Daisy, the 2 cheapest things I do for arthritis pain is to use a hot water bottle https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXVZZP3/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1 and something called a Heat Blanket (but it’s the size of a throw), which is non-electric, it is a space blanket on one side and fake fleece on the other. I sandwich it between my top sheet and the blankets. Other people sandwich it between the mattress and bottom sheet. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001K2HSGG/ref=dp_prsubs_2 I am not achy and stiff when I wake up. Be warned, reviewers say that cats and dogs absolutely love the Heat Blanket. Of course you could use a heating pad and electric blanket.
I don’t use creams much, so dang messy.
I have evolved quite a regimen of anti-inflammatory supplements to control arthritis pain. It includes fish oil, krill oil, astaxanthin, curcumin, and MCT oil. Sometimes I add probiotics and aged garlic. It is a sadly expensive routine. I probably pay $2000 a year in supplements. But my regimen keeps me pretty much pain-free. I buy all my supplement from Life Extension and Dr. Mercola. I don’t trust the drug store supplements.
Just using the kitchen curry from your spice rack will not help much. What you need is the active ingredient, which is curcumin. Also, curcumin is normally not well absorbed by the body, so look for a brand that says it is more absorbable or more bio-available.
I am sure other people are right when they say that cutting sugar will decrease the pain. I have been trying to eat low carb, but it is such a difficult diet to maintain. No bread, oatmeal, rice, potatoes, all those staples that stretch meals.
However, for the past two weeks, I fasted every other day, and it really did help quickly clear up a sudden severe arthritis attack. Not that I like fasting, but I sure liked the pain relief.
Honestly, moving to a hot climate might be a good idea, if your aches and pains are related to cold weather. Your idea of moving to Panama on day might be good for your aches and pains. I too consider moving to someplace warmer (and cheaper).