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Aches, Pains, Remedies

Are you finding that every few days brings a new, surprising set of aches and pains? I'm not medically trained at all, but along the way I've discovered a few interesting and helpful remedies - like applying Ben-Gay for those awful night-time leg cramps. Eating bananas (rich in potassium) also helps those cramps. How about you? Tell us your about your aches, your pains, and your remedies!

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Terri Reducing red meat helps for some inflammation. I started eating more fish and have alleviated some of it. Another thing I noticed was if I drink much milk I have more spasms. Cheese and other dairy not a problem.
Mon Jul 25, 2011, 6:58:42 PM EDT

luchito dbasilio: We are glad for you. Keep up with what works for you. Enjoy it!
Tue May 10, 2011, 7:37:06 PM EDT

dbasilio While I am not sure about 'curing' aches and pains from medication, I was having severe leg cramps in the of the night much like shesakafira describes. So painful. Then, I begun exercising -- at Curves. I am not faithful, but do my best to get there 3 times a week. And, I have not had leg cramps ever since then, and it has been over a year since I started! I also had pain in joints from osteoarthritis (OA). But, again, exercising is my cure. I did this once before at the advice of a specialist, advising me to focus on the bicycle for my most impacted by OA. Since I have OA in my ankles, I cannot walk or jog exercise. I rarely need to take any pain medication for my arthritis.
Mon May 9, 2011, 12:14:48 AM EDT

Wolfcub21 Also a banana before bed helps with leg cramps.
Mon Jul 11, 2011, 5:57:12 PM EDT

NowAGrandma I am having side effects from having to take Arimidex which need I since I have had had breast cancer. My joints ache and are terrible stiff, which is common with this drug. My doctor says to take an anti-inflammatory when it gets bad, which I do but I could be using them every day. What other remedies has anyone else used with luck?
Thu Apr 21, 2011, 10:40:00 AM EDT

shesakafira my tried and true debilitating thigh groin cramping fix ....Emergen-C single serving packets will snap electro lites back into balance quickly there a a variety of flavors and they are very portable . I keep in kitchen ,rest room ,bed side and in my purse . My cramps are that extreme I have to scream! and can not walk until the event is over. my choice of flavor lime... hope just one person gets relief from my post ...
Tue Dec 7, 2010, 3:52:20 PM EST

luchito Thank you for your comment to the AFL community.
Wed Apr 20, 2011, 6:44:22 PM EDT

ErikD What a good idea for leg cramps, I like the idea of them being protable.
Sat Feb 19, 2011, 9:43:20 PM EST

luchito shesakafira: Excellent program that works for you and hopefully for many members of the after fifty community. Thanks for the comment.
Tue Dec 7, 2010, 9:05:36 PM EST

Dana Leg cramps: tons of water, heat, and an exercise where you lie down on your back and point your toes toward your body, then relax, and repeat many times.
Wed Dec 1, 2010, 9:08:21 PM EST

luchito This is an excellent process to follow to alleviate pain. Thank you Dana
Thu Dec 2, 2010, 8:17:46 PM EST

luchito Willow542000: I am glad Tylenol Precise works for you better than a prescription. Methyl salycilate and menthol are two of the components. Good luck with the use of Precise.
Sun Nov 28, 2010, 8:24:09 PM EST

Willow542000 I have Fibromylagia, 2 bad discs, neck problem, tear in my right shoulder and a knee problem and bad headaches. I have found that the new Tylenol Precise cream is great. My Dr a RX for Voltaren Anti-Inflamatory and the Tylenol works better than the Rx does! That's my latest discovery for pain.
Sun Nov 28, 2010, 10:50:41 AM EST

VIntageHippie I'm a fibro sufferer as well. PT made me so much WORSE. I just had a very odd reaction to Lyme disease and I also have a shoulder tear and headaches and discs issues, etc....we could be twins..... I will try that Tylenol Precise. I am weaning myself off most meds and actually feel better OFF them than ON them, so this may be a huge help for me. ThermaCare makes my skin blister, so I can't use them, but my hubby loves them for his arthritis.
Sun Jul 3, 2011, 3:41:06 PM EDT

AnnML Have tried ThermaCare from Procter and Gamble. I use them sometimes, on painful areas. They are wraps that warm up and you can wear them around. They stay warm for about 8 hours.
Sun Mar 6, 2011, 9:12:39 PM EST

