Arthritis

[Laddy]

Hi I’m sure this would’ve been asked many times before as it’s such a common problem. But could anybody recommend some sort of supplement etc that might help a little with arthritis in hands/ wrists. I’ve got a dissertation for looped reins but my hands are so painful at the moment I’m starting to feel I might be near the end of my horse ownership.Can’t bare the thought of letting them go.

 

[Abacus]

Have you taken any medical advice? It sounds certainly bad enough to need help on this (I don't know anything about human arthritis but I believe you can have steroid injections?). I think some people find that turmeric helps, you can get capsules (there are FB groups that have a lot of info on this).

 

[Sealine]

I'm sorry you're suffering. I have no personal experience but my Mum suffers badly from both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis and is on a lot of medication. She does find that Voltarol pain relieving gel helps. It might be worth applying it before riding. I hope you find a solution to allow you to continue riding.

 

[Widgeon]

Our YO has horribly arthritic hands and she takes turmeric and has semi-regular steroid jabs. That keeps her going.

ETA - also, keeping them warm - she puts heat packs against the artery under her wrist, inside the glove, and that seems to help.

 

[Vermeer]

Another one for Turmeric, I've heard really good stuff about it from family members with very stiff joints!

 

[Laddy]

Thanks for reply’s. Yes I have had medical advice. Mainly Ibuprofen and steroid injections, but I’m not so keen after having a lot for carpal tunnel that is now better after an operation. Also I took part in a trial of a type of HRT that could potentially help arthritis. Straight away I knew I was on the medication and not the placebo as hands felt so much better but fortunately it still has to go though more testing & trial and is not licensed for use. But hope for future sufferers. Will definitely look into turmeric. Nothing to lose.

 

[Laddy]

One extra note. After being on the trail I was keen to go on a low dose of general HRT to see if that might help. I Sailed though my menopause with few problems and never felt the need to speak to my GP. But now sadly it’s backfired as was told at 61 I’m too old to start. The health risks will outweigh the benefits similarly. But feelings so stiff and old and giving up all I love for the next twenty years? seems far worst.

 

[Trouper]

I think there are several things which help with rheumatoid arthritis but I have yet to find much which help with my osteo arthritis. Keeping the joints really warm does seem to help but appreciate this is hard to do when riding and dealing with horses generally in the winter.

A friend who gardens for a living has just started taking something called Activ8 which seems to combine many things which are said to help - she says it has made a difference in just a few days so might be worth a month's trial - but it is not cheap!

Some years ago my elderly mother - then well into her 80's - was offered a particular form of HRT by the GP which was for elderly folk. Sorry can't remember any details but it might be worth doing some research to see what is out there.

 

[Lamehorses]

One extra note. After being on the trail I was keen to go on a low dose of general HRT to see if that might help. I Sailed though my menopause with few problems and never felt the need to speak to my GP. But now sadly it’s backfired as was told at 61 I’m too old to start. The health risks will outweigh the benefits similarly. But feelings so stiff and old and giving up all I love for the next twenty years? seems far worst.

Do your own research, many do start hrtlaer in life. Need to be aware of risks & decide if they outweigh benefits

 

[Dazzer]

I have arthritis in my hips and have recently started taking Bettervits Glucosamine Complex with MSM & Turmeric. My hips have been much less painful and I can only think the supplement is helping as nothing else has changed. I haven't been able to ride for over a year and I am now hoping to be back on board soon!

 

[terrierliz]

The best thing I find that helps are wrist warmers, I use the Stormchase ones. Supplements I take cod liver oil with glucosamine. I hope you find something that helps

 

[Kunoichi73]

There is some evidence that type 2 collagen can help with arthritis.

 

[maya2008]

Well…for horses I have always gone for Boswellia and a good joint supplement like cortaflex. Noticeable difference. Did the same for my mum’s old dog, who never ended up needing meds from the vet, and mine has just started on that regime. Went from not wanting to get on the sofa and requiring a lift into the car, to jumping straight in and out of a 4x4 right up onto the seats. So I would highly recommend it!

 

[sollimum]

Husband fractured his neck and takes glucosamine which really helps him. My cob has athritic hocks and has in no particular order: injections, joint supplement, heat pad, physio, stretches. So I think I would consider a really good joint supplement and see if a physio can help as well. We sometimes give our horses a five star service but forget to give ourselves the same treatment!

 

[sbloom]

Wrist warmers worn most of the time help my RSI, I'm also getting some improvement with arthritic type, and other, issues from Scenar treatment. It's an odd one but offered by a couple of bodyworkers I really trust.