Tips on Managing Pain

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1. 

   gmcdonald072

   <p>Hi! I was just wondering if anybody else has tried a TENS machine to try and control RA pain as well as nerve pain? We were given one and I have been trying it on my knees and feet! I think it does seem to help the pain in my knees, but the jury is still out on the nerve pain in my hands and feet. I think I have to try it over time for any results to show there. My knees are due to be replaced some time in the next year, and I'm finding that the methetrixate and pain meds are not really helping there, so I'm trying the TENS! They do seem a bit looser, and we will see if it helps enough to let me sleep!</p>

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   1. 

      xjuqa3

      <p>Yes, I also use a tens unit and it does help but only temporary. I also you topical Voltaren that helps take the edge off too. At this point I will take do almost anything to help ease the pain. Good luck.</p>

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2. 

   Bombera119

   <p>I was diagnosed with RA 3 years ago in 2012 at the age of 49. I was diagnoses with osteoarthritis of both of my knees when I was 25, and I had patella realignment surgery of both knee at age 27 and 29. By age 38, my left knee was chronically swollen again, but was told it was the osteoarthritis, and I was too young for a knee replacement. I have taken celebrex since 2000, and have had a number of cortisone shots in my knees. I thought I tore my meniscus in the left knee in March of this year, and after conservative treatment the pain and swelling got worse and I could hardly bear weight on it at times. Finally, my orthopedic surgeon did an arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus. He also found my knee was full of RA, or synovitis, which was not detected in a recent MRI. I noticed with the RA or synovitis in my knee the pain I have is different from the former osteoarthritis knee pain of my youth. When my knee flares up and swells with the RA, it literally makes me sick to my stomach, almost nauseous, and I start having the flu like aches and pains all over with it at times. Has anyone else had this happen? I have to rest the knee, elevate it, ice it and take pain <a href='http://medication.It' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>medication.It</a> seems like a different sort of pain than when it used to swell up before. At first I thought it was from the meniscus tearing, but the surgeon said it was actually in pretty good shape when he visualized it. During the surgery he removed a lot of the synovium. I am getting ready to start my fourth biologic, I am hoping this helps the RA, and keeps the knee at bay better.</p>

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   1. 

      xjuqa3

      <p>Hi, I would like to know if you still see your Orthopedic surgeon as well as Rheumotologist? I was just diagnosed with calcification in the left shoulder and I have recurring knee pain to the point that I can not walk on it. I wanted to know if I should find a surgeon to see if he can help. Thank you.</p>

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3. 

   tselph

   <p>I have a memory foam mattress that really helps with my back pain plus I sleep with a heating pad under my back &amp; a heating blanket over me. I also have used a tens unit, Biofreeze gel, steroid injections, lidocaine patches, muscle relaxers &amp; ice. I've been on anti inflamatories for years, was taken off recently because it cause GI problems taken with prednisone. Not fun. I tore my meniscus in my right knee 2 years ago &amp; had orthoscopic surgery to remove the torn area then had to have viscous injections in it for the pain. The dr. said I had severe arthritis in it &amp; that someday I'd need knee replacement surgery. Fun to look forward to. Right now I need neck surgery to fuse 2 vertabrae &amp; Spurs removed. I'm tired just thinking about it all.</p>

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4. 

   tselph

   <p>I would check with your RA doctor before using a lot of creams, gels, etc. some of them are contraindicated with use of some medications.</p>

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