From the CDC…

“How is arthritis diagnosed? Doctors usually diagnose arthritis using the patient's medical history, physical examination, X-rays, and blood tests. It is possible to have more than one form of arthritis at the same time.”

I'm interested in hearing about supplements anyone has tried, too. The cooler weather has really amped up the pain and stiffness in my joints. I need to go see my rheumatologist, but I dread having to use strong prescription medicines with adverse side effects.

If you take a statin for cholesterol, this may also be a side effect. Take CoQ10 at the same time that you take the statin to reduce side effects.

https://www.healthline.com/health/coq10-and-statins

I got an x-ray on my knees earlier this year. I mentioned to the doc of being in pain, it comes and goes, where I can't even walk up and down the stairs to get in and out of my apartment. An x-ray showed that I have some osteo-arthritis.

Tumeric helps, so I'm taking a tumeric capsule daily. I also rub A5-35 or Voltaren cream on it.

I have small joint arthritis, hands initially and now feet. My arthritis in my hands started in my mid-30's and I'll preface my remarks by saying that there is some thought that small joint arthritis might be a form of RA rather than osteoarthritis and my son who is in his early 30's has been tested for RA but the results weren't definitive.

Anyway, my doctor suggested a good multi-vitamin, Vitamin D and then Advil as needed. She also suggested starting a strength work-out to support the joints.

She said if I choose to use supplements to clear them with her first.

I do a lot of running and she suggested to keep it up but to buy shoes with a lot of support and that have a wider toe box.

I'm 69 and because I was diagnosed so early it was easier for me to start a long term plan.

equate bhr arthritis pain relief, twice a day works for me, most of the time

I also take half a tablet, nightly, hydrocodone

"If you take a statin for cholesterol, this may also be a side effect. Take CoQ10 at the same time that you take the statin to reduce side effects."

I read the article that was linked, but didn't see where it said taking CoQ10 had any effect on arthritis, or even that arthritis is a side effect from taking statins. It did talk about statins and muscle pain, but arthritis is not muscle pain. I do take a statin (Lipitor) and I do have arthritis.

I use tumeric daily. Initially I also had acupuncture over a period of time but no longer need it now. I, too, don't want to have to take prescription meds, which I took at first. Nothing against them, but I take enough already!

Lindsey_Ca I read Sushis post as if you take a statin, sore joints could be a side effect from the medication. But either way, I don't take any medications.

I have what appears to be tendonitis in my elbow. Once when eating some turmeric dishes several days in a row, I noticed my pain was gone. So I repeatedly tested whether it might be turmeric giving relief--- by eating it for a few days (& getting same day relief) and then not eating it for 10 days (and having pain return). I did that cycle several times and became convinced. A single meal with turmeric in it gives me pain relief as well as and longer lasting than ibuprofen.

DH has a coworker that swears tumeric and ginger are the key. Also fish oil. I've been taking ALL 3 and staying off my feet works best. :0) I give no credit to the supplements. I just had a pelvic ultrasound Friday because ALL week my lower back hurts...but only if I lie down. Weird. I get the results Tuesday. I'm guessing they will find nothing and tell me it's arthritis.

I diagnosed my RA myself and my PCP confirmed it with blood tests and a 7 day steroid pack. The steroids relieved the pain and inflammation immediately but quickly wore off after I ran out. The blood tests confirmed the RA and he referred me to a Rheumatologist.

I didn't get into see the Rheumatologist until a few weeks later and by that time my fingers, toes, wrists and shoulders would barely function. She gave me a steroid shot and started me on 10 mg. Arava for a month and then doubled it a month later after it was confirmed to be working for me.

That was 4.5 years ago. I see her every 6 months and she is always surprised the Arava is still working so well for me. I hope it continues.

I don't take any supplements for RA but Ibuprofen and marijuana edibles seem to help if I have a minor flare up after working with my hands.

Thank you for the replies. I'm also reading old posts regarding this same subject. Seeing suggestions for collagen, tumeric, fish oil, tart cherry juice, flax seed, glucosimine (sp?)

suggestions and positive results with cutting back on sugar and carbs, even carbonated drinks...I don't drink much soda, but do like carbonated water, not sure if that counts. But if sugar and carbs are a big contributor, man no wonder I ache.

