When exercise hurts

ElleKay

I'm relatively young (45) with advanced osteoarthritis in my left and hip. My doctors keep urging me to exercise, but walking for five minutes hurts my hip. Biking causes pain and swelling in my knee. I know I should be doing something, but I'm honestly afraid to try anything else. I don't know how to swim - that's usually the first recommendation from my doctors. A daily regimen of 200mg Celebrex did nothing to help the pain. I feel like I'm too young to be so old!

Anyone else in my situation? What do you do?

frogmorton

Hello Ellekay

And welcome to teh forum from me

I am sorry your OA is so advanced, but promise you you are not alone here in being pretty 'young' :sad:

As for the swimming....luckily for me l can swim because it's pretty well all l do now. A lot of people at the pool l go to 'walk' through the water in teh shallow end from side to side. Do you think you could manage that? It's still low impact exercise so no 'pounding' on those joints.

Suggest though that you do talk to the staff before you go you are technically a non-swimmer.

Will give it some more thought

Love

Toni xx

elnafinn

Hello Ellekay

Welcome to AC. I am sorry to read your story. You have said cycling causes you pain etc. Have you tried an exercise bike as you can change the resistance of the pedals. Perhaps this is what you tried.

Could you devise a stretching exercise routine and do that every day? Perhaps a physio could give you exercises best suited to you at this time. The gp can refer you but there may well be a long waiting list.

If you are taking the celebrex every day and have been for some time, then perhaps the gp could prescribe something else for you. Worth asking.

I do hope you find a way to exercise which is not too painful for you.

Elna x

julie47

Hi Ellekay

Welcome to the forum
I was going to suggest aqua aerobics (but only what you can an slowly) seen as though you are a non swimmer. Or perhaps you could ask your gp to refer you to the hospital pool, they would understand your capabilities there.

Hope you find something soon
Take care
Juliepf x

kellerman

Hi,
I am relatively new myself.
I would sugest you go to the baths with some one who can swim.
I am 63 and I couldn't swim until I was in my mid fifties.I now find it the most relaxing exercise and the only one I can do without severe pain.
I think you should be able to get lessons on a one to one basis explaining your OA.
I hope something can be done for you to ease the pain.
Keep posting on this board there are some great people here and believe me it helps to talk.
May

stickywicket

You've got some good suggestions there, ElleKay.

The thing about exercise is that it helps the muscles stay strong and strong muscles support the joints so that they don't hurt as much.

Could ask your GP refer you to a physiotherapist who would give you some exercises to do?

AC publish a booklet on exercise which you can access by clicking on the 'Publications and Resources' button, top right of the page.

elainebadknee

Hi Ellie

Well look im 43 have osteochondritis dissescans in left knee, need a new one......I have been told if i lose some weight I can discuss the TKR...
Now then like you exercise hurt, walking short distances....I still cant walk very far or long...I do however attend a gym with a one-to-one istructor who at first put me on mainly arm exercises, there is lots of equipment if its a good gym and can cater for your needs...Re the swimming, hydrotherapy is the answer...I go twice a week and most of my swimming buddies dont swim, they get exercises to do in the water which is kept at over 90 degrees....You get equipment to wear such as neck collar of arm bands if you cant swim but like I said most just do exercise as the warm water helps so much.....I have now found that my leg is stronger, i now do some cardio at the gym as well, which I never thought id be able to do...I do aqua exercises at hydro too and they are fun but hard work too but its a good environment so it doesnt feel so hard if you get what I mean....
I tell you if I can do what ive done and lost over 1.5 stones, you can find something which will strengthen some muscles and make you feel just a wee bit better....Why dont you ask about hydro in your area???

Good luck

Elainex

ElleKay wrote:

I'm relatively young (45) with advanced osteoarthritis in my left and hip. My doctors keep urging me to exercise, but walking for five minutes hurts my hip. Biking causes pain and swelling in my knee. I know I should be doing something, but I'm honestly afraid to try anything else. I don't know how to swim - that's usually the first recommendation from my doctors. A daily regimen of 200mg Celebrex did nothing to help the pain. I feel like I'm too young to be so old!

Anyone else in my situation? What do you do?

ElleKay

You guys are awesome! I thought I'd be lucky to get one reply, but so many of you have responded with such good advice - I'm so glad I found this forum and all of you!

To be honest, I'd never really heard of a physiotherapist, but now I will look into it. I'll have to see if I can find a place near me with a pool that I can use for walking, and maybe getting some swim lessons.

