An avid fan of the great outdoors all her life, Lynn Fern loved nothing more than indulging her passions for horse riding and hill walking.
Yet just two months ago the 56-year-old organic chicken farmer from west Wales was living in such “crippling agony” she could no longer walk unaided and had to go up and down stairs on her hands and knees.
The mother of two had suffered from “excruciatingly painful and debilitating” osteoarthritis primarily in her knees since the age of 23.
“During the past couple of years the accompanying swelling and stiffness had made it impossible for me to walk in a normal way. Going on all fours was the only way in which I was able to ascend the stairs,” she explains.
More than 10 million people in the UK suffer from arthritis which causes severe joint pain and inflammation. Many are in constant agony, making even simple movements such as walking, standing and lifting impossible.
Osteoarthritis affects at least 8.5 million people and causes the cartilage between bones to waste away, leading to painful joints usually in the hands, spine, knees and hips.
Rheumatoid arthritis is more severe but less common, affecting almost 700,000 people. It occurs when the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain and swelling mostly in the hands, wrists and feet.
Both conditions are usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers.
By December Lynn was in so much pain that she and her partner Roman, 62, considered selling their farm and animals in Llandysul, Ceredigion, and moving to a bungalow. Then by chance Lynn read about a new treatment in her favourite newspaper, the Daily Express. It was a drug-free gel called Flexiseq which is rubbed into painful joints twice daily.
Results from six separate clinical studies involving 4,000 patients found that the gel, which is made up of millions of droplets of fat called phospholipids that penetrate the joint, helps mobility and eases pain.
As it is drug-free, numerous research studies have shown it has none of the dangerous side effects such as heart problems, stroke or stomach issues that drug-based painkillers can cause.
A study of 1,300 patients found Flexiseq creates a natural lubricant for affected joints and is as good for pain relief as commonly-prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as celecoxib.
Dr John Dickson, who worked on the study published in the journal Current Medical Research and Opinion, says: “This topical treatment is drug-free and seems to have an excellent safety profile.”
Pro Bono Bio, the manufacturer of the gel, says the beneficial effects build up over time meaning patients may eventually need to apply it just once a day to stay pain free.
Although initially sceptical, Lynn says she was so desperate after a particularly difficult couple of days during which she could not even lift her feet from the ground that she ordered a couple of tubes which cost £16.80 each. “I applied the gel and left it to dry,” she says. “The next morning there was a noticeable improvement.
“I could actually bend my knees to put on my socks unaided, despite the fact that I had applied only half of the recommended amount. A fortnight on I was still applying half the amount and virtually all the swelling had gone from my knees. The stiffness and all the pain had gone.
“For the first time in years I am able to walk properly and go up and down stairs and slopes without the need to hang on to anything. It’s absolutely fantastic. My knees were like watermelons before. Now they’re normal knees again.”
Lynn says the treatment has changed her life. “Today I walked for two-and-a-half hours over six or seven miles. Then I fed and mucked out six horses and still didn’t feel any pain. I have my life back and that means Roman has his too. He had become my carer as my knees got worse and worse so it has been wonderful for him and me.”
Flexiseq is available from all good pharmacies. For more information visit flexiseq.com or call 0800 098 7011.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN REDUCE THE DISCOMFORT
FISH OILS
Made from fatty fish such as sardines, sprat, salmon and mackerel, these oils are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids which are a strong anti-inflammatory, calming joint inflammation.
Fish liver oil contains high levels of vitamins A, a strong antioxidant and vitamin D, which helps maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system. Omega-3 can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke in people with inflammatory arthritis.
Evidence suggests that supplements help combat joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, tender or swollen joints and reduce the use of painkillers. Fish oils can also help regulate the body’s immune system and fight joint inflammation. They are also inexpensive and found in any pharmacy.
CAPSAICIN (CHILLI)
The active ingredient extracted from chillies, capsaicin can reduce joint pain according to several studies. It mainly works by reducing Substance P, a transmitter between the nerves and the brain which can cause inflammation and tenderness in joints. Capsaicin has been found safe to use and is readily available on prescription in the form of gel, cream and plasters.
Most trials have used 0.025 per cent or 0.075 per cent capsaicin gel applied to the skin four times a day.
YOGA
A combination of breathing exercises, physical postures and meditation, this 5,000-year-old discipline is designed to harmonise the mind and body.
Yoga works on the basis that ill health is caused by the blockage of vital energy flow due to poor diet, stress and environmental factors. Although there is little science to support this, regular practice may bring physical (muscular strength) and mental benefits (wellbeing and relaxation) while the breathing exercises may reduce muscular spasms.
A study led by York University and funded by Arthritis Research UK found that yoga can provide an effective treatment for chronic back pain.
ADVICE FOR FIGHTING THE AGONY Of ARTHRITIS
DO’s
* Lose weight if you need to: The knees and hips are commonly affected by joint pain. Carrying excess weight makes them particularly vulnerable to the condition.
* Try to remain active but listen to your body: If you experience a lot of stiffness in the morning, take gentle exercise in the evening for example try a low-impact exercise such as swimming.
* Discuss pain relief with your GP: As well as prescribed painkillers, heat and ice can be helpful in managing pain and stiffness.
DON’T
* Smoke: The toxins in tobacco cause stress on connective tissue leading to more joint problems.
* Self-diagnose and medicate: Visit your GP for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