@crazybrunette64 what form and how much of tumeric are taking daily? Love your user name by the way ;-)

My pain management doctor said to try magnesium and turmeric to help with inflammation. Unfortunately the black pepper in the turmeric burns my stomach. So far I have not found any that doesn’t include the pepper. Ibuprofen works for me but I can’t take much because of worries about my kidneys. Some days I just suffer. My complaint is not so much arthritis as lower back and shoulder pain. Sheesh, no fun

I have osteoarthritis (diagnosed by xray). I've had one hip replacement and will eventually need another, plus I have periodic back issues and one shoulder is also a problem. I find the most effective treatment is a daily routine of low impact exercise - tai chi, aqua aerobics, hydrotherapy, that sort of thing. I haven't found any supplements that make any difference.  I occasionally take a combination of a pain killer and anti inflammatory but mostly manage just with the exercise(especially in a heated pool)..

Tylenol Arthritis twice a day, helps. Nothing works 100% for all the pain. I've had steroid injections and the meds are still needed. Over the counter remedies work intermittently for some not at all for others...You need to be completely honest with your Doc. Do not minimize your pain

A word about taking tumeric - it is not for everyone. A routine blood work series showed my liver enzymes were a lot higher than previous. We went over my meds and supplements and my GP advised my to stop the tumeric I had been taking. Retesting 3 months later showed liver enzymes back to normal. My doctor had heard of tumeric spiking liver enzymes in some people, and it appeared to be true in my case. I don't avoid it in food but no longer take the supplements.

I've been taking about a teaspoon of Certo fruit pectin in a small glass or orange or cherry juice every day, and that seems to help. I add a tablespoon of Cointreau to the orange juice because the pectin is tart, and I add Splenda to the tart cherry juice.

For tendonitis, I have found eating yucca root to be beneficial, and it makes the pain go away fairly quickly, but the effect is temporary. I like eating yucca root anyway, and so that is not a problem. I usually mince it, sauté it, and then have it with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. It is a common side dish in Brazil, and I've also had it in Cuban restaurants.

I've tried to grow turmeric when I've found tubers that looked like they had roots, but none of them took. I like the flowers. I'm much better at growing ginger.

My doctor suggested I take Advil (Ibuprofen) which I do and it helps. I didn't know that it can possibly cause issues with kidneys.

When putting turmeric in food, it's always advised to add black pepper as that increases absorption. I add it to my smoothies and to foods when I remember. I just checked my bottle, and it has black pepper on the front label. So I see what you mean, Dedtired.

Dedtired, this Turmeric from Walmart doesn't have black pepper, but it does have ginger, which I imagine is for the benefit of the stomach. I can't tell that it does anything at all for me, pain wise, though.

I've I have Osteoarthritis in my shoulders for a number of years now, diagnosed by Xray. I've had the cortisone shots in both shoulders, and at first they helped, a lot. It's been a couple of years since my last shots, so maybe I could try it again. I do know that if given too close together they aren't as effective.

Foods also can have an effect on some types of arthritis. Members of the Nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant) can cause quite a lot of pain.

And fresh RAW pineapple is wonderful for relieving pain. But it must be fresh, as cooking or freezing destroys whatever it is in the pineapple that works.

Rusty

dedtired - You might want to look at Rootcha. No pepper in it that I can see. Available from amazon.

DH has had success with Solitary Hermit Pills by Plumflower available through amazon. They are like BBs and take 8 at a time 1 - 3 times a day. They are not like a pain killer that will give instant relief but over days will help alleviate pain and increase joint movement. The only contraindication is if you are on blood thinners. I use a similar formulation: Great Mender Teapills by Plumflower.

Also for joint movement ease, omega-3 oils, esp flax seed oil with high lignan (you have to stir it and keep it refrigerated) help a lot.

Dedtired, you could try drinking Golden Milk, which you could make at home leaving out the black pepper (or using less). Lots of recipes online.

I take curcumin, which is in turmeric. I think it helps, especially if I pay attention and take it regularly.

