Well, my latest "fix" is not a permanent cure, but, it helps for several days at a time.
The fix is derived from a suggestion that a pain doc that I go to directed me to,,
His recommendation is a topical ointment called PENNSAID,, a prescription product, and he gave me a dozen sample packs.
PENNSAID is like a miracle cure,, apply it, let it set (do not put clothing over it or wipe it off) then in about 10-30 minutes, the area is pain-free,,
The main problems with PENNSAID are;
1) it is only recommended for knee pain,
2) it is CRAZY expensive,, ( in my case, the pharmacy quoted $2,300 for a tube)
There is an over the counter version of PENNSAID, which is relatively cheap, but, for me it does not work hardly at all. (VOLTAREN is the name of the generic)
The OTC version is something like 10% of the strength of PENNSAID, and only cost $25 for a rather large tube of it.
I guess if I applied it a couple times a day, it would be OK,, but, i was spoiled by PENNSAID,,
so,, I went researching,,
There is a video on the PENNSAID website (the only place I found this info,, by the way) and that video hinted that PENNSAID is derived from DMSO,,,
Don't hold my feet to the fire, I don't have the exact quote,, you can go looking for it if you want it.
Anyways,, I found DMSO is available at Tractor Supply, and on Amazon.
I ordered the stuff from Amazon,,
Buy DMSO 70/30 16 oz. Pharma Grade Gel w/ Aloe Vera Super Biologic 99.995% Low Odor Pharma Grade on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders
www.amazon.com
All I can say is that it works!!
Disclaimer DO NOT USE THIS, I offer this info for reference only,,
This info is for entertainment purposes only,,
OK,, I used a rubber glove,, and applied about 10% of the amount of PENNSAID that I had applied,,
I washed it off about 10 minutes after application,,
The Results?? I was pain free for three days,, I consider it a win. I have been using it for just over two months.
The pain I use the DMSO for is some form of Achilles tendinitis,, it is painful when I walk down steps. I have had that pain for over three years.
PENNSAID was the first relief that I found,, DMSO was the second.
Granted, I have to apply it a couple times a week, I am good with that.
The pain had increased to the point that I hated going to the basement to do laundry. Now, I go right up and down the steps, pain-free.
PENNSAID, and VOLTAREN are NSAIDS like aspirin, and ibuprofen,, even though they are topically applied, I think they have similar side effects. Probably the same for DMSO. I use so little DMSO, I feel the side effects that might be possible should be minimized. I only use an amount that would equal the size of a shirt button , twice a week.
My doc said that topically applying does minimize side effects, as compared to taking pills internally.Y