We find drug commercials incredibly misleading? So do many readers. They're hard to avoid! Will the FDA finally clamp down on distorted ads?
Certo and grape juice (the purple pectin remedy) can lower cholesterol, make arteries more flexible and ease arthritis pain.
Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms were overlooked for decades. The FDA now warns about "discontinuation syndrome." Are patients informed?
Ibuprofen is one of the most popular pain relievers in the pharmacy. Do you read labels and stay alert for scary ibuprofen side effects?
Studies show that the compounds in cherry juice (anthocyanins) have anti-inflammatory activity which may be helpful in combatting pain.
Do your knees complain when you go up or down stairs? How about when you go for a walk? NSAIDs have serious side effects. What else can you do for pain?
Sour or tart cherries (also known as pie cherries) can reduce inflammation. There is actual scientific evidence that tart cherries fight pain.
Can NSAIDs damage the kidneys? If you try to protect your stomach from NSAID damage with a PPI, will you increase kidney damage?
Does generic celecoxib relieve joint pain as effectively as brand name Celebrex? Many visitors say no! Canadian Celebrex is more affordable!
If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, do you take a pain reliever? There is a link between ibuprofen and high blood pressure.
FDA's warning on doctor-prescribed topical NSAIDs like Voltaren Gel is scary. Are gels as dangerous as oral NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen?
People concerned about potential problems with NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, meloxicam or naproxen may want to consider topical medication for their sore joints. Find out about the advantages o
Do you suffer from sore joints? Perhaps you are dealing with arthritis pain. What if NSAIDs are out because they irritate your stomach?
One reader got good results calming arthritis pain with a combination of herbal oils of lavender, mint, chamomile, rosemary, eucalyptus and birch bark.
If you have ever wondered what to do to ease arthritis pain besides taking a pill, it's possible that a home remedy might just do the trick.
Most people believe nonprescription drugs are safe. That's why they may not read OTC medication labels. But OTC drugs can harm or kill!
A major review of research on knee arthritis found crystalline glucosamine sulfate has a modest effect on pain. Omega-3 oils also help.
People with arthritis are caught in a terrible bind. OTC and prescription drugs have some serious side effects. What about golden raisins in gin?
Step-by-step instructions for preparing and using gin-soaked raisins, a longtime reader-favorite home remedy for arthritis and joint pain.
Some people need an alternative to grape juice and pectin for joint pain, because grape juice is high in sugar. There are many options.
Before starting a daily regimen, carefully consider the benefits and risks of aspirin. Will you be helped or harmed by this amazing drug?
Scientists love data! That is why they embrace drugs. Do home remedies deserve equal respect? There is surprising evidence that many work!
Some readers want information on a wacky arthritis remedy said to have been devised by the Mayo brothers. It includes figs, raisins and senna.
Millions of Americans suffer with long illness. Conventional medicine doesn't always have treatments for these conditions.
When your knees, hips or shoulders hurt, you want rapid relief. Cortisone shots seem like a simple and fast solution. Are there any risks?
The best way to find out if the old wives were right about a home remedy might be to give it a try. Do you have a favorite?
People who receive cortisone injections into joints for pain relief may also experience systemic side effects such as insomnia or anxiety.
Some people use home remedies such as pectin and grape juice instead of pain relievers to ease sore joints. Readers offer their own variations on the remedy.
Do you take pain medicine at least once a week? How about once a day? Do you know the pros and cons of ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen?
A pilot study found that volunteers had less arthritis pain and better quality of life after eight weeks of chair yoga practice.
Getting turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin into the bloodstream may require special formulations to maximize turmeric's benefits.
Could someone with arthritis use turmeric to alleviate pain and stiffness in the joints? Recent research shows how this spice can be helpful.
Glucosamine for arthritis is a controversial dietary supplement. Some people say it works. Others say it's worthless. What do studies show?
This week we interview two scientists who describe the benefits of tart cherries for mental alertness and physical stamina.
