Osteoarthritis ...

[MrWorldwide]

I didnt expect to be dealing with anything this nasty at 55, but reading up on the preconditions leads me to the point where I'll ask for an x-ray of my hips at my doctor's appointment next week. In the meantime, the over-the-counter meds seem to be Paracetamol and an NSAID - just wondering which of the latter will be most effective with the least side effects ? I've used Ibuprofen before without any apparent side-effects and everytime I check the news aspirin is either being touted as a wonder drug or demonised as a potential time bomb - just wondered if someone who is living with this condition has any tips ? Pain is in the 'relatively-mild-but-annoying' category, restricted to my hips and is alleviated once I start walking, but I'm always aware of it to some extent.

Thanks,

[FBN]

If Ibuprofen works, just stick to it and use the lowest dose that gives relief. Aspirin will have little or no effect at doses which are normally prescribed for cardiac conditions etc.

Paracetamol has minimal anti-inflammatory effect and will have more side effects if taken on a daily basis.

[MrWorldwide]

If Ibuprofen works, just stick to it and use the lowest dose that gives relief. Aspirin will have little or no effect at doses which are normally prescribed for cardiac conditions etc.

Paracetamol has minimal anti-inflammatory effect and will have more side effects if taken on a daily basis.

Thanks for that.

[Camelot]

I find that Voltaren or any generic containing Diclofenac works well for me. Available OTC everywhere.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Camelot

[Sheryl]

Before deciding to take NSAIDs daily, make sure the pain really is due to osteoarthritis. Hip pain that improves on walking could very well be due to a soft tissue problem (muscle, ligament, tendon), especially if the pain is located on the outside of the hip. If so, appropriate stretches and exercises will be of most benefit.

An Xray along with a consultation with a good orthopedist should clarify matters.

[davidthai]

had a full hip replacement in 1998 in uk, I am now getting problems with it , I have had an xray and the bone specialist doctor diagnosed, osteolysis of greater trochantercaused by wear and tear to polyethylene liner.

I was prescribed with neurobion and neurotin I took these for 3/6 months and then the doctor advised me to go on paraceptomol which I have and now take daily as required

I also had a xray on my right hip and have degenerative change of right hip joint , I think my problems have partly been caused by me being overweight , I was losing weight and after 8 months lost 24kg with the help of diet and a daily exercise walk but the pain of the exercise to my legs was to much so I stopped exercising and now I find it difficult to walk, to day I had a go at starting exercising with walking again for 30 minutes and I hope daily walking will again help me lose weight , but the doctor did advise against exercise , I don't want to take medicine for the rest of my life any advice please. I am 72 years old and at least want too swee my children finish University in 7 years from now

[Sheryl]

Revision surgery, often entailing bone graft, is the usual management for this. I am not sure why your doctor has not recommended this, possibly you have some surgical risk factors? Suggest you ask him about it.