Walking distances ?

Doug15

Hi I have servere OA in my left knee which due to other health problems my consultant will not give me a new knee I have reduced lung capacity caused by Covid which gives me about 70% lung functionality ( i was in a coma for 5 weeks) I am 69 and have started using Bee Venom on my knee which in my case does help, other medication wise for the knee i only take one paracetamol morning and night My question is how far do people walk in a day ? i am currently doing 6000 steps (about 4 Km) but the question is, is that to many i cant seem to find any figures or recommendations

Trish9556

Hi @Doug15

Have you been given an active course of breathing to keep your lungs clear? I was diagnosed with Bronchiecstasis in 2022 and referred to Physo, She gave me a sheet of exercises to do to clear congestion in my lungs which I undertake at least weekly and more if I start with a cold. I'm not sure if it would help you with your lung capacity or not but maybe worth a try - particularly if you cough a lot with a productive cough.

This pdf is from the NHS in North Devon which may help you as it looks similar to what I do.

gl-05acbt-1.pdf (royaldevon.nhs.uk)

I had my total hip replacement in May with an Epidural and was told I would have to have these in future because of my Brnchiecstasis.

As far as walking is concerned, I would say walk as far as you can without causing pain - always remember you have to walk back if you're out for a walk.

I think the 10,000 steps thingi puts far too much pressure on people with Arthritis in their lower limbs and my surgeon said it's better to do shorter walks comfortably rather than long walks where you struggle

Good Luck

Trish xx

Doug15

Hi Trish thanks for that, I am seeing my Lung Consultant in a couple of weeks and will have a chat about the walking, i dont get many issues with congestion i did have a chest infection in the spring which needed 3 lots of antibiotics to clear up When i came out of the coma i was on a trachiotomy so had to learn to breath properly after that was removed and was taught the balloon blowing method and the Huff method which i still use As for OA the bee venom is the latest in my trials on alternative meds i was using turmeric oils which did help but not as good as the bee venom

Doug x x

Baloo

@Doug15 I was a 10k steps a day man until I caught arthritis. Then I would arrive home limping, shuffling and in serious pains. I worked out on local trips with cushioned shoes I could walk 6k steps before the pain comes back by the time I get home.

I agree with @Trish9556 if the walking is spread out over the day its less of a problem than it is all in one trip.

Its a long story but I now average 3k-4k a day and somehow become pain free enough to come off pain killers and strong enough from exercise to climb stairs. Sometimes if its a busy day I reach 6k and my watch congratulations goes off to warn me I reached the limit.

For local trips now I go on the bicycle, which is another story of how I got rid of enough stiffness to get back on the bicycle.

jamieA

Hi @Doug15

I'm currently on the long waiting list for a left knee replacement. I'd had a football injury in my early 30's requiring the meniscus to be removed. When my psoriatic arthritis struck in 2020 my left knee was the first joint to become swollen and by early 2022 I was told the damage done meant I'd need a replacement. I walk with a limp but I'm still managing an average 10k steps a day walking my dog over 2-3 walks. I've been trying to contact the orthopaedics consultant I saw in December 2023 who put me on the waiting list as I'm aware of the muscle wastage of my left leg due to favouring it. I've lost about 1.5cms from my thigh and 1cm from my calf circumference. Unfortunately he hasn't replied to me. I'm trying to find out whether a knee brace would help. I've read a number of medical articles suggesting a proper knee brace could help in the deferment of surgery or even negating the need for it. My rheumatology clinic has referred me to physio for issues I'm having with my right arm and I'm seeing the physio for the first time next week. I intend to ask if a brace for my knee would be an option for me. There a myriad of braces on the market for different issues with prices ranging from £40 - £2000 so I'd rather get medical advice than just plumping for one.

I'd agree with @Trish9556 if your walking distance is causing pain I'd reduce it to a manageable distance.

Doug15

Hi i have looked at the knee braces that "seem" to offer cures and the prices that vary so much ! i do tend to manage my walks based on gradient and time to return home if it plays up for example yesterday my car went into the garage and the walk back took 40 min and 3000 steps but going to pick it up only took 30 min !(down hill) due to my lung problems i tend to stop to get my breath back which helps with pain management I use a stick but some days i wont use it and actually feel better with out it

Trish9556

HI @Doug15

When using a stick, make sure you are using it in the hand opposite your affected leg, not on the same side.

Trish