Turmeric is a plant scientifically known as Curcuma longa. It’s the roots, or “rhizomes” of this plant that is used in culinary spice powders and herbal tonics. Curcumin is a naturally occurring compound within the turmeric plant’s roots. It's a carotenoid pigment that has strong antioxidant activity and gives turmeric its flashy yellow color. There are two other compounds in turmeric that are related – demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin.1 Collectively, they are all three known as curcuminoids.

A lot of pills have tumeric & curcumin in one pill. Have I noticed a positive difference after taking this supplement. No.

I have no supplements to suggest, but I've been using two kinds of Salonpas patches that were suggested by my primary five years ago. I use their 4% lidocaine patches for back pain and the small menthol/camphor/methyl salicylate patches for neck/shoulder pain. I've tried CD creams and other rub-ons with no relief. I haven't tried the lidocaine creams; patches are easy and no-mess.

• @always1stepbehind - thanks! I take turmeric in capsule form, once per day. Instructions are to take 2 caps (1500mg), but I only take one so far. Also forgot to add that I also use magnet therapy when I have a flare-up. I wear a magnetic bracelet most all the time but if I still have pain I use small magnets on the joints where the pain is. Mine is primarily in my hands/wrists.

Bloodwork will show it. I started taking collagen and find its helping

I've had good results for minor arthritic pain with both Kyoto Fermented Turmeric and Tart Cherry and Turmeric ( a single preparation, not two different), both from Swanson's.

@WittyNickNameHere ;)

I have arthritis in my hands, back, ankles and knee. I take one Advil with one extra strength Tylenol every morning and night. Doctor ordered. Helps a lot for me. I also take a one a day vitamin daily. I have not used supplements, maybe I should try.

@MDLN Weird, because MY doctor told me I had it with my bloodwork. ;) She never told me which one, but regardless, my bloodwork showed it. But whatever.

RA can be diagnosed with a blood test but not OA according to my rheumatologist. So yes, arthritis can be diagnosed with a blood test but only rheumatoid arthritis. Unless of course there is some new information that my doctor is unaware of.

Maybe you have rheumatoid arthritis?

RA is an immune system issue. You have chronic inflammation. I can see why that shows up in blood work. Osteo is use damage. You have worn out your joints for what ever reason.

With osteoarthritis a simple xray diagnoses it, like the pictures of xrays MDLN showed. No cartilage and bone rubbing on bone. Osteo = bone. Osteoarthritis affects joints - knees, hips, shoulders, etc. My mother had it in her spine. It's a sharp, grinding pain, and limits movement. Repairing a joint damaged with osteoarthritis typically requires a joint replacement if it's at the point of total bone on bone with no cartilage remaining.

This article from arthritis.org describes 100 different types of arthritis:

https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/understanding-pain/sources-of-arthritis-pain#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%20100,changing%20pain%20in%20different%20ways.

Here's my before and after. The knee joint was bone on bone and out of alignment. Plus a fracture on the side where the arrow is pointing. Have no idea how that happened.

Then after with the prosthetic

I have what I think is RA in my finger joints. My PCPs (both the former and the new) just kind of looked at them and said osteo - but the joints will flare up, swell, redden, increased pain from time to time.

The only valuable thing that I got from a chiropractor was the tip that tart cherry juice would help - and I was really amazed that it really did! The swelling around the worst joint visibly decreased.

Now I take tart cherry extract capsules - not as effective as juice, but more cost effective, and they do help.

The other thing that helped when my knees started to get achy 2 decades ago (from 12 hours on my feet at work) was glucosamine/chondroitin/msm combo pills. I know that studies don't show effectiveness, but they work for me. I've had no more issues in the knees.

So far in my research, I'm seeing about collagen, tumeric, glucosamine/chondroitin/msm, I did read about the tart cherry juice too to help with joints/arthritis. When I to my physical next week, Im going to ask Dr. what she would suggest I try.

I don't have any visible swelling or redness or hot to the touch. I do have one knee, tho not much, but I can tell it feels a little swollen. But that is the leg I had the sciatic issue with last year and I feel like it's residual.