JOINT PAIN!!!!

I am experiencing alot of joint pain. Mostly in my knees, ankles and my feet are killing me! I have been taking Tylenol and using muscle creams like Icy Hot but nothing seems to be working. I do have arthritis and before surgery I used anti-inflamatories but the Dr took me off of them back in November. I have done really well until this past 2 weeks. Has anyone else had this problem?? I don't know if I should bother my Dr. with this or not.

Hi Donna. My original reply attempt never made it to the forum for some reason... Something to consider: NutraSweet (aspartame) is known to cause joint pain as well as neurological problems. I used to drink lots of diet beverages with NutraSweet and got to the point where I had so much hip and knee pain I could barely walk. Less than 3 weeks after giving up NutraSweet, the pain was gone. You would probably notice improvement in your pain level after 5-6 days if NutraSweet is the cause. The chewable vitamins and calcium usually contain NutraSweet, so you may be getting it from unexpected sources. It's an easy experiment to try if you think that you consume the stuff in any significant quantity. Mike

Wow! Great info mike! I had no idea that nutrasweet could cause pain. I have used artificial sweetners for years in my coffee. Now after surgery, I can't tolerate sugar so I have used it not only in coffee but on cereal, etc. What about crystal lite? I drink that sometimes too??? I will cut back and see if it helps. Thanks again donna

I don't know about Crystal Lite, but I would not be surprised at all if they use it. Look closely at the label, and watch for the word 'aspartame' as well which is another trade name for the stuff. Good luck with test.

I had no clue either. I am having my surgery April Fools day.

Good luck Dawn. wishing you an event-free surgery and a speedy recovery! Mike

I was having the same problem and talked to my doctor about it and he said I could have a vitamin deficiency. Have you had your lab work, I was low in calcium and vit D which was the cause. So I had to double up on my Calcium with Vit D.