Medicines should NOT cause the problem they are supposed to treat! Surprisingly, though, the drug boomerang effect is far too common.
Treatments for knee arthritis are turning out to be either ineffective or harmful. Steroid shots and arthroscopic surgery are problematic.
We have been writing about the gin and raisin remedy for decades. It amazes us how much relief some people get from their knee and hip pain.
As people age and develop aches and pains, they look for relief. The spicy supplement turmeric (curcumin) helps some.
NSAIDs like diclofenac or ibuprofen can ease arthritis, but they have serious side effects. Can you benefit from MSM for joint pain?
Either natural approaches or pharmaceuticals can offer benefit if used with care. Some important drugs are based on plants.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory activity that may make it useful for treating joint pain, diabetes, psoriasis and possibly even Alzheimer disease.
Drugs to ease joint pain come with a long list of serious side effects. Remedies from the kitchen like a juice-vinegar combo may help.
When a dog has such hip pain that the vet recommends euthanasia, you know there's a problem. Turmeric helped one old dog recover vitality.
Scientists report that intestinal microbes affect our overall health. In this interview airing 5/28/22, learn about managing the microbiome.
Castor oil has been used for thousands of years. Readers report success with this ancient remedy to ease knee pain. Will it work for you?
People think that what goes on the skin stays on the skin? Topical NSAIDs get into tissues. Do doctors know the side effects of Voltaren Gel?
Xeljanz XR is an oral medication for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. It is very pricey, and it has some very serious side effects.
Millions of people take antidepressants for anxiety, arthritis, depression, nerve pain or fibromyalgia. Are they told how to stop duloxetine?
Many people find that drinking several ounces of Concord grape juice with pectin every day helps ward off or ease arthritis pain.
People who take CBD oil to alleviate pain should be warned that there is a possibility–though not a probability–that their urine will test positive.
Petting the cat can cause a life-threatening reaction if you have a topical NSAID on your skin. Pillow poisoning of pets is another hazard!
Do you know what OTC ingredients are in your meds? How do Aleve pills differ from Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel and AleveX Pain Relieving Lotion?
Many readers report that eating nine gin-soaked golden raisins daily can alleviate joint pain if used for at least a month or two.
Gastroenterologist Emeran Mayer explains how your microbiome shapes your immune response and why you should take care of it.
Boswellia with turmeric, both powerful anti-inflammatory plant-based supplements, helped a reader's hip pain. Might it help you too?
When knees or hips hurt, life gets hard. Climbing stairs is challenging. Hiking hurts. Steroid injections are tempting. Do they cause damage?
One reader found that following an allergen-free diet without dairy, eggs or gluten eliminated joint pain. Will it work for you?
A reader wonders whether the supplement Boswellia could ease joint pain for an arthritic dog. Research suggests it might.
When everyday NSAIDs like ibuprofen are not appropriate for joint pain, some people get relief from Indian herbal medicines like boswellia.
Have you wondered whether a single remedy can solve two problems instead of just one? Raisins might cut down on nighttime urination and reduce joint pain.
Cannabidiol has been studied for its ability to relieve joint pain in animals. Some readers think it might also help ease your arthritis pain.
One reader found that keeping soap under the bottom sheet of the bed reduced the unbearable pain caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Did you know that the FDA has approved the sale of OTC Voltaren Gel in the US? What are the pros and cons of taking this NSAID without a doctor's oversight?
A randomized study found that physical therapy resulted in more lasting improvement for people with knee osteoarthritis than steroid shots into the joint.
A diet with lots of vegetables, fish and whole grains is the best diet for arthritis. The comparison is a Western diet with lots of processed foods.
Staying active, even while staying at home, should help control arthritis pain. We also offer other possible treatments that may help.
The research is inconclusive, but a reader reports that New Zealand green-lipped mussels ease arthritis pain for the whole family, including the dog.
A reader reports that boswellia boosted pain relief of fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis when it was added to glucosamine and chondroitin.
