@suzanne2 I have had fibromyalgia for a long time and have tried meds OTC meds and for me know of them worked . I have Tramadol a perscription that is the only thing that works when the pain is intolerabol . I use heat and ice the TENS unit and different creams but the OTC meds didn't help me .

@suzanne2 This is a great question, and it will be interesting to hear how people work with over the counter remedies! If you have a bathtub, have you tried a warm soaking bath with epsom salts? While I cannot abide by a bath myself, my husband recently had a torn muscle and used epsom salts for several days to assist in pain relief. Tumeric is also a good anti-inflammatory, it is said, and can be taken orally. I have used arnica montana, a holistic compund that is for muscles and bruising, although it takes a few days to build up in your system. There is also arnica cream available. Sometimes a warm compress in the area of the worst pain is enough for me. I also deal with fibromyalgia, and never know when/where muscle discomfort may occur.

Will you report back to me, saying what you found works for you? I know everyone is different, and experiences things differently.
Ginger

Great topic. I think people might also find these related discussions of interest.

– Alternatives for pain management https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/alternatives-for-pain-management/
– What Distracts You From the Pain? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-distracts-you-from-the-pain/
– Pain Rehabilitation Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pain-rehabilitation-clinic-1/

I'd like to bring @sandytoes14 @rwinney @dawn_giacabazi and @amandaburnett into this discussion too. I second @gingerw's question. What works for you?

Hi @suzanne2 I used Voltaren Gel for a short time which is the OTC topical cream for diclofenac. It worked pretty well for extremities after I stopped Cymbalta. I, like Ginger and Colleen, would love to know what has or hasn't worked for you so far.

@suzanne2 My cardiologist suggested aloa with lidacaine. I rub it on the top of my painful feet and it really does help.

Hi @suzanne2 I too have fibromyalgia and have had it for many years. Theraworks is similar to Epsom salts but in a non greasy foam. It is my go to for muscle pain. My pharmacy usually carries a display near the counter. I hope you get some relief,

@sandytoes14 Thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely check out the Theraworks and hopefully it will help the fibromyalgia. Some days can be torture!

@summertime4 thanks for the idea. Will look into aloe w/lidocaine. Have seen that in the store.

@colleenyoung Lots of good ideas to look into.

@amandaburnett I have a prescription for the diclofenac. Some nights I think I take a bath in it.

@lioness I do have a tens unit and dug it out. It does seem to help. Had forgotten about having it! Thanks for jogging my memory.

@gingerw I have been taking turmeric supplements for sometime. I thought they worked at the beginning but now not so sure. Maybe I need to change brands. I just found an Amish lotion. It seems to help but it is so greasy and smells to high. Maybe okay when I am home but not great if going out.

@suzanne2 You are welcome! Yes, torture is right. I am now on medical marijuana with my pain doctors blessing. Low dose THC and CBD have helped muscle pain the most.

@suzanne2 If you have something that works for you, don't let the smell stop you from using it. I use a capsaicin type ointment on my knee sometimes, and if people don't like it, too bad! ;))
Ginger

@sandytoes14 I have considered medical marijuana but I don't know where to find a doctor who will listen. It is legal in Michigan so maybe I need to go purchase some myself and one of the stores. Problem is I don't really know what I am doing.