Arthritis/joint pain tips?

[1 Cute Canadian]

Anyone have any coping tips/advice for joint pain/arthritis? I have a little one who as part of his syndrome suffers bouts of joint pain, I notice change of weather brings on attacks, and with his age is unable to articulate well, though it is apparent in his movements and attitude when it is bothering him. I have a pool in the summer but in Canada it is hard to get it to a temp that he can tolerate, any ideas for other simple ways to get him through the rough spots would be greatly appreciated.

[Christopher]

Well I have had joint and back pain all my life. Mine is not from Arthritis but more from my gate, or how I walk.

The only thing so far that has helped me was advil. Do you have him on any sort of drug? Poor little guy, it has to be tough.

[1 Cute Canadian]

Originally Posted by Christopher

Well I have had joint and back pain all my life. Mine is not from Arthritis but more from my gate, or how I walk.

The only thing so far that has helped me was advil. Do you have him on any sort of drug? Poor little guy, it has to be tough.

Hi Chris, Thanks for replying. He is on Anakinra (aka Kineret) which is esentially for arthritis in adults, but in his condition (NOMID, Neo-natal onset multi system inflammatory disease or CINCA, Chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articular syndrome in the UK) it blocks a receptor which causes the symptoms of his disease. It is effective in controllong (to an extent) many of his problems, but he continues to get "flares" where it can not be controlled. He does cycle between Tylenol and Advil when he is having flares, but I wonder if there are other non medicinal therapies that can help.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by 1 Cute Canadian

Hi Chris, Thanks for replying. He is on Anakinra (aka Kineret) which is esentially for arthritis in adults, but in his condition (NOMID, Neo-natal onset multi system inflammatory disease or CINCA, Chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articular syndrome in the UK) it blocks a receptor which causes the symptoms of his disease. It is effective in controllong (to an extent) many of his problems, but he continues to get "flares" where it can not be controlled. He does cycle between Tylenol and Advil when he is having flares, but I wonder if there are other non medicinal therapies that can help.

I found this link here

I'm sure you have tried a lot of this stuff, but I hope there is something there that can help.

[MaryKay]

Have you tried Capsaicin maybe with a cream to cut the heat a bit? It works for my mom when her Arthritis flares up in her fingers. They use bee stings to reduce swelling and pain..don't recomend that!
I use Biofreeze for Mike's (Hubby) back pain. It kind of disapears in his skin. Smells like Vicks vapo rub. Mike says it doesn't do a whole lot as far as pain relief ( but nor does his 4 pain relievers), but it does seem to relax the muscles and he likes the massage.

[1 Cute Canadian]

Thanks Chris and MaryKay, I appreciate the links! Going to look at them! Thanks for taking the time to help

[Jules22871]

I have a lot of joint pain from my accident. I have found that a really hot bath with plenty of dead sea salt in the water really gives me a lot of relief. I Order the salt in 20 pounds off of Ebay and I love it. I don't think using water as hot as I do for the little guy would be good for him, but the salt still dissolves well in warm water too.

[Ladycats]

Going to go with Jules and the "heat" .... this might sound crazy, but a waterbed .... you can adjust the temp of the water, and the firmness of the bed itself .... like sleeping on a huge heating pad .. feels wonderful on a achy breaky body

[Cori]

I'd have to echo the heat part. Its what I use mainly for coping since so many meds just upset my stomach. When I get up in the mornings and my joints really hurt, I usually run myself a nice hot bath..as hot as I can stand it. Then I lie back and soak for 15 mins or so. This really helps with the pain and loosens me up. Also, staying active is key, without overdoing it. When I get lazy and sit around too much, I really get stiff and sore. I'm really sorry for your little one and I hope you find a treatment that works well for him.

[ShimmyPrincess]

Broken record, heat. I also 2nd the dead sea salts too.
I was diagnosed with RA and chronic fatigue when I was 21. Heat helps and so does exercise. (waterbed are great, but parts are hard to come by, so when my died I got a sleep number bed with a heating cover)

Always check with a Dr. before any exercise routine of course, but I have to say that for a few years I was pretty lazy in the exercise department until I took up belly dancing which is low impact and then got a dog. Walking her a few miles a day, I feel so much better. The first few month were hard, but it got better and continues to get better!

Good luck with him & keep us posted