Possible solutions for my aching knees?

Image courtesy of scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I‘ve always had troublesome knees. What started out as growing pains became a trip to the physiotherapist by the time I was a teenager. As it turned out my knee caps, or platela, were not properly aligned; the ligaments that were supposed to keep them straight were actually pulling them off to one side because one was much stronger than the other. Seriously uncomfortable exercises to strengthen the weaker side and daily palpetations of each platela to stimulate more of the fluid production that oils the ‘coggs’ of the knees – synovial fluid to be technical – did help.

Then I took up skiing. And motorbikes. And running. And having babies. And running again.

Yeah, that didn’t do my knees much good.

I’ve bought a fab new pair of running shoes and that’s helped a bit but even so popping the odd Nurofen when I get back from a five mile run has become second nature to me and that’s not ideal. Studies have shown that long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (they’re called NSIADs in the medical profession) can cause all manner of nastiness including corroding your digestive system. *Gulp*

A possible solution for aching knees?

So when Regenovex and Deep Relief contacted me to see if I’d like to try out their products and see the results on my knees for myself I was very interested. I agreed to forgo the Nurofen after runs and just use these products for 30 days to see if they could ease the aches. Here’s the technical info:

Regenovex
So what is it? Regenovex combines two ingredients from natural sources – marine Bionovex® Oil and Hyaluronic acid (HA). Marine Bionovex® Oil comes from Green Lipped Mussels found only in the waters between North and South islands of New Zealand and  helps encourage the body to produce its own anti-inflammatory agent, lipoxin. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is found naturally in the body in a wide range of tissues, including the joint cartilage and it’s also a major component of synovial fluid. It restores lubrication, provides cushioning, allows movement and helps to maintain the health of the joint. Regenovex comes in capsules and a gel that you rub onto joints up to three times a day. It’s suitable for adults of all ages and, so the packaging says, particularly those over 39 *ahem*, (although it shouldn’t be used by pregnant/breastfeeding women or by those allergic to molluscs or shellfish).

So basically lubrication and cushioning. Sounds like just what I need.

Deep Relief
This is a gel that you apply to your skin. It has two ingredients that have been clinically proven to help to fight pain – ibuprofen and levomenthol. The ibuprofen reduces pain by damping down inflammation and swelling while the levomenthol delivers cooling pain relief by diluting pain signals (basically our brains think it’s an ice pack) and helps the ibuprofen to penetrate the skin. It’s recommended for the relief of rheumatic pain and muscular aches, pains and swellings such as strains and sprains and sports injuries in adults and children over 12 years.

Did they work?

Ok, so you’ve read the blurb and how they work. But did they work for me?

Let’s talk about Regenovex first. I followed the instructions on the packet and took two capsules a day for the first ten days, then one tablet a day. I’ve now finished the packet and my knees haven’t been quite as sore after running. The aches haven’t disappeared miraculously but there is a little easing when I’m out pounding the road. Is this because of the Regenovex or because of my new running shoes or because I’m just getting stronger? I’m not sure, but I’m happy about it.

On the other hand I can honestly say that for this blogger Deep Relief works. Unlike other ibuprofen based gels I’ve tried a quick smear rubbed in well after a shower and after 15 minutes or so any aching is greatly reduced. It’s even helped the strange twinge I’ve been getting in the ligament that runs from my big toe down my foot – anyone know what it’s called? – I’m calling it Runner’s Toe. And because I’m applying it to my skin instead of popping a pill there’s no nasty side effects.

Would I buy them?

Although it’s available in the UK at most Boots stores so it’s easy to get hold of, at £23.99 for a pack of 30 capsules (£11.29 for the gel version) Regenovex is a bit expensive for me. However, if my knees get any worse I might have to consider adding it to my supplement list. Deep Relief on the other hand comes in two size packs – 50g (£5.95 RRP) and 100g (£10.89 RRP) and is something that I’d definitely keep in my first aid kit for aches and strains. It simply works for me.

What are your go-to solutions for aching knees?