The right yoga practice can help you age gracefully and alleviate pain. Find out more and call in your own questions on 3/7/20..
People with tendinitis, sports injuries or osteoarthritis might be intrigued by something called platelet-rich plasma or PRP injections. Is there research?
Are you struggling with hypertension? You may be able to use ginger for a double-duty effect: reduce blood pressure and ease arthritis pain in joints.
A meta-analysis of 12 studies found that a PRP injection relieved pain from knee osteoarthritis. It was more effective against pain than hyaluronic acid.
Pectin dissolved in grape juice works well to ease a reader's horrible joint pain. But grape juice has a lot of sugar. Is there a better arthritis remedy?
SAM-e performed as well as an NSAID drug to relieve arthritis pain in some studies. Might it help you feel better?
Doctors frequently use corticosteroid injections into joints to ease pain and stiffness. A new review of the evidence suggests this has serious downsides.
Studies of supplements rich in omega 3 fats have reached conflicting conclusions. The latest analysis concludes that they reduce the risk of heart disease.
Some people like to apply DMSO topically for joint pain. Most of the research has focused on its use for interstitial cystitis rather than arthritis.
Some people love topical diclofenac for sprains, strains or inflamed joints. Others find that it causes the same nasty stomach symptoms as oral NSAIDs.
Some supplements, including turmeric, can help alleviate aches and pains associated with arthritis, bursitis or tendinitis.
Do you take celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, meloxicam or naproxen for aching joints? People with OA rely on arthritis pain relievers. What are the risks?
Some readers find that keeping a bar of soap under the bottom sheet helps keep hips and knees from aching during the night.
Joint pain is common, but one possible cause is less common. Will following a gluten-free diet ease arthritis? One reader reports benefit.
Have you ever taken glucosamine and chondroitin for sore joints? Did this combo raise cholesterol? Turmeric lowered cholesterol AND eased inflammation.
The FDA has been criticized for its oversight of generic drugs. Major news stories this week dealt a blow to this industry. What about authorized generics?
Some readers who have tried Certo in grape juice to ease their joint pain would like to use powdered pectin instead. It may be harder, but it is do-able.
Have you ever heard of bee sting therapy (aka apitherapy)? We didn't think so. Modern medicine has pretty much ignored this approach. Readers say it works.
A small study suggests that people following a low-carbohydrate diet suffer less from arthritis in their knees. They also have better joint function.
A skeptic attacked gin-drenched raisins as offering arthritis sufferers false hope. But many readers have found this remedy helps relieve pain.
Shoulder replacement surgery is becoming far more common, but it carries more risk than most patients appreciate.
Using rosemary and turmeric on food with hemp oil and black pepper to boost absorption helped one reader control joint pain.
People with osteoarthritis are stuck. Opioids are heavy guns and can be addicting. Oral NSAIDs can cause ulcers or heart attacks. What about topical NSAIDs?
One reader reports that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar lowers occasional high blood pressure. Research in rats suggests vinegar inhibits ACE.
A reader who remembers home remedies of long ago wonders what happened to cod liver oil. Although doctors no longer prescribe it, people still take it.
A study comparing whole-body Swedish massage to light touch or usual treatment found that the full-body technique reduced the pain from arthritic knees.
A reader says Duexis is helpful for pain relief, but it is unaffordable. Would ibuprofen and famotidine separately work as well?
What do you do when a joint hurts or you sprain an ankle? Many people take doctor-prescribed meloxicam for pain or an OTC NSAID. How safe are such drugs?
An irate reader discovered that a favorite rub now contains a synthetic ingredient instead of natural essential oil. Should we pay less for Vicks VapoRub?
Are there effective ways to manage arthritis pain? What are the pros and cons, and which ones work better? Call in your questions 888-472-3366 on 10/27/18.
Do your fingers ever hurt? What about your knees and hips? People often blame arthritis on age. But drugs can do trigger it too. Januvia joint pain is real.
A long-running study suggests that people who eat fish and shellfish regularly are less prone to chronic disease as they age.
