Question
I am 54 years old. diagnoised with osteioarthritis three years ago. i am active in the daytime; walking 3 to 5 miles. along with resistive weight training and i kayak daily in the summer months. the docote tryed numerous medications including celebrex, viox etc. with no relief. i was placed on flexeril for nitetime use. pain management is fine in the day but if i sit for more than an hour and in the evenings with bedtime is when i freeze up. difficuty moving, getting up and intense pain at nite. any suggestions?
Answer
The pain and stiffness at night and with the initiation of movement or “gel phenomenon” is difficult to treat. Muscle relaxants such as Flexeril or low dose amitriptyline can be helpful. Occasionally, patients will even take a low dose of an opioid analgesic such as hydrocodone or oxycodone.
