Morning stiffness has been my shadow for nearly six years now.
I tried everything to get my finger dexterity back: daily ibuprofen which eventually tore up my stomach, those expensive copper compression sleeves that just felt tight, and even high-dose turmeric powder that made everything I ate taste like dirt. None of it really stuck.
Day 1: Woke up with the usual claw-like feeling in my hands. Started a new bottle I found after some research.
Week 1: Not much to report other than a slight reduction in that deep, dull ache by mid-afternoon.
Week 3: I noticed a real breakthrough with FlexMotion Plus (usually discouted here). Usually, I have to run my hands under hot water for ten minutes to even grip a coffee mug, but the stiffness was much shorter.
Month 2: I am finally back to my crossword puzzles and evening sketching. The addition of hyaluronic acid and black pepper seems to make it absorb much better than the cheap store brands I used to buy. It isn’t a miracle cure, and I still have to stay active, but it’s the most consistent relief I’ve found. Definitely check with your doctor first if you have stomach sensitivities though, as white willow bark can be strong for some.
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The ‘claw’ feeling is the worst. I usually have to spend my first thirty minutes of the day just stretching my fingers out. Glad you found something that works for the crosswords, that’s a big win.
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I’m curious about the willow bark. Does it cause any of the same stomach issues you had with the ibuprofen? I’ve heard it’s a natural salicylate so I’m always cautious.
I use a paraffin wax bath for my hands every night, it helps a lot with the circulation. Might be worth adding to your routine if you get a flare-up.
I’ve been looking at a few different joint supplements lately. How did you decide on this specific one over the generic glucosamine-chondroitin pills from the big box stores? I feel like I’ve tried so many that look the same on paper.
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Cutting out nightshades helped me a bit too, but it’s hard to stay consistent with that diet. Supplements are definitely easier to manage.
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Is the hyaluronic acid for the joints or skin? I usually see that in face creams so I didn’t realize it could be taken orally for arthritis.
To answer your question, ArthurWrite, I chose FlexMotion Plus because it has the Boswellia and hyaluronic acid included. Most generic ones just have the basic glucosamine, and for me, the herbal extracts made the difference in how quickly I felt the inflammation go down. It felt like a more complete formula for what I needed.
I’ve been using FlexMotion Plus for about three months for my ankles. It definitely takes a few weeks to kick in but it’s been solid for my morning walks.
My wife and I both started FlexMotion Plus last spring. It really helps with the morning ‘rustiness’ we both get in our hips after sleeping. It’s a staple in our cabinet now.
FlexMotion Plus is the only one I’ve found that doesn’t upset my stomach. The black pepper extract really helps with the turmeric absorption too, which I think was my issue with other brands.
Great to hear you’re back to sketching. Losing your hobbies to pain is the worst part of getting older. Keep at it!