Taking Pain Medication correctly

[JenG1968]

Hi, I take tramadol daily for arthritic pain in both knees and my spine. When I was first prescribed it, about 7 years ago, my GP at that time said I needed to take it regularly at least 3 times a day to get full benefit. I did this at first but then saw a different dr a year or so later who said just to use it when the pain was really severe. Some days I can get to the evening before I can't stand the pain any more, other days I need every dose from the minute I wake up. Which way is the correct way to take it; regularly ( but then not knowing if its a good or bad pain day) or just when I am at the stage of not being able to move without excrutiating bone on bone pain?

[Arthritis Action]

The best way to take pain medicine is before the pain actually starts as once pain has become severe, it can be very difficult to control. If you know that you will be having a busy day then it is sensible to think ahead and take your pain medicines in advance, although as you mention it can be hard to predict which will be good and bad days. If you have been taking tramadol for many years it may be worth trying intermittent alternatives such as paracetamol or codeine to see if they help, as these drugs may have fewer side effects.

Wendy

Dr Wendy Holden
Consultant Rheumatologist and Medical Advisor to Arthritis Action

www.arthritisaction.org.uk /
info@arthritisaction.org

[Arthritis Care]

Dear JenG,

Thanks for your post. I'm sorry that you are in a lot of pain at the moment. When you have been managing for a long time it can be really helpful to have some support, to re-think some strategies if things have become hard. Even if your pain is long term it's worth doing daily stretches for your back and some strengthening for your knees. A physiotherapist could help you look into that. Anything which helps you keep moving is the key really.

I wonder if an orthopaedic specialist could review your back and knees? And it's always worth asking your GP to advise you if you think you may need to lose any weight. Body weight can drive arthritis inflammation, so losing weight can be a bit like a natural anti-inflammatory.

If you just would like to talk things over you are welcome to ring our helpline.

https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/managing-arthritis

Kind regards

Guy
Arthritis Care Helpline
0808 800 4050 10am - 4pm weekdays