Causes, symptoms and experiences of users of Smrekovit products who have arthritis or knee pain
Osteoarthritis, or joint wear and tear, is a very common degenerative joint disease that can affect any joint in the body. It most often occurs in the joints that bear the greatest load, such as the knees, hips and spine , or in those that are most used in everyday activities, such as the joints of the hands and fingers. It can also lead to inflammation and pain in the affected joints, in which case it is referred to as osteoarthritis. People most frequently complain of knee paindue to osteoarthritis. In most countries, the terms osteoarthrosis and osteoarthritis are clearly distinguished, but in English-speaking countries there is some confusion, as the term osteoarthritis is often incorrectly used for osteoarthrosis even when inflammation is not present.
I use Smrekovit for worn joints as well as for colds and coughs. I massage the sore areas in the evening and morning and after a week it goes away nicely. However, as I am getting on in years, sometimes it likes to recur. I recommend it to anyone who has a pain somewhere.
Jože Kotnik, Mislinja
[22] handwritten feedback received on 9.12.2014, stored in the Smrekovit archive
I use Smrekovit for worn knee joints and spine, as a result of elite sport half a century ago. I lubricate these parts after training 3x a week, 2x a day. After three months of applying Smrekovit, the knee and joint pain has subsided so much that I can go back to the gym and practise yoga, so I am very satisfied. It has also helped me to heal a torn tendon in my leg and after inguinal hernia surgery.
Vojmir, Nova Gorica
[40] handwritten feedback received on 5.1.2015, stored in the Smrekovit archive
Signs of arthrosis
Arthrosis, or joint wear and tear, is often without symptoms, but when they do occur, they usually develop gradually and worsen over time. Signs that arthrosis may be present include:
Knee pain and joint tenderness and stiffness
The affected joints may be painful, especially when moving the limbs, and there may also be tenderness to touch the joint or the area around the joint. Knee pain usually worsens when walking, and arthritis in the knuckles of the fingers can cause pain when using the hands. The pain is usually worst in the evening when the joints are tired. Arthritis can make joints less mobile and stiff, especially in the morning or after prolonged inactivity.
Swelling
Soft swelling to the touch
is the body's natural response to inflammation. Over time, arthrosis can also cause inflammation of the soft tissues around the joint, especially the inner joint capsule, which produces more joint fluid. This is called osteoarthritis. As the inflammation is treated, the swelling goes down.
Hard lumps or nodules at the joint
Sometimes arthrosis results in bony growths or osteophytes near the joint, which can sometimes be seen as nodules or lumps in the joint area. Lumpy fingers are particularly common in older people.
Reduced mobility and a feeling of sticking in the joint
The swelling, as well as the bone growths that form in response to the arthrosis, can lead to reduced joint mobility and therefore reduced use of the limb. Sometimes there may be a cracking, creaking, rattling or a feeling that the joint is sticking when moving. This sensation may also be accompanied by knee pain.
After a fall I had severe knee painand swelling appeared. I started applying Smrekovit in a thick layer and kept it covered all day and night. I changed the compress daily, and after a week my condition improved greatly. The swelling and pain were much reduced, and my knee became more mobile. I also continue to apply it to my other knee, which is worn, to relieve pain. In addition, I had a hematoma on my finger joint from an injury. It was punctured twice at the clinic, but as it kept coming back, surgery was suggested. Instead, I tried Smrekovit. Every evening I applied a compress overnight. After a month it disappeared and has not returned.
Mitja, Slap ob Idrijci
[67] handwritten feedback received on 2.2.2016, stored in the Smrekovit archive
I had wear and tear in my knee joints. I applied Smrekovit once a day, without a compress. It started to improve immediately, but it didn't settle completely. When I put the ointment on, the pain in my knee disappears.
Milka, Mokronog
[134] handwritten feedback, received 23.12.2014, stored in the Smrekovit archive
Why do arthrosis and knee pain occur?