I actually have an appointment with my orthopedist tomorrow, I'll ask him for some recommendations.

I can't tell you all how much I appreciate your advice. I was starting to think I was "the only one" because all the websites I was finding seemed to concentrate on RA treatment, often medications. This is the perfect place for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

elnafinn

Aw, ElleKay

So pleased if we have brigntened your day. We do like to try to help and support each other if we are able to do so and it is lovely to be thanked!

Do keep in touch,

Elna x

valval

hi our local pool is to cold for me even though i can swim it leads to spasams so make sure pool warm enough little and often build up if it causes pain you have done to much even doing house work can help get in garden if you can val

dreamdaisy

Exercise is important as it does help the muscles to support the joint but it is a matter of finding what suits you the best. Exercise doesn't mean gong on long hikes, swimming for half an hour, spending an hour in the gym - that's for those whose bodies work. Ours don't (well, not that well) and we have to find a different way. Doing a little and often is the key. I am trying to get back to doing a daily walk - it's not easy but has to be done. I am hoping to get at least one new knee in 30 months time, I need to be fitter for that. Consider taking some pain dullers an hour or so before you exercise and stop when you think you can do more. Even if you have only done five minutes they are five useful, valuable minutes. I wish you well. DD

scozzie

Hi ElleKay

Just reading about your troubles exercising and had a couple of thoughts - a lot of people who try cycling have their seats in too low a position ... a good rule of thumb is that your knee should be slightly bent at the bottom of the cycling action and you spinning rate (the speed your pedals are going around at) should be about 70 to 80 rpm, but defintely no lower than 60 rpm. I know that sounds fast, but it is actually less tiring on the legs - I used to do a lot of cycle touring. So if your trying to cycle on the road, use your gears - that's what they're there for.

Another idea would be to try the cross trainer - it sort of mimics the actions of a cross country skier ... you legs go around in a sort of cycling motion while you push and pull at the arm levers.

Good luck.
Scozzie

elainebadknee

Your doctor should be able to point you in direction of hydro if thats what you would like to try...My gp told me and I had to get a note from her, been going for years now...

Elainex

ElleKay wrote:

You guys are awesome! I thought I'd be lucky to get one reply, but so many of you have responded with such good advice - I'm so glad I found this forum and all of you!

To be honest, I'd never really heard of a physiotherapist, but now I will look into it. I'll have to see if I can find a place near me with a pool that I can use for walking, and maybe getting some swim lessons.

I actually have an appointment with my orthopedist tomorrow, I'll ask him for some recommendations.

I can't tell you all how much I appreciate your advice. I was starting to think I was "the only one" because all the websites I was finding seemed to concentrate on RA treatment, often medications. This is the perfect place for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

elainebadknee

I have only just got round to using bike and cross trainer in my gym....The bike I have to have my legs more laid back if you get what I mean, cant cycle at normal position but move the seat back helps me do the cycling at my own pace....Also with cross trainer, now that hurt like hell to begin with, it was cos my leg was still "stiff" and I find that if i go on treadmill first, warm up my muscles then the cross trainer gets easier, I cant use the one with arm movements too i just use the legs only one, its what i can manage...I still go very slowly but trainer says im doing good...

Elainex

scozzie wrote:

Hi ElleKay

Just reading about your troubles exercising and had a couple of thoughts - a lot of people who try cycling have their seats in too low a position ... a good rule of thumb is that your knee should be slightly bent at the bottom of the cycling action and you spinning rate (the speed your pedals are going around at) should be about 70 to 80 rpm, but defintely no lower than 60 rpm. I know that sounds fast, but it is actually less tiring on the legs - I used to do a lot of cycle touring. So if your trying to cycle on the road, use your gears - that's what they're there for.

Another idea would be to try the cross trainer - it sort of mimics the actions of a cross country skier ... you legs go around in a sort of cycling motion while you push and pull at the arm levers.

Good luck.
Scozzie

theresa4

HI

I use the swimming pool at my local sports centre but go to the disabled swim. The pool tends to be a little warmer for that and the staff are extra vigilant. It also means that noone cares if I struggle to swim a length or do 20 and noone looks as I struggle to get out ( except the lifeguard) I dont slow people down or feel self conscious and if my knees are bad I walk up and down in the pool for exercise and do squats in the water any movement is good in the pool.

I have a cross trainer at home but I cant use it as i makes everything flare oveernight so the following day I cant walk.

