Would heat help?

Mommabear
Mommabear Member Posts: 11
edited 16. Oct 2024, 12:39 in Living with arthritis

Hi, I’m wondering if a heat pad or similar would help me. I’ve got arthritis in the same hip and knee.

I’m doing as much walking as I can, swimming once or twice a week and am trying my best to stay active. I ache a lot though, my hip aches more as the day goes on, plus I’m getting backache and my other hip- my good hip aches a lot too. I guess the aching is because I’m moving and walking differently due to the athritis?

I’m on the NHS list for a new hip, but no idea when☹️

I’ve seen heat pads on amazon and wonder if anyone had used them? I know there are gels etc too are they any good?

Comments

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 706

    Hi @Mommabear

    I sympathise with you and well done for continuing with your routine. FYI was told no breast stroke legs. Arms yes, legs use front or back crawl action.

    I used a combination of my tens machine and heat/cold compresses. I did use anti inflammatory gels as I can't take the pills due to asthma/bronchiecstasus/tummy issues, until my pharmacist told me no Mrs B, no creams or gels with anti inflammatory benefits as the absorption of these can be as bad as taking the pills when used as much as I was.

    You do walk differently when your hip goes so make sure you use any stick on the opposite hand of your affected leg and try to keep your posture.

    Good luck and hope you get your servery soon.

    Trish xx

  • Ponee
    Ponee Member Posts: 14

    I have the same problem, my rheumatologist advised that because my arthritis is well controlled that my aches and pains are due to mechanical exacerbation of scar tissue in the joints. Basically the more strenuous the exercise the worse the ache. Walking seems to cause achiness for me but I've found cycling doesn't! Because my weight is supported by the bike it lets me exercise without putting uneeded stress on my joint. Very similar with swimming the water takes the weight off your joints.

    Maybe try swapping out walking and see if it helps?