New to Osteoarthritis

Jins

Hi everyone new to this forum but so glad I found it. 

I have recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both knees. 

Obviously feeling quite down about it but interested in learning how I can manage my symptoms and make some lifestyle changes, in mid 50’s, need to get to a healthy weight and strengthen muscles around the knee. Currently having physio but interested to know what others have done to improve their condition and manage the pain. 

noddingtonpete

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

Have a look through the following from our website which I hope will help.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

and

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/april/top-tips-to-help-knee-pain/

Please let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes

Peter

LizD71

I am in exactly the same place - 53 and Osteoarthritis in both knees - told on Tuesday there isn’t much they can do apart from knee replacements but they can’t do that because my BMI is too high and to be honest, I am petrified of surgery. Just feeling incredibly inadequate and low. Can see my life getting “smaller” and that is hard to accept. Sorry for moaning.

PJoanne

Hello @LizD71

Welcome to the forum, it's great to have you here with us, it is a safe space to post how you are feeling. There are things you can do to feel better.

Have a read through this page - there are loads of tips on how to get moving (which is proven to be helpful in terms of pain management and wellbeing) Exercising with arthritis | Top tips, specific exercises . I recently bought myself some resistance bands (£5) and have been doing the resistance band video's, I would recommend them.

This is a good place to start as well : Meditation and mindfulness and how it might help you and this is a good video to do as well : Introduction to Tai Chi with Daphne - Session 1. I've enjoyed doing a bit of movement in the evenings instead of watching the telly! Has helped me sleep better as well.

Have you been offered any support managing the BMI ? Can you ask your GP if they have services to refer you to?

All the best Joanne

Granny6

I have just recently been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and DISH disease. The arthritis is in my neck, shoulders and upper arms, and possibly my knees. Received some physio exercises and was given a number of booklets, which I have added to from Versus Arthritis. It is good to know that there is support out there should you need it.