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sarajane1965

Hello, ive recently been told i have OA in my knees,after going to see my doctor for my knee pain which ive found has got worse. Ive been told to use ibuprofen max strngth gel and painkillers.

Im due to go on hoilday on friday,where we used to do quite a bit of walking im worried that the pain is going to be worse and that the hoilday is going to be ruined for my husband and son.im taking a walking stick with me for extra support

noddingtonpete

Hello @sarajane1965 and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I understand that you have OA in both your knees and worried that walking on holiday is going to make the pain worse. Have you spoken to your husband and son about this? If you explain that you may not be able to do as much hopefully they will understand and maybe you could do shorter walks with them and let them go off on longer ones together? Just a thought. What you need to do is listen to your body and if the pain does start to increase then have a rest.

I've put a couple of links in below from our website which might be of help.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/february/top-tips-for-walking-with-arthritis/

and

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

Please keep posting and let us know how you get on and I am sure others will share their support and experience as well.

With very best wishes

Peter (moderator)

Trish9556

Hi @sarajane1965

A walking stick is probably a good idea for self confidence. Make sure you hold it in the hand opposite to your worst knee. Take it steady and only do as much as you feel comfortable with. You'll know when you body starts to say no and that's the time to turn around, or, sit and admire the view for a rest. Use the gel before you go out and take some painkillers with you just in case.

I hope you have a good holiday,

Trish xx

jonr

Welcome @sarajane1965

Good info from Peter and Trish already and I can recommend you read up on managing your condition on the website. There is lots of info about managing your condition through diet, exercise and prescribed/non prescribed meds. Another altrrnative to a walking stick is walking poles. Apart from helping with even weight distribution, they won't sink and you'll look like a pro hiker! If you find your knees are giving way or wobbly, I can recommend elasticated knee supports sold in boots, etc. If you're self-catering maybe pack a wheat bag and ice pack to use if you overdo it and your knees swell and get hot and itchy. Wrapped in a tea towel, the ice pack provides almost instant relief. Ibuprofen is a good anti-inflammatory but your GP can prescribe far stronger.

Hope you have a fab holiday!

Jon

Dasha_Karu

hi @Sarajane1965 . I have just been told 2 weeks ago that I have arthritis in my Knees by Dr's . Yesterday I went to a first session of physio after waiting for 6 months. The lady said the same thing. I was a Care Assistant for over 20 years I started young at 16 years old for work experience & that is what has caused it. So I can relate to your not be able to walk long distances. Tell your husband how you feel and that you can walk short distances but not to long. Hope you can have a great holiday. Regards Dasha.