Some Deep Relief for Joint Pain?

We get sent a lot of packages at the “Friend” but this one sang its own praises

I had an interesting package arrive in the office this week. As I opened the compact, slimline box, hey presto, an advertisement sprang into life before my eyes, highlighting the benefits of pain relief gels. Things have come a long way from the usual A4 printed press release.

It just so happens that my other half has been suffering from joint pain in his knees, decades of playing rugby will do that. He’s not keen on taking painkillers, so I figure he’ll make the perfect guinea pig to try out the Deep Relief gels.

At the moment, he’s taking every opportunity to sit with his feet up “resting” his joints. However, according to Dr Sarah Jarvis, this is the wrong thing to do.

“Many of my patients are tempted to avoid exercise when they have joint pain, and if they have arthritis causing long term pain, they may opt out of exercise altogether,” she explained. “Unfortunately, this is the worst thing you can do. Immediately after a muscle strain or sprain, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) can speed recovery. But in the longer term, regular exercise is essential to keep joints supple and muscles strong enough to protect your joints.

Sage Advice From An Expert

“What’s more, being overweight puts severe strain on weight bearing joints like knees, hips and spine, and if you’re not exercising you may find it even harder to shift weight.

“Doctors have long been aware that while anti-inflammatory painkilling tablets can be very effective for joint and muscle pain relief, they do have side effects. Taking them regularly can lead to stomach inflammation and even bleeding, as well as heart and kidney problems, especially at high doses.

“The good news is that topical anti-inflammatory gels and creams containing active ingredients such as ibuprofen or diclofenac are available from your pharmacist. They provide a similar level of pain relief while exposing your body to only a tiny fraction of the dose involved in taking tablets. This in turn means side effects are much more unlikely.”

Sage advice from an expert, which I’ll be sure to pass on to my other half, along with the gels. If the product proves to be as good as the sleek press package, we’ll have him off that couch in no time.

Get your health fix at the “Friend”