Stiffness all over

Trish22

Hi everyone!

Following sudden onset of knee OA about two years ago, I have worked very hard to get on top of things. I had some physiotherapy early on and then did the Nuffield Joint Pain Management course which I highly recommend to anyone living near one of their gyms. I’ve been taking glucosamine supplements, vitamin D and a few months ago I tried acupuncture which I find really beneficial. I use hot and cold pads but now rarely need to take pain killers which I was doing every day at one time. I feel that I am on top of the pain but I’m still badly affected by extreme stiffness.

I’ve reluctantly come to the conclusion that exercise make the stiffness worse. I’ve experimented with how much exercise I can do, tried pacing myself, making sure I don’t get over-tired etc as per the advice I’ve had from the physio and rehab trainer. Normally, I use an exercise bike most days and follow the Versus Arthritis videos twice a week, as well as walking to the park or woods near me at least twice a week when I look after my grandchildren. When I write that down, it seems a lot, but I do it all very gently (gingerly?!) so I don’t think I’m overdoing things.

I’m grateful that the pain is now manageable and largely under control but I find the constant stiffness very disappointing and debilitating. It’s affecting my posture, my balance, the way I walk and my overall mobility. Does anyone else have this problem and what advice can you give me to be able to manage it better?

Thanks in anticipation of hearing about all your experiences and solutions.

Best wishes,

Trish

susy123

Hi trish sorry to hear about your stiffness. I go to the gym and they have a jacuzzi. This helps me and my knee feels great when I get out. It doesnt last for long but if you do it regular it may help. I have been taking ibruphen tablets and noticed my swelling as gone down. I'm going to the gym this morning. Take care.

Susy123

Trish22

Thanks- yes a warm bath or shower helps so I’m sure a Jacuzzi would help. But you’re right the effect doesn’t last long😕

Baloo

@Trish22 if you are off painkillers you won a useful battle. However you might have noticed the stiffness just comes and goes. I find its like sleep cycles it just happens whenever the system decides its time for stiffness.

However, I do find resting up at the weekend to be very useful.

Particularly if I am feeling whacked I will lie down, and no matter what I do, I am gone for an hour or so asleep, then I get up and carry on. After a weekend of sleep therapy, the Monday is usually less stiff and more easily mobile.

Trish22

The stiffness is there pretty much all the time. I like your idea of sleep therapy - it’s taking the need for rest and recuperation seriously.