arthritic pain

[jkelly24]

My dad, aged 75, is suffering with arthritis in his knee and is in alot of discomfort. He is waitng for an appointment from the hospital but wondered if anyone knows of anything he could try to ease the discomfort a little. Thanks in advance

[LoftyLottie]

The one thing I will say, as an arthritic, is to advise your dad to keep as mobile as he possibly can. Difficult, but if you sit about because of the pain the pain will just get worse. Gentle walking about really does help.

He could try varying hot water bottles and ice packs around his knee. That can really help.

I am sure would have been given antiinflammatories and painkillers by his doctor.

[joannie10]

anything on this help? www.arthritiskneepain.co.uk

my dad has a problem with this but manages through the pain and plays alot of golf. He will only take anti inflammatory pain killers on golf days and also has a 'strap' thing to wear round his knee - he got it from one of the newspaper offers but cannot remember which one. I would hate him to be stuck in at home as golfing and getting out and about means so much to him in his old age but I hate to see him in so much pain (he hobbles about). He is worried if he takes to many pills he will get an ulcer or become addicted to them or something whereas I try to tell him to take them for a period of say 2 weeks and see if it lets things settle. The doctor just tells him to take when required so I suppose what do I know. I suppose if he wont help himself what can I do. I hope your dad follows given advice.

[jen78]

Definitely keep it mobile as much as possible to avoid them stiffening up due to inactivity.

Some osteopathy may help as well especially if he finds it hard to keep them mobile.

I'm on drugs for my arthritis but voltarol gel is also really good, I have it as can't take oral anti-inflammatories.

Cold packs can help and you can get a roll on called Biofreeze.

Heat can also help and you can get those heat cushions you can put in the microwave or heat pain relief gels.

[bigmamma]

My step-father was referred to the orthopod . with a painful knee . However , when they x-rayed it the knee was ok but his hipsocket was almost gone and needed replacing . His knee pain was due to his hip .
As has been said , and as a sufferer myself I know , keep as active as he can but not overdo it . I find I stiffen up and get more painful if I sit or stay in the one position for long , but also suffer if I've been active for a while too. All the best to your father x