I have painful knee arthritis. Using DMSO to treat the pain.

Hi @dongee. I found some information from Mayo Clinic on DMSO that you may find helpful (http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dimethyl-sulfoxide-intravesical-route/description/drg-20063424). Have you talked with your doctor or pharmacist about using it?

I also found other self-management / home remedies for knee pain (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/manage/ptc-20190237). You may also want to give a few of these a try, if you haven't already.

Have you tried Voltaire? It works. Also, I find Aleve works the best for pain and lasts 12 hours. My right knee is the worst.

My dad has used DMSO for 55 years, not continuously, but for various ailments and inflammation as they occur and has had good results. He'll be 85 this year and has had no negative effects. I've tried it a half dozen times for various things over the past 40 years but my symptoms were never relieved. I'd be interested if there's any studies showing any ill effects of using it consistently over time.

What is DMSO?

@northropkim My good friend who’s husband was
Orthopedic Surgeon used to
Voltaren and after a few years needed stomach surgery for damage done to
Colon.. Research this long term not good

@chicabow if you don’t mind me asking, are you referring to topical Volteran gel or the oral formulation? From what I’ve experienced on this site we’re usually referring to the topical formulation. I did not find any connection between the topical and GI issues but the oral tablet Volteran acid did cause some GI complications. Please clarify?

Oral tablet and she has scar from left to right across mid
section from colon removal.
Her Doctors in Orlando confirmed damage done by
Volteran.

So my knees still have cartilage, but I do have osteoarthritis in them.
Over a year ago I had PRP Platelet Rich Plasma injection (expensive and not covered by Medicare) as well as Hyaluronic Acid injections which are covered by Medicare to one knee.
PRP is supposed to help generate more cartilage while the
Hyaluronic Acid to relieve inflammation and pain. It worked for me.
I continue once or twice a year to get the Hyaluronic injection .

I’m hoping I can get it for my shoulder someday when needed.
Currently it’s out of pocket . But I will pay for it if I need to.
About $250 for the three shots .(7-10 days apart injections)

Thanks chicabow.

Diclofenac (Voltaren) pills are in the NSAID family. Like all NSAIDs, they should not be used for long periods of time. I was on it for about 6 months and my creatinine levels went well beyond the upper limit. This signals kidney damage. I greatly reduced my dose, and my creatinine level came right back down in weels.

IMO, it's best to use oral NSAIDs for periodic pain, and not make a habit of it.

(As for Voltaren gel, I have no idea about the side effects. But logic would suggest limiting use.)

Thanks all.

Joe

Thanks meri and sorry for the problems with your knees.

Have you thought about replacement - or at least discussed it with your Dr? I had both knees replaced in 2022, 4 months apart, and the pain relief has been incredible! I also had my left shoulder and right hip replaced in 2025 with very good results.

But it's probably best to try other pain relief, inflammation-reducing things first, and as always, follow your Dr's guidance.

All the best to you!

Joe