Arthrosis occurs when the articular cartilage, or part of it, becomes thinner and the surface roughens. This happens because of constant stress on the joints and is almost a normal phenomenon in old age.Certain aggravating factors such as gender, excess weight and genetic predisposition can accelerate it. In a healthy joint, the cartilage covering the bone surface is smooth and slippery, allowing the bones to move against each other with minimal friction. In arthrosis, however, this cartilage wears down, friction increasesand problems can develop over time. As the cartilage becomes worn and damaged, the body initiates repair processes in the joint. These can change the joint’s structure and often enable it to function normally again without pain. As we get older, most of us will sooner or later have arthritis in our joints, but we won't even be aware of it because of these mechanisms in the body. In fact, arthritis is present in more than 10% of people under 40 years of age, in more than 40% of people over 40 years of age and in 60% people over 65 years of age and only less than half people with arthrosis also have knee pain.
However, these repair processes do not always run smoothly and changes in the joint can sometimes cause inflammation, knee pain, swelling and difficulty moving. This can happen because of the following processes:
- Formation of bony processes: bone growths or osteophytes can form on the periphery of the joint in an attempt to repair the damage caused by arthrosis, which can sometimes reduce the joint's mobility or rub against the surrounding tissue. In the knuckles of the hands, this manifests as visible lumpy swellings.
- Inflammation of the inner joint capsule causes knee pain and increased production of joint fluid, resulting in swelling, pain and reduced joint mobility
- Ligaments and muscles: The muscles surrounding the joint are stretched
Smrekovit is a very effective medicine. Some time ago I had strong knee pain, elbow and cervical vertebrae. After 10 days of using Smrekovit, these pains disappeared. I apply Smrekovit twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Even though the pain has disappeared, I still apply the ointment regularly. I have also cured the itching in my ear, which had been bothering me for a long time, and the burn on my hand has completely healed. In a word: Smrekovit is miraculous.
Konrad, Podgorci
[137] handwritten feedback received on 4.1.2018, stored in the Smrekovit archive
I started using Smrekovit because I had knee pain. Although the X-ray did not show a severe deformity, I have been limping badly since August. Physiotherapy and topical analgesic treatment followed. After talking to a relative, I switched to Smrekovit, which I am still using now, and my condition has improved considerably. I am lubricating my knee twice a day and I intend to continue to do so, because I am very satisfied with the condition of my knee.
The user wished to remain anonymous
[138] handwritten feedback, received 26.4.2018, stored in the Smrekovit archive
How does arthrosis work?
Arthrosis needs several years to develop and often does not cause any problems. It is a good idea to recognise arthritis in its early stages and take knee pain seriously, as preventing inflammation can prevent further damage that inflammation can cause.
First stage
Early arthrosis
Small lesions form in the joint area bone growths or osteophytes. This is the body's response to the initial wear and tear on the cartilage and an attempt to protect the joint in a different way. Often successfully. At this stage, there is still no significant narrowing of the joint crevice. Only about 10% of the cartilage is worn. Knee pain and other signs are not yet present.
Second stage
Mild arthrosis
At this stage, the individual may notice the first signs of joint stiffness, knee pain and sensitivity to touch, especially when getting up after sitting for a long time. At this stage, joint fluid is still present, so it is still the bones do not rub against each other and the joint crevice is only slightly narrowed.
Third stage
Moderate arthrosis
Cartilage damage progresses, articular the gap narrows and the cartilage layer thins even further. Knee pain and discomfort can be present when running, walking, kneeling or bending the joint. The legs respond by thickening and osteophyte formation - bone growths. The surrounding tissue, especially the inner joint capsule is inflamed and produces more joint fluid, so the joint swells. People refer to this in layman's terms as "water in the knee", but it is actually osteoarthritis.