We love it when a remedy for one thing works really well for something else. And it's great when there is science to support it for overcoming constipation!
Have you been looking for celecoxib as good as Celebrex? You may want to try the authorized generic to get the pain relief you want.
If you use diclofenac gel to ease arthritis pain, will it increase your chance of a cardiovascular complication?
A Danish study reviews the dangers of diclofenac and finds that it can harm the heart and digestive tract. Are topical NSAIDs like Voltaren Gel any safer?
One reader was thrilled to have cod liver oil relieve the pain of osteoarthritis in the knee so much that knee replacement surgery could be canceled.
Over six million people take meloxicam (Mobic) to ease inflammation and joint pain. Meloxicam and other NSAIDs can raise blood pressure. How high is too high?
What would you do if your were stranded on a desert island? What about if the power went out for several months? What are the best drugs in such extreme situations?
Experts for the FDA have just voted on the cardiovascular safety of Celebrex. Find out what they decided. How should you take celecoxib (Celebrex)? Daily, or just when you are in pain?
Vinegar and honey mixed in water is a traditional arthritis remedy that many find helpful. There's no reason not to take it with your vitamins.
We have questioned the FDA's generic drug approval process on several occasions. So many people have complained about generic Celebrex that we think an authorized generic celecoxib makes sense.
Although fish oil has a reputation for soothing dry eyes, a recent randomized controlled trial found that placebo capsules of olive oil worked just as well.
Some studies indicate that taking curcumin pills can calm osteoarthritis inflammation and pain. Many readers report their experience supports that.
Research indicates that bromelain enzymes work about as well the drug diclofenac for relieving joint pain with minimal side effects.
With salsalate, you may be able to ease arthritis pain safely. It is far less likely to irritate the digestive tract or cause cardiovascular problems than most NSAID pain relievers.
Do you play doctor by medicating yourself or those you love with over-the-counter medicines? Do you understand the pros and cons of such drugs? Our faves and our fears on OTC meds!
Some people call ibuprofen vitamin I. They think it's as safe as a vitamin. But ibuprofen side effects can be serious. Is infertility one possible problem?
Blackseed oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It may also have anti-cancer activity. Does this natural product have any scientific support?
A reader reports that eating two tablespoons of cocoa in oatmeal daily drastically reduced pain from arthritis. Science tells us why.
Are your smoothies too sweet? Too many carbs? How about Joe's Brain Boosting Super Smoothie with lots of protein or a Beet Juice Smoothie to lower BP?
Do you rely on NSAIDs for arthritis pain? Most people do. Drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen can cause life-threatening ulcers. How serious is the risk?
The Procrastinator's Challenge is Officially On! There are three days left to take advantage of our big holiday sale. It applies to everything in our store!
Will you or someone you love experience drug shortages because of Hurricane Maria? Meds made in Puerto Rico could be affected. Find out if you're at risk.
Millions of people take celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, meloxicam or naproxen for arthritis. Are there side effects? Are there alternatives for arthritis?
Do you rely on NSAIDs for relief from pain? You probably know about heartburn. What about diarrhea? Do you know about other ibuprofen side effects?
Glucosamine remains a popular dietary supplement. Does glucosamine repair damaged cartilage and ease arthritis pain? Many people disagree with the science.
If you suffer arthritis pain in your hands, knees & hips you know what a challenge it can be. What can people with heart problems or high BP do to function?
Do you take an NSAID like ibuprofen or naproxen to ease your stiff joints and control your pain? Could it boost your blood pressure into the danger zone?
Some people insist that glucosamine eases their arthritis pain and improves their functionality. The rheumatologists often disagree. Here's the latest data.
Americans consume huge quantities of oral NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) with the FDA's blessing. Why can't people buy a topical NSAID gel over the counter?
The traditional Indian remedy of drinking turmeric in milk can provide anti-inflammatory benefits with causing digestive distress.
Prolotherapy injections of salt water or sugar water into or near the joint can often provide substantial relief from pain.
