What is an alternative to noninflammatory drugs for arthritis?

Question

I have tried them all and my poor stomach is beginning to feel the toll. I have used perscription and nonperscription drugs. None of them keeps me from hurting long. Does anyone have any suggestions? My doctor has told me that cortisone injuctions will be next and I really do not want to go on steroids. Help!!!

Answer 1

I am doing a Master´s Degree in Chinese Medicine and we have a lot of patients in clinic with your problems. They are all sick of the pills and try acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Some of them really show amazing results from not being able to walk because the pain is so strong to walking out of the clinic by themselves.



We can also not cure this disease totally but at least we can keep our patients pain free for a good while and maintain a big part of their normal life.



Good luck for your health.

Answer 2

In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system, for unknown reasons, attacks its own joints and surrounding tissues. Experts don't completely understand why this so-called autoimmune reaction occurs, but they think that some people have a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis and that its onset can be triggered by an infection, an inadequate diet, or emotional stress. This chronic inflammatory condition can begin at any age but most often appears between the ages of 20 and 40. There's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but any of the remedies listed in the chart may alleviate chronic pain, reduce inflammation, or help slow joint damage. They can be used alone or together, as well as with conventional drugs. Effects may take several weeks to be felt. Perform gentle non-weight-bearing exercises, such as swimming. Try physical therapy; massage, heat, or cold packs may help too. Get plenty of rest -- 10 to 12 hours or more a night if needed. Supplement Recommendations - Vitamin C Dosage: 1,000 mg 3 times a day. Comments: Reduce dose if diarrhea develops. Vitamin E Dosage: 400 IU twice a day. Comments: Check with your doctor if taking anticoagulant drugs. Zinc/Copper Dosage: 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper twice a day. Comments: Add copper only when using zinc longer than 1 month. Fish Oils Dosage: 2,000 mg 3 times a day. Comments: Check with your doctor if taking anticoagulant drugs. Evening Primrose Oil Dosage: 1,000 mg 3 times a day. Comments: Can substitute 1,000 mg borage oil once a day. Glucosamine Dosage: 500 mg glucosamine sulfate 3 times a day. Comments: Take with food to minimize stomach upset. Ginger Dosage: 100 mg 3 times a day. Comments: Standardized to contain gingerols. Can also drink up to 4 cups a day of ginger tea. Cat's Claw Dosage: 250 mg standardized extract twice a day. Comments: Take between meals. Cayenne Cream Dosage: Apply topically to affected joints 3 or 4 times a day. Comments: Standardized to contain 0.025%-0.075% capsaicin.

Answer 3

I have the same problem. If I could get off anti-inflammatory medications, I would be eligible for bariatric surgery. I tried not taking them for two days and I found that I couldn't sleep through the night. I really wish there was an alternative.



But take my word, you REALLY don't want to go to steroids! They will damage your joints, your skin and with some of them you'll end up gaining serious weight. That's what got Jerry Lewis where he is today.

Answer 4

Tylenol Arthritis or Narcotics

Answer 5

i have a problem with inflammatory meds myself. talk to ur dr. about glucosamine. the cortisone can help, but can eat away at the bone if used too much!



Health effects

Treatment with oral glucosamine is commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Since glucosamine is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans are a major component of joint cartilage, supplemental glucosamine may help to rebuild cartilage and treat arthritis. However, there is little evidence that any clinical effect of glucosamine works this way (Laverty et al., 2005; Biggee et al., 2005). Its use as a therapy for osteoarthritis appears safe but there is conflicting evidence as to its effectiveness.