Question: I am a 50yr old lady who has been diagnosed with arthritis in my left hip. It needs replacement I am told. I am currently losing weight to help when the time comes for this to happen. I have lost 35 kilos so far and have about 8 to go. Weight loss has helped with the pain in my hip but can you suggest a natural pain relief as I am constantly taking Celebrex, panadol and sometimes Tramadol. I work as a theatre nurse and am very active but on a heavy busy day at work I need Tramadol (only one) to get me through the day. I hate taking this when I am working. Is there something you can suggest which may help?


Answer: I'm sorry to hear about your arthritic hip problem but congratulations with your successful weight loss program- this certainly will help to give the hip a better chance of recovery.

Natural supplement wise, there is some very recent good news here. Herron has just launched a terrific new product called OsteoEze Active + MSM. You will probably only find it in pharmacy as this stage. This is the first supplement in Australia to include MSM in a tablet form, with this natural sulphur source being recently approved for use by the Australian regulator (TGA).

This combination of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM helps to maintain and restore the structure and proper functioning of the joints, ligaments, tendons and cartilage. Taken regularly it can assist in providing relief of joint pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis within 3-6 weeks.

If you are also taking fish oil, this will provide additional support. For a high strength product like Herron's Omega Double Strength, three capsules a day would be ideal or if standard 1000mg fish oil, you might like to consider 6 a day for a month or two, as this can also assist in the relief of inflammation associated with arthritis.