NSAIDs are taken by tens of millions of people in pain. They can cause ulcers or heart attacks. Why has aspirin against pain fallen into such disfavor?
After covering golden raisins with gin and allowing the gin to evaporate, the gin-raisin remedy contains one drop of alcohol in nine raisins.
A big randomized controlled trial in Europe found that pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate is as good as celecoxib at relieving arthritis knee pain.
Alternative therapies such as acupressure or acupuncture may relieve knee pain as well as surgery, steroid injections or NSAIDs.
Topical pain relievers like Voltaren Gel and Flector patches may be less likely to trigger systemic side effects like ulcers.
People in pain do NOT want to hear bad news about ibuprofen, naproxen or other NSAIDs. To take such drugs safely, people must know the risks!
Suddenly stopping arthritis medicine for sore feet had an unexpected and unwelcome result: rebound migraine headaches! What's the solution?
Most people think that corticosteroid side effects occur only after long-term treatment. New research suggests that short-term therapy also poses a problem.
A reader taking arthritis-strength acetaminophen noticed ringing in the ears that worsened as a side effect of the medication.
Many readers were upset with the idea of restricting the sale of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs to "behind the counter" status. Side effects do not worry them.
People in pain take huge quantities of NSAIDs like ibuprofen. A new Danish study links NSAIDS to cardiac arrest. Should the FDA ban ibuprofen from OTC sale?
Doctors continue to debate the pros and cons of statins. Many maintain that statins don't cause problems. Other say statin side effects affect exercise.
Celecoxib (Celebrex) is a popular prescription pain reliever but many people ask us: why is generic celecoxib not working? They want to know what to do.
The Indian herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) brought surprising relief to a reader with persistent, troublesome arthritis of the knees.
There is a raging debate about statin pros and cons. Many believe these are breakthroughs that save lives. Others say statins cause diabetes and arthritis.
Millions pop vitamin I (ibuprofen) every day without a second thought. But ibuprofen side effects can be very serious. All NSAIDs pose significant risks.
Why do health professionals and FDA officials seemingly downplay the dangers of drugs while warning people about dietary supplements? It's a mystery to us.
Osteoarthritis is usually thought of as an inflammatory condition caused by too much wear on the joints. Running lowers inflammation and may protect knees.
Millions of people take ibuprofen and naproxen every day to ease aches and pains. Is there any possibility of a danger of ibuprofen and heart attack?
Tens of millions of people take NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen every day to ease pain. Is celecoxib (Celebrex) safer or just as bad for the heart?
Following a Mediterranean-style diet with olive oil, fish, fruits and veggies offers a way to avoid arthritis pain and other health problems.
NSAIDs can help ease swollen, painful joints, but they have drawbacks. MSM might offer an alternative to treat arthritis pain.
Could you skip the gin and the golden raisins and use juniper berries themselves to ease arthritis pain? One reader tried the experiment.
Boswellia has anti-inflammatory activity and many people report that it helps ease symptoms of arthritis. But some complain of gastritis and hot flashes.
People are told that hypothyroidism may cause weight gain, constipation, dry skin and hair loss. A link between joint pain and thyroid is rarely made.
Over-the-counter and prescriptions drugs have drawbacks when it comes to treating your knee pain. Consider non-drug approaches.
People who experience joint pain are often told it's because they are getting older. Could statins cause arthritis as well as muscle pain and weakness?
Taking a tablespoon of Certo in four ounces of purple grape juice can ease joint pain, but one reader reports suffering constipation as a consequence.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are capable of changing the balance of bacteria in the digestive tracts of mice with a single dose.
The dietary supplement chondroitin sulfate was just as good as Celebrex for alleviating arthritic knee pain. It also delayed deterioration of the cartilage.
People love the gin-soaked raisin remedy but there are many unanswered questions, especially how do you make it? Find out details by watching our video.