Jackie You sound like me! I haven't heard of Tylenol Precise but will definitely give it a try. My neck and shoulders are constantly in horrid pain, which makes for daily headaches, too. PT didn't help at all. I have severe cervical strain, a slight disc bulge, and a section of the cervical spine that's out of alignment. It's exhausting!
Sat Mar 5, 2011, 1:57:21 PM EST

ErikD Thanks for the Tyenol Precise cream idea, I tried it and worked.
Sat Feb 19, 2011, 9:41:00 PM EST

luchito xlorah: Tylenol Precise is over the counter; Voltaren is not. Hope this helps.
Tue Dec 21, 2010, 8:52:41 PM EST

xlorah Where do you get it, over the counter?
Tue Dec 21, 2010, 8:24:13 PM EST

shesakafira I am gonna get some and test drive it thank you
Tue Dec 7, 2010, 3:15:04 PM EST

luchito rxneesa: RLS may be originated from several sources: smoking. overweight, anemia (iron deficiency) and others. If any of these is the source you may want to see your health practicioner. Other sources: caffeine and alcohol may be related to dehydration and for these the potassium (from bananas or pills) and Ben-Gay may help. Again, check with your health practicioner for a better/faster issue resolution. Good luck!.
Wed Nov 10, 2010, 8:44:36 PM EST

rxneesa I have bee having horrible Restless Leg Syndrome. I eat lots of bananas. Did someone say Potassium? It drives me crazy!!
Wed Nov 10, 2010, 2:13:06 AM EST

AnnH Have you tried any of the newer medications they have been showing lately? They might be of help.
Thu Apr 14, 2011, 12:47:55 PM EDT

AnainElPaso yes I have, had an accident and that's how I got injured, got an MRI, x rays and I got all sorts of findings from spondylosis and some herniated discs, some bursitis from the scapula, but this one seems to be not from the accident, so yes I will get more opinions, thank you
Mon Oct 11, 2010, 10:41:22 PM EDT

luchito AnainElPaso: Have you seen your primary care doctor? I would recommend to get a second opinion.
Mon Oct 11, 2010, 8:59:33 PM EDT

AnainElPaso As a matter of fact I just put my first blog today, and one of the subjects was my back, I have muscle spasms, and pain in the lower and upper areas, some days are not so bad but others are bad, I heard all sorts of stories about surgery, how it works for a while and then is the same others talk about therapy or exercise is mind boggling, any input?
Mon Oct 11, 2010, 8:36:28 PM EDT

Wolfcub21 I also have back problems from 3 accidents. I had no progress until I began going to an Osteopath. That has worked wonders for me. I can move more freely. I still have pain and swelling but I don't have my bones locked out of place.
Mon Jul 11, 2011, 6:03:46 PM EDT

AnnH AnainELPaso, have you had any luck in finding relief for your back pain and spasms?
Thu Apr 14, 2011, 12:41:41 PM EDT

Tony If you see a doctor, be careful. Surgeons love to do - you guessed it, surgery. In my opinion, do everything you can to keep away from the surgery - cause once it's done, there's no going back. Exercise may be slow, but it may be better in the end.
Mon Oct 11, 2010, 9:02:51 PM EDT

ksp056 I had a lot of surgery on my back and neck 4 years ago. It has helped some, but not enough I would go through it again. However, I did have many complications which most never do. My decision was made after steroid injections, etc., not working. If I were to do it over, which I wouldn't, I would have a neurosurgeon, never an orthopedic doctor. JMO
Wed Apr 20, 2011, 8:28:47 AM EDT

olderandbetter OJ is good for potassium, too. I'm unable to eat bananas but I find OJ does the same "trick."
Sat Oct 9, 2010, 5:16:37 PM EDT

Jo-Anne I've actually started to take potassium in pill form - and it's helping wonderfully in keeping the cramps away!
Sat Oct 9, 2010, 9:50:51 PM EDT

luchito LissaA: Excellent comment! Rubbing BenGay may help to keep warm joints.
Mon Sep 27, 2010, 9:57:19 PM EDT

I think I'm starting to get some arthritis in my hands. Anyone have any suggestions about what to do?
Fri Sep 17, 2010, 12:32:56 AM EDT

