[at-l] remedies for aches & pains?

[Bluewinddancing@msn.com (SUSAN ELLIOT)]

An herbal remedy was suggested to me for the same problems.  It is called=
 Arnica Montana and you can find it in the health food stores or Native A=
merican shops.  You can get the capsules or a cream.

SnowBear

----- Original Message -----
From: Arthur Gaudet
Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2002 10:01 AM
To: at-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [at-l] remedies for aches & pains?

I thought I'd start a new thread and ask the group about pain
remedies and about the drug Voltaren.

I've had bad ankles for a long time, probably starting with the
multiple sprains I endured for the 28 years prior to my 1997
thruhike. The hike was pretty painful for my feet and ankles,
although it was easier when I finally learned how to lighten my pack
and got it to below 40 lbs. (This was in Harpers Ferry, I had started
with 62 lbs at Springer).

I took vitamin I (Ibuprofen) all through my hike and kept the
inflammation down. By my calculation the total amount of ibuprofen
ingested was the size of a cube 4 inches on each side! Since then
hikes have been about as painless as before the AT, usually I don't
need anything for the first 2 or 3 days, then I just take the vitamin
I religously for the duration.

Lately (during the past 12 months) I've been working on my feet
instead of at a desk, the downturn in the economy you know. The ankle
is chronically sore and inflammed. I've gone from ibuprofen (800 mg,
3x/day), to Aleve (400 mg/2x/day) and most recently Naproxen (500mg,
2x/day), with the pain continuing. Perhaps all would be well if I
could rest a week or so but that's difficult to do at this point.

Anyway, saw the doctor today for some better meds. He's prescribed
Voltaren (75 mg, 2x/day) plus something more to help me sleep at
night. Anyone have experience with this med? I'd love to hear stories
with a positive outcome.

For any newbie's benefit: I firmly believe that my ankle problems
have little or nothing to do with the thruhike. I was sore while it
lasted, and healed nicely after the hike. Some hikers have weak
knees, I have weak ankles.

btw, in addition I'll be seeing a physical therapist to see if that
might help. Thanks for any help. --RD
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