It may be hard to believe that the active ingredient in turmeric called curcumin could ease long-standing knee osteoarthritis, but our readers says it works
Have you had problems with some generic drugs? If so, authorized generics may be the answer to your problems. Find out what makes an authorized generic drug
Switching from brand-name Celebrex to celecoxib resulted in more pain and swelling and threatened to ruin this reader's golf game.
It took the FDA 50 years to realize NSAID pain relievers cause heart attacks and strokes. The FDA just strengthened its warning. What will you do now?
Smearing Voltaren Gel on knees provides joint pain relief while minimizing (not eliminating) the risk of systemic adverse reactions to diclofenac.
Using the Certo recipe for plant pectin in grape juice offers relief from joint pain that is safe for daily use.
A cortisone shot into a stiff knee promises relief, but a recent study shows it doesn't really help pain brought on by exercise. Other tactics are needed.
Some people report less pain relief from generic Celebrex (celecoxib).
A study revealed unexpected damage to the small intestine from the combination of an NSAID with a PPI; changes in gut flora may be responsible.
Bromelain, a pineapple compound, can reduce inflammation and help control pain. In other countries it is still known by the earlier name ananase.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with chronic joint pain.
A topical NSAID cream or lotion can alleviate knee pain as well as a pill like ibuprofen or naproxen.
Do tart cherries really have anti-inflammatory properties? What else are cherries good for? Can something so simple ease the pain of arthritis and gout?
Celecoxib offered this reader less pain relief than its brand-name counterpart Celebrex.
A European study shows glucosamine and chondroitin ease knee pain as well as Celebrex.
The "raisin remedy" involves golden raisins and gin that contains real juniper flavoring. Many people insist it helps arthritis. Why is the dose 9 raisins?
Heartburn drugs that are supposed to protect the digestive tract from irritation due to NSAIDs may actually make it worse.
Massage worked better to control joint pain than medications.
In comparison, injections eased knee pain due to arthritis better than anti-inflammatory pills.
A reader reports a rise in blood cholesterol while taking glucosamine that returned to normal upon stopping the supplement.
Do the benefits of turmeric outweigh side effects? Thyme tea for coughs and cornmeal mask for seborhheic dermatitis.
Running, even long term, does not seem to increase the risk of knee arthritis and may actually help ward it off.
NSAIDs to ease arthritis pain can cause stomach irritation. Alternative remedies are easier on the digestive tract.
When we first heard people were getting relief from arthritis or nerve pain after being stung by fire ants we were doubtful. What's going on?
People who take 6,000 steps or more a day nearly every day seem to reduce their likelihood of functional limitations from knee arthritis.
Popular pain relievers may raise blood pressure or irritate the stomach. Some natural approaches for arthritis actually calm blood pressure.
What do you do for arthritis? Have you ever tried the raisin remedy? It involves golden raisin soaked in gin. Another option is Certo and grape juice.
When NSAIDs or other drugs are not appropriate for pain treatment, docs have few other options. That is why we sometimes suggest supplements or home remedies that our readers' tell us work for them.
What can you do it your insurance company won't pay for Celebrex but your joint pain is unrelenting? This reader says that non-drug approaches did the trick
One of doctors' favorite prescription NSAID pain relievers is Meloxicam. Here's what you need to know about some of Meloxicam's more serious side effects.
There are many non-drug remedies for easing joint pain. Some reader favorites include gin and raisins, boswellia, cherries and turmeric to name a few.
Readers disagree with research that demonstrates glucosamine and chondroitin do not work to ease arthritis aches and pains.
The Indian herb Boswellia fights pain due to its anti-inflammatory activity. Although it may help with pain relief, it can cause heartburn for some users.
Purple grape juice and Certo, the pectin product for home canners, make an inexpensive remedy that many people find very helpful for joint pain.
Brand name expansion is the name of the game in OTC drugs. The more shelf space the better for the company. It can lead to confusion for consumers.
Many people find that eating nine gin soaked raisins a day helps ease the aches and pains of arthritic joints. Why? We don't know.