Willow542000 I have found that the Tylenol Precise helps my hands also. Of course, don't forget and rub your eyes with it on...that's not very pleasant!!
Sun Nov 28, 2010, 10:54:30 AM EST

luchito sunset: excellent comment. I am sure Kathie50 will profit from the suggestion. Keep the good comments/recommendations comming. Does anybody have any suggestions?.
Thu Nov 11, 2010, 9:29:24 AM EST

sunset I have started taking hyaluronic acid as a supplement, and am using turmeric,a spice on a regular basis. Tumeric helps with imflamation. These work well for me more mobility without pain.:)
Thu Nov 11, 2010, 9:12:54 AM EST

olderandbetter @LissaA...my husband's ex-wife just had the surgery of which you speak. It sounded brutal but I guess her arthritis had gotten so bad that she never quite knew whether she would be able to hold onto something or not. I'm not there yet but I give her credit for trying a cure that the doctor told her "might" help!
Sat Oct 9, 2010, 5:15:48 PM EDT

Sailinggirl49 I also have some arthritis in my hands (both of them). Heat is great - and I've had some hot wax treatments that are wonderful.
Tue Sep 28, 2010, 11:08:35 PM EDT

LissaA Kathie, I have osteoarthritis in my hands, particulary badly in my right hand, for years now. There really isn't much you can do. I find warmth helps. A few years ago a orthopedic doctor suggested a new type of surgery to replace my right thumb joing, I have to say, now, that the cure is sometimes worse than the problem. I wish you luck with it. Just keep your hands warm, Advil helps me. There are medication out there available by prescription, but, I always found they bothered my stomach. I hope you can find some answers. ~ LissaA
Mon Sep 27, 2010, 8:06:05 AM EDT

luchito Kathryn: Thanks for writing about your bursitis. We offer a feature, Ask The Pro, at www.AfterFiftyLiving.com. I felt that your posting would benefit by review by one of the medical Pro's available through this feature. So I asked Alejandro Aldana, MD, (one of our medical pro's) to review your posting and prepare a response. Here is his response. I hope you find it helpful. And here's to your good health! Luchito. Bursitis or inflammation of the bursae, the synovium-like membranes overlying bony prominences - could be secondary to multiple causes like trauma, infection, or arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or gout. It is important to distinguish bursitis from arthritis. Bursitis is more likely than arthritis to cause focal tenderness and swelling than limitation of the joint's range of motion. A chronic bursitis could be the result of an infection, even in the absence of fever. (The two most common sites are the elbow and the knees.) This condition would require an aspiration of the fluid for analysis and cultures, followed by appropriate antibiotic treatment. Usual management of Bursitis includes local heat, rest, anti-inflammatory medications (probably better to use some long acting, once a day anti-inflammatory medications, such as Meloxican) and local steroids injections. Information about natural remedies for bursitis is scarce. If bursitis is related to Osteoarthritis there have been some reports of improvement of symptoms with Glucosamine Sulfate at doses between 750 to 1,500 mg/day. In the U.S. some products contain Glucosamine Hydrochloride(HCL), a compound about which we know less. Some combinations have also produced improvement in patients when treating Osteoarthritis. These combinations include glucosamine sulfate or HCL, chondroitin sulfate and manganese ascorbate. For further information about glucosamine in osteoarthritis, you may read an article by Dr Carlos J.Lozada, "Glucosamine in osteoarthritis: Questions remain" in the January 2007 issue (Cleve Clin J Med 2007;74:65-71).
Fri Aug 20, 2010, 8:54:56 PM EDT

Kathryn I have been suffering with bursitis with bursitis for years now and nothing seems to help. I've taken several anti-inflammatories with no luck. Had a few cortisone shots that have only helped temporarily and then left a big indent in my hip that took a year to go away. Anyone have any other ideas???
Mon Aug 16, 2010, 1:16:37 PM EDT

luchito Kathryn:I am sorry to hear that you are having so much pain. Your issue has been forwarded to one of our specialists. He will prepare a response in a timely manner.
Mon Aug 16, 2010, 8:54:06 PM EDT

distinctinspirations I suffer from Fibromyalgia and from non-Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and 9 months ago was literally dragging myself to work & church and had no strength or energy for more than that. A gal, award-winning author here in Scottsdale, AZ Marcia Fine, called me and introduced me to a company that I could make my own...And, I have - but only with the help of the Good Lord and the company Marcia brought me to. I am NOT here to SELL anything - because I love people (all people) and want them to all have the BEST there is - I do introduce them to my company! Because it is such a visual company I need to show it to people, whether in person or by Webinar -
Sat Aug 14, 2010, 4:11:31 PM EDT

luchito Dear distinginspirations: I am glad a special treatment worked for your fibromyalgia. Could you provide a url for other readers to learn about your treatment. Thanks for your posting.
Sun Aug 15, 2010, 5:45:45 PM EDT