Fourth stage
Severe arthrosis
This is the most advanced stage of arthrosis. The joint space is very small , with more than 60% of the cartilage worn away and continuing to deteriorate. The signs are highly visible and manifest themselves as constant inflammation, knee pain and stiffness. There is less joint fluid, friction is higher and there is considerable discomfort during movement.
I was advised to use your products by a former colleague of mine for knee pain due to arthritis, sciatica and pain in the cervical spine. I have been using the products for half a year and it has improved a lot. I have tried every possible device before.
In January this year, I had a really bad fall on the road. I hit the right side of my body really hard, especially my arm, which was really swollen (hand and wrist). The next day everything was fine. I immediately started applying Smrekovit. I cannot describe how much my condition improved. My loved ones could hardly believe it. My arm is almost fine. I'm still lubricating, the results are excellent, thank you, thank you!
Fani, Sava
[1] handwritten feedback received on an unknown date, kept in the Smrekovit archive
Let me briefly describe my problems, which I alleviate with Smrekovit products. I have arthritis in the small joints of the hands and knee pain and hip due to arthrosis. I know that no medicine can cure this, but I relieve my pain with your Smrekovit products, which help me a lot.
Nada, Ajdovscina
[5] handwritten feedback received on 9.1.2016, stored in the Smrekovit archive
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Smrekovit Klasik spruce resin ointment
Price range: 6,00 € through 35,00 € -
Smrekovit 365 Ekstra – spruce cream with a cooling effect
14,00 € -
Smrekovit 365 Alter - cream with boswellia resin
Price range: 12,00 € through 14,00 € -
Smrekovit compress
3,00 € -
Smrekovit 365 spruce resin cream
14,00 €
What contributes to arthrosis and knee pain?
Certain factors increase the chance of developing arthritis during our lifetime. Some of these are beyond our control, while others, such as overexertion, overweight and posture, are.
FAMILY PREDISPOSITION
If you have relatives who have arthritis, then you are more likely to have one too. So far, we have not been able to find the gene responsible for arthrosis, but twin studies have shown that as much as 50% affected genetic predisposition contributes to the development of arthritis.
PREVIOUS INJURIES
People who have had an injury to the joint and previous knee pain are more at risk of later developing arthritis.
STAROST
Arthrosis is directly linked to joint wear and tear, so it's understandable that it's much more common in older people. More than 60% people over 65 have arthritis in at least one joint, but not necessarily knee pain.
SPOL
Arthrosis can affect both women and men, of course, but it's common up to 45. Years more common in men, but later in women.
OVERWEIGHT
caused by increased load on the joints, which greatly increases the risk of arthrosis, especially in the knee, hip and spine, but overweight people also have a higher risk of arthrosis in other joints, although this is not related to increased weight bearing.
INCREASED LOAD
Jobs where the stress on the joints is higher can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, especially jobs involving kneeling and lifting loads. They are also more susceptible to the disease top athletes.
INCORRECT POSTURE
Incorrect posture Posture while standing or sitting can increase the stress on the joints and thus the chance of developing arthritis over the years
ARTRITIS
Pre-existing arthritis of a different origin increases the chance of arthrosis. These are:
- Gout or pemphigus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Septic arthritis
With Smrekovit I cured my cold feet, calcium in my shoulder, knee, hip, spine paina lump in my throat that has plagued me for years. I use it for all sorts of problems, such as toothache, inflammation, wounds, headache, neck pain, in short, there is no problem I would not use it for. I use it morning and evening, and in the afternoon if necessary. In the first three days the pain usually increases, then it starts to subside.
Martin Cebek, Selnica ob Dravi
[26] handwritten feedback received on 4.2.2015, stored in the Smrekovit archive
I have been ordering your products for a few years now and I have to admit that I have solved quite a few problems.