Good luck woith whatever suits you xx
Theresa x

dorcas

Hi Ellekay and welcome to the forum

Lots of great advice and experiences already given

For my lot... I have an exercise bike at home and use that each day to try to keep my muscles working.. I'm having the first of two knee replacements next month and I've been told that muscle health & strength is important.

The only advice I'd give is see a physio so that the exercises are planned around your particular needs and condition. You can be referred to physio by a GP .... and in my area they accept self- referrals, so it might be worth phoning them first to see what their referral procedure is.

Good luck with finding the best exercise regime for you.. :!:

Iris xxx

woodbon

Hi I have oa in my hips and when I started exercise my GP referred me to a medical trainer, who is on the NHS. A lot of GPs have access to a scheme like this. It did get my muscles strong again and I was, after about 3 months, able to walk with very little pain and do most things. I went back to work, as a care assisstant and 6 months or so later, more problems started. :sad:
I think should never have gone back to such a physical job, but I loved it.
Sorry, thats a depressing tale, I'm moaning on again! What I really want to say is, if exercise helps you, don't do what I did and think you can now do anything, AND give up the special exercises as I was too tired. Ajust your life as much as possible, with the help of occupational therapist and special staff based at the jobcentre. I hope you find what you need, definatley see an physio, they can help. Hope you soon feel less pain.Love Suexx

ElleKay

Thanks for the advice and the encouragement! I'm looking into some of the options available in my area. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

hileena111

Hi ElleKay
Welcome to the forum...sorry I'm just seeing this now
I think you've got all the advice from others.

Finlay...have you read the thread....she has consulted her doctor.

Good luck getting it sorted ElleKay

Love
Hileena

Mat48

Well not sure what I've got but let's just say suspect RA. I am lucky that I can walk the dog but just now am experiencing what I assume is first major flare and can't do that today as lead would be impossible with my hands and shoulder and knees are hellish. Also the weather has been rubbish all day. So what I normally do is this - I borrow my son's nintendo Wii and use the Wii fit. It is fabulous because it gives me my weight and target and BMI and then I use whatever exercises I feel I can manage - sometimes very few but the balance ones like ski-ing down a slope are good because all I have to do is lean one way or the other but I'm still panting after several goes so it must be doing something. If my knees and feet are up to it I do the step aerobics which are very easy and can stop if I need to. Yoga probably the gentlest but I just taylor it each day to where I'm hurting.

Also I've just taken up Tai Chi. It isn't really exercise as we think of exercise but it's very diverting. I've got my class tomorrow and not sure if I'll make it as I wouldn't be even able to drive there tonight but then tomorrow's another day and my friend will take me if I can't drive. I might have to have a chair nearby but as I'm the youngest in the class (at 48!) I won't look too silly if I tell them it's my joints hopefully. There's a chap who goes with advanced AS and he says he finds it wonderful. So if you can't face the pool (sure that would be good and I can swim but mine's too small and full of power swimmers and no shallow end steps just a ladder which wouldn't do me at all with shoulder, wrists and knees currently!) Good luck in limbering up your joints - I know it's important but can imagine how hard it must be with pain in those places. Mat

elainebadknee

I think we have a Rowntree's Random here.....Must be warm weather bringing em out of woodwork!!

Elainex

Finlay wrote:

Finlay wrote:

I understand your problem you should consult with a good doctor as soon as possible. He must give the best solution of your problem.

Thanks for comment

Edited by Moderator...Reference to Boot Camp taken out, contrary to forum rules

Moderator AM

Mat48

Was off planet in first flare when wrote that! Think I was trying to say I've found Tai Chi is good gentle exercise for arthritic conditions and I use a Nintendo Wii Fit to keep mobile as you do it in privacy of your front room at your own pace so less potential for humiliation. There are balancing exercises like ski-ing which just involve gentle pressure on on side of body to the other. Also yoga and you can choose the most basic simple ones. It also reads your BMI and weight and works out how much you need to lose. Sounds daft, and it's not cheap to buy (we got ours for a son's Xmas a few years back). I am using it every day and choose according to what my joints will permit. Just a thought if swimming proves a no no or if you happen to have one already that's all!

ElleKay

Hi all! Sorry I've been so long posting an update. Thanks for all the great advice. I did talk to my ortho - and got the same advice, exercise. I got a weight bench and I'm working on strengthening my upper body, but I developed rotator tendonitits so the going is slow. I still haven't found a pool membership I can afford, but I'll keep looking. I'm also slowing increasing my walking and trying to get in the habit of using my stationary bike a little every day.

I'm down 5 pounds so far, and I plan to keep moving forward. Thanks again for the great ideas and all the support!