Jo-Anne Anyone suffering from night sweats? There's a great article on the main page in the Health & Fitness section. Gives several suggestions about how to deal with the sweats - including cut down on your caffeine, take your vitamins (along with magnesium), go to your doc and rule out any really serious issues, and more...
Thu Aug 5, 2010, 9:22:07 PM EDT

luchito Jo-Anne: You are right on the money with the good recomendations you suggest. Ben-gay or equivalent medication is always to have handy, specially at night.
Fri Aug 6, 2010, 3:43:49 PM EDT

ebppuid1 Chevy, there's a problem with me and aspirin. Makes me turn all black and blue and bruised looking. I guess it makes my blood too thin. Even when I take a low dose. Hope there's something else to do to get rid of the pain iin my hand.
Mon Jul 26, 2010, 10:26:39 AM EDT

luchito ebppuid1: You may want to check with your health provider concerning the use of aspirin and the present reaction you described. I would suggest the use of Ben-Gay or Muscle-Rub (from Walmart). These creams contain methyl salicylate which relaxes and alleviates pain. Please, let me know how does it work for you.
Tue Jul 27, 2010, 2:27:54 PM EDT

ebppuid1 I've started getting some pain in my left hand. I think it might be the beginnings of arthritis. Any ideas about what to do to releave the pain?
Sun Jul 25, 2010, 9:46:34 PM EDT

Chevy Why don't you try taking an aspirin? Aspirin is a pain-reliever, after all. That should work. Especially if the pain isn't too bad.
Sun Jul 25, 2010, 10:24:36 PM EDT

pjh139 Nothing else worked for me except what my Orthopedic doctor recommended. Stretching. The however is I have to do it weighted. I use the prone leg curl with 10 pounds and calf presses on a leg press machine with 10 pounds. Leg cramps at 2 a.m. are a thing of the past. Note when they did happen the only thing that worked was getting up immediately and putting weight on the leg.
Sun Jun 20, 2010, 3:14:12 AM EDT

Jo-Anne Do you do your stretching "after the fact" - after the cramps come - or is the stretching something you do on a daily basis, to keep them from coming at all?
Sun Jun 20, 2010, 6:38:25 PM EDT

luchito Hi! pjh139: Great to hear about another way to solve this painful problem at 2 a.m.
Sun Jun 20, 2010, 7:24:32 AM EDT

luchito Jo-Anne, sorry to hear about your leg cramps. In an article in the NYTimes a couple of days ago it was recommended to try drinking pickle juice. Some think the vinegar in the juice may be what helps to alleviate the cramping. Give it a try and let me know how it works.
Mon Jun 14, 2010, 7:21:08 PM EDT

Jo-Anne I've started getting cramps in my legs at night - even though I eat a banana about every other day. Does anyone have any ideas about what else might work to stop the leg cramps?
Sun Jun 13, 2010, 7:38:59 PM EDT

luchito Hi tptvox: It is nice to read your comment. It is new one to me and it makes a lot of sense. Keep the good comments coming.
Sun Jul 25, 2010, 1:59:28 PM EDT

tptvox Sometimes a lack of sodium. I know we all have to watch our salt, but once when I was younger, I went on a fast and had terrible leg cramps. My doctor told me to go home and have a glass of orange juice with some baking soda in it. It was awful tasting, but the cramps went away. Maybe in the heat we lose more salt than we know.
Sun Jul 25, 2010, 4:00:18 AM EDT

luchito luchito created the topic "Aches, Pains, Remedies" with description "Are you finding that every few days brings a new, surprising set of aches and pains? I'm not medically trained at all, but along the way I've discovered a few interesting and helpful remedies - like applying Ben-Gay for those awful night-time leg cramps. Eating bananas (rich in potassium) also helps those cramps. How about you? Tell us your about your aches, your pains, and your remedies!".
Sun Jun 6, 2010, 8:23:50 PM EDT

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