Five years ago, I felt knee painfollowed by swelling so bad I could barely walk up the stairs. I went to the doctor and the specialist and wondered what was going to happen to my knee. Then I took Smrekovit in my hands and started the therapy. I applied 2-3 times a day, put a wrap on my knee and bandaged it with a bandage. After three to four days I felt a prickling in my knee, then after five days tiny dots and then small pins and needles. I stopped the rubbing and the scabs disappeared, as did swelling and pain in the knee. Five years later, the pain has not recurred.Angelca, Črnomelj
[110] handwritten feedback received on 9.6.2017, stored in the Smrekovit archive
I used spruce because I had swelling and pain in the knee. I put it on every morning and every evening. My knee is healed. I also used it for lower back painwhere it was equally effective. I also have anthill fingers on my right hand, which I am still putting on. I have also recommended it to friends with problems and they have all been happy. I have now bought some for my daughter who has a knee injury.
Helena, Stara Cerkev
[88] handwritten feedback received on an unknown date, kept in the Smrekovit archive
I use Smrekovit for knee pain. I kept it on for a week and it was already improving, so I kept it on for another fortnight. For my stomach, I took medication to inhibit the secretion of stomach acid. I stopped the medication and started taking Smrekovit twice a day, which I was also using for similar problems. I ordered it immediately and applied it daily for 14 days. The pain subsided and since then I have always had your products on hand for other problems.
Slavka Godeša, Rakek
[83] handwritten feedback received on 2.11.2015, stored in the Smrekovit archive
Frequently asked questions
What is arthrosis?
Osteoarthritis arthrosis is caused by the articular cartilage thinning and the surface becoming rough due to constant and prolonged stress. In old age, arthrosis is very common. The cartilage covering the surface of the bones of a healthy joint is smooth and slippery, allowing the bones in the joint to move smoothly and with minimum friction against each other. When this cartilage is worn down, however, inflammatory processes take place in the joint, which try to repair the damage and, in turn, cause pain.
What helps if I have arthrosis and joint pain?
We recommend using Smrekovit 365 Smrekovit 365 in combination with the Smrekovit compress. Apply the cream to the compress and place it on the affected area with the coated side against the skin. Noticeable results usually appear within 7 to 14 days.
Why do you recommend the Smrekovit compress?
First of all, we do not recommend using the Smrekovit compress together with Smrekovit Extra products. However, we strongly recommend using it with Smrekovit 365 spruce cream and Smrekovit Klasik spruce ointment. The price of the compress is deliberately low, as it is intended only as a support for Smrekovit products. The compress significantly enhances their effect because it acts as a reservoir for the cream or ointment, allowing the active ingredients from the spruce resin to be absorbed continuously into the tissue as much as it can take in. On areas where the compress can be easily secured and stays in place, we recommend keeping it on at all times and reapplying once a day by spreading more cream on it. On more mobile joints, where the compress tends to crease and move, use it at least overnight and apply cream several times during the day.
Example of using a Smrekovit compress overnight on the fingers:
https://youtu.be/fYnhDs7Ij6s?si=B84pv-Uu1C3_y7NS
Why do you advise against ice or other cooling methods?
First, let’s ask what effect ice has. By cooling, we slow down the physiological process caused by tissue injury or inflammation. At the site of inflammation or injury, the permeability of the vascular walls is increased in order to allow inflammatory cells to reach the site of inflammation (leukocytes and lymphocytes) and inflammatory proteins to the site of inflammation. The purpose of this process is to confront the defence mechanism with the inflammation so that the body can eliminate it itself. The visible consequence of this process is swelling, which is a perfectly normal phenomenon, because every cell and protein that passes to the site of inflammation is surrounded by a layer of water and, as the inflammatory proteins and cells pass to the site of inflammation, water passes with them.
Cooling causes the permeability of the vascular walls to decrease again, so the swelling is reduced, but the healing time is also significantly prolonged as a result.
Spruce resin has the opposite effect — it stimulates the body’s natural defence mechanisms and significantly shortens healing time. Clearly, cooling and the use of spruce resin products are two opposing approaches.