. Oh, and a torn rotator is miserable - had that, and the surgery and rehab to repair it, as well. That is not for the faint of heart.
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I can recommend two products that really work after trying many on the market that didn't. Liv Relief for arthritis, it's the blue tube, the small size is $18.00 Canadian, the large size is $30.00. AF35 maximum strength, it's only $10.00. I use both of these, they do work, I suffer from arthritis and have terrible pain in my joints, I put on these creams and within minutes I have relief. I hope this will help.
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Neglected to mention prescription cream diclofenac 1% and Arnicare which is a homeopathic cream available in health food stores.
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I’m allergic to everything as well. My natural dr recommended inflamyar for inflammation. It does not have a scent. I found they sell it on eBay or amazon. Hope it helps
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DMSO or Zilis Topical CBD cream. I have heard great things about both. Personally, I have used Zilis Topical with great results.
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caring4ken Sep 2019
Great minds work alike - We were writing similar tips at the exact same time. DMSO is amazing, but most folks, unless they grew up around horses, have no idea or they are dubious
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I don't know from personal experience, but Blue Emu must do the trick for my 86 y.o. Aunt Lily in England. So much so that, like clock work, I get an e-mail from my cousin asking me if I can bring some with me on my annual visit. I tried it on my tennis elbow and it didn't seem to do too much. I saw that some folks suggested CBD, but if you live in a state where it is legal try to get a rub that has CBD and THC. I use a 3:1 compound on my elbow, and it does the trick (1 part THC 3 part CBD). For more stubborn pain 1:1 and 2:1 ointments are available.
That's advice from an old hippie...now advice from an old horseman...

If you find a rub that works, but works slowly or doesn't last long then look in your area for a tack shop (Equine Supplies), or probably on Amazon and get some DMSO, it is usually in roll-on or spray.
The problem with ointments and creams is that the active ingredient sits on the skin and has to be absorbed through the epidermal layers to get to the nerve endings - and it loses some effectiveness in the journey.
DMSO makes almost anything get through the skin to the nerves in no time. If you can get the spray then all you do is apply the ointment that works for you, give it a spritz of DMSO (you might notice that you get a taste of garlic in your mouth - just an odd effect of the DMSO). The effective ingredient in the ointment is going to get to the source of the pain at warp speed!
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My mom can't take any pain meds so we have to try OTC stuff for her terribly painful knees. She uses ibuprophen regularly. We have tried the Arnica cream - seems to help a little. Nearly every day, she puts a Rx Lidocaine 5% patch on each knee. Dr said she could use up to 3 a day - each knee and on back when it hurts. The Lidocaine patch is an Rx, but doesn't cause the pain medicine issues for her (constipation being the worst side effect).

Just noticed on this post someone mentioned a med from Canada called Liv Relief blue package. I'm going to read up on that one
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my2cents Sep 2019
I nearly forgot about this. There is a procedure called Cool-ief where they do something to the nerves by the knee. It lasted about 6 mos for my mom and we need to do it again (she is 95). They do put patient to sleep because the instruments are larger than a needle that are used to deaden the nerve. But, mom felt much relief that day. She said it didn't kill all the pain, but much more tolerable afterwards. I noticed she seldom took the ibuprofen afterwards. Look up Coolief procedure close to you to find a doctor who does it.
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Have you tried Tumeric? It is anti-inflammatory.... tastes great in most stir fries but to get a good dose you may want to make 'golden milk' or golden'pudding'
If she cuts out the carbohydrates - this helps. Really. But if that isn't possible - just reducing the sugar as much as possible will improve things.
There are a lot of anecdotal therapies out there - DMSO(concerning), capsaicin (works for me - but it is HOT), eucalyptus oil (massage). Warm soaks in Epsom salts; using warm packs (you can get dry rice or some such, heat a little in microwave and apply in a soft pillow case - ). Depending on how pin point the worst pain is (like lower back) you could try a TENs unit......
If you think this pain may be residual damage from a stroke - be aware that the pain may be more neuropathic than inflammatory. In which case, Tylenol will help better than aspirin - though they certainly can be taken together.
Immobility is the worst thing for pain - it makes pain worse. Get her to move some - frequently.... maybe doing something favorite (golfing?, shopping? gardening?). Stretches are very helpful - I recommend having her do them with a video such as "Say 'Good-bye' to Back Pain"- by the YMCA, Isolated Isometric Exercise(probably too difficult), Supple Leopard, or PBS - "Sit & Be Fit"
When pain is severe - it usually requires multiple strategies. For instance: Combine. Tylenol internally with TENs and some topical applications (some essential oils are very helpful).

Be aware that Tylenol is not kind to the liver - in average to low doses, you are ok unless there are underlying liver problems; Aspirin or Ibuprofen (really good for bone pain) are not kind to the stomach(gastritis-ulcers) or kidneys, in some cases. So depending on your mom's medical history - you may want to take into consideration the status of those body parts.

Naturally- if she already has a lot of sensitivities to medications - be on the look out for poor toleration of new trials (don't buy a large amount of anything for a trial run..... no matter how wonderful anyone says it is).
If she ends up trying prescription drugs... be prepared for constipation and other GI upset; increased falls, increased somnolence (though somnolence usually eases after a few days of therapy).

Good luck.
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Riverdale Sep 2019
I've tried it. It doesn't really help with serious arthritis.
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I take turmeric capsules and drink a little tart cherry juice every day for arthritis pain. My mother has peripheral neuropathy and was having severe foot pain. The doctor gave her a compounded prescription. She ran out and was unable to get a prescription right away. After researching a number of ingredients that had been in her prescription, I ordered Neptune Ice from Amazon. She liked it so well that she is just using that instead of the prescription.
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Arthritis for some is awful. For even worse is people allergic too anti-inflammatory medicine! I’m surprised if allergic then be careful with aspirin. Same as any ibuprofen drug?
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Durbin 1, thanks for the question.  I need to know also.
Everyone else, thanks for all the replies.  Wow, I have plenty to choose from and try.
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Arnica, cream or roll on. Company that is good is Boiron. Both Boiron and Hyland make tablets that disolve under the tongue, Hyland disolves faster.
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I have tired so many. Those infused with "the weed", those with arnica, and actually a ton of them as a well meaning friend keeps sending them. I want to say that some help, but the fact is when I use the "Badger Oil" my daughter sends in the pretty tin that has not much in it but the good old warming stuff that "Bengay" (dating myself here) always had, it works just as well. I don't think there is much that topically works. Remember Absorbine Jr.? These things have usually something in them that causes a warming. That warming is comforting. Anecdotal evidence is just that, but studies don't show much for anything topical. Salon Pas feel nice to me. But again, it's the warming and tingling that feels good when you are in lots of pain.
I don't know, but sure am open to trying anything. In fact, I AM trying anything, hee hee. For me it is the neck, and can go to headache pretty quick. If I rub those spasming muscles out, doesn't matter with WHAT, it is the rubbing I think that works. My opinion only. I am open to miracle cures. BELIEVE me. I will try anything, hee hee.
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Has anyone tried diclofenac gel (generic Voltaren), which is an NSAID, but topical only. Easy to rub into all those painful areas. Not greasy. Prescription only, and dosage to be prescribed. I can't take any NSAIDS by mouth, but the external gel is fine, and I can use acetaminophen and aspirin, but they don't do anything for my severe osteoarthritis (sometimes inflammatory) local pain. Diclofenac sodium gel works for me, and is covered in most Medicare Rx plans. Worth asking your doctor about it.
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pamzimmrrt Sep 2019
Voltaren did not work for mom and I, but different things work for different people.. so glad it worked for you!
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