Naproxen 250mg, what dose ?

[CW1]

Hi,

Started taking Naproxen 250mg in December for probs with ankle, knees & tennis elbow, was prescribed as it was easier than using gel on so many areas. Stopped taking after 2 weeks but, on doctor's advice, started again last week.
The dose says to take 1 OR 2 twice a day but how do I decide ? I've been taking 2 x twice a day but are there advantages over 1 x twice a day, or even 1 x once + 2 x once a day - hit it hard, or more slowly over a longer period of time ? Can't say I've noticed too much difference, still feeling tennis elbow, ankle's still sore/aching, one knee's not so sore though ...

Thanks

[Sqad]

I would suggest that you start by taking 250gms twice daily and if that does the trick, then fine, however, if you are still getting pain, then take 500mgms twice daily.

[CW1]

Thanks sqad. I'm taking 500mg twice daily now but tennis elbow's not really improving. I'll drop it to 250mg twice daily for a week, see how it goes.

[Sqad]

:-).....it doesnt look as if NSAID's are the answer, does it?
I can't see that halving the dose is going to ease the pain, but good luck.

[Jemisa]

Ask doc for Cortsone inj. for your Tennis Elbow.

[CW1]

sqad, I thought that too, but sounded like you were suggesting a lower dose then increasing if necessary, but seeing as I'm already taking the higher dose, maybe dropping it then increasing it again would make it more effective. Not sure that makes sense ... :o)

Jemisa, did have a cortisone injection last year. Doc said at the time it'd be a one off, he wouldn't do it again. It did clear it but it's reoccured in a different place on the same arm, this time on the bone (so not sure where they'd inject). The last doc I saw (different to the 1st - it's a medical centre so never seem to see the same one twice, though hopefully that's gonna change now I know I've been registered to one particular one who, btw, I've yet to meet !) said they would give me the injection. I'm reluctant as I know it means at least 2 weeks "rest" (last time it was 3). As I was prescribed anti inflammatories for ankle & knees anyway, seemed a good idea to see if they'd help elbow too before going for the injection.