Quote:
Originally Posted by Calvert Hall '62
Orthopedic MD's advice regarding my knee arthritis and meniscus issues: "Take Aleve, three tabs a day."
Me: "Say what! Even the manufacturer prescribes one every twelve hours. Besides, it has caused stomach issues in the past."
Ortho doc: "Take 'em anyway. Maybe they won't cause stomach issues this time."
And so I did. Good news: No stomach issues after two days. Bad news: Systolic blood pressure zoomed to 160 after two days. Usually in the 120s.
No more Aleve. Instead I devised a self-imposed and very rigorous rehab program featuring Xiser, elliptical, and rebounder. Knees are well enough to do chores and the left one is asymptomatic. Hopefully the next flare up won't occur until fall-winter after the growing season. Knock on wood.
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The manufacturer's instructions for Aleve state that up to 3 tabs can be taken a day. Although the instructions are to take one tab every 8 hrs as needed, they suggest an option of taking two tabs to start with, and one tab 8-12 hrs later if needed.
I take Aleve as needed (only need it occasionally), for various joint pains from overactivity, chronic issues with bursitis in one shoulder, and for the knee pain I get sometimes ( history of torn meniscus). I've always found that taking two tabs at once, along with rest, ice (or Biofreeze/Cryoderm as I have these) do a great job of taking care of the pain, and most often I have not needed the third tablet.
But I am careful not to take Aleve on an empty stomach, as it causes me a great deal of pain if I do. I either take the Aleve after a meal, or I have a snack before I take it if I need it and it's between meals. Fortunately that has worked for me.