My Experience Using Diclofenac for RA and OA

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1. 

   frazzled

   August 14, 2019

   <p>Great video!! <br> <br> I have had foot pain for about 6 months now, and have been seeing a podiatrist and having PLT therapy and Physical Therapy on my feet and hands. Seems it is neuropathy - not pins and needles, but burning pain. I was given Diclofenac for inflammation in my elbows, but have tried using it on my feet with mixed results. Mostly my pain is caused by the tendon sheathing in my shins, ankles and feet being inflamed, which causes a burning in the arch of my foot. When they started Sanexus treatments, they were giving me injections, but that caused me to flare, so I won't be getting those anymore. That said, I also have some of the pain you describe near my metatarsals and the ball of my foot as well, and I think I will try this. Thanks!</p>

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2. 

   sfswami

   August 14, 2019

   <p>I was on oral diclofenac for many years for osteoarthritis and the drug damaged my kidneys (Stage 3 kidney failure.) I stopped taking the drug and my kidneys improved to Stage 2. I don't know how topical diclofenac is absorbed into the body or how it affects the body systemically, but wanted to share my experience with you. I've been able to take only Tylenol for pain, which isn't very effective for my RA and Sjogren's; I have infrequently used Norco, but it's an opioid and I prefer other options. Fortunately, I live in a state where medical cannabis has been legal for several years. I'm using medical-grade edible CBD gummies to reduce pain, and it seems to have a positive effect. Much less pain and stiffness in the mornings. I've also used topical CBD balm in the past for specific areas of pain; effective but a bit messy. I like that CBD is specific for pain relief, not the euphoria associated with THC</p>

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3. 

   clschriner

   August 14, 2019

   <p>Michael, I can't believe the timeliness of your post! I was diagnosed 3 years ago with RA by an orthopedic surgeon due to so much damage to the joints/tendons in my feet. Just the last few weeks, I have been having pain in the metatarsal/mid foot area and I finally had enough and went to my primary care Dr. this week. Amazingly, he prescribed Diclofenac topical 4X per day, which I started 2 days ago. I can say it has helped, however it hasn't completely taken the pain away. The only bad thing is my insurance (BCBS) wouldn't pay for it without prior authorization. I was at Walgreens thinking, "you pay over $4000 a month for biologics, but you won't pay $47 for this cream when you clearly know I have seropositive RA". Go figure! Thanks for your post. I was feeling like I was crazy having so much pain, with nothing showing up on xray. This is such a difficult disease to deal with because you just never know what new thing will pop up!</p>

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