Arthritis in Spine and Knees

heather1

Hi

I am new to the forum but not to arthritic pain.

I have arthritis in my lower spine as well as other baqck problems and arthritis in both knees.

I feel best when i am walking but when it comes to any sort of bending to sit down or to stand up it's agony and even bending my legs when i am in bed.

Work is getting harder and more painful by the day.
I am looking to ask if anyone can suggest any knee supports for when i am working?
I have tried the Tubigrips but they roll down.

Thanks for reading

elnafinn

Hi Heather

Welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear you are in pain at the mo and things are not too good for you. I totally agree with you those tubigrips are awful!!

Nick (nickynysmon08) is the person who needs to answer your question. He has recently bought knee braces and swears by them! He also uses a walking pole and rates them as others do here. In the meantime you could read some of his threads.

I am not sure if Nick is a he or she - sorry, you lovely, helpful person :oops: :oops: :oops:

Look after yourself,
Elna x

woodbon

Hello welcome to the site. I'm glad you've found us, as I've certainly found the site a good sorce of information and support.

It sounds as if you are in a lot of pain, and that alone makes you tired and less able to cope. Have you had any help from the occupational threpist or physio? They may be able to help you. Also, have you spoken about how you feel to your GP, they might help with pain relief etc. I have just got a walking stick, so I am getting used to it, but it does give more security when out in busy places. I use a hiking pole or sometimes 2 when we walk on muddy or unmadeup ground. Thats fine as it really helps. I have used them for ages - before real arthritis, on visits to the lake district.

Sorry, I don't feel I've been very helpful, but others on this site will have some better ideas. Best wishe Sue

elnafinn

Hi Heather

Are you on any painkillers/anti inflammatories for your arthritis and back problems?

I am sorry to see that you are also having problems at work. It is not the best job for you is it, with standing, bending, stooping all the time. I can well understand that you are in great discomfort by the end of the day. Is it a sympathetic chain that you work for - I believe some are more caring than others towards their staff.

Do you think that some physio sessions/pain clinic may be of help? Your gp can refer you.

Chin up,

Luv
Elna

eckstardeluxe

Hi Heather, welcome to the Forum.

I have OA of my spine also. I too have difficulty with mobility and sitting and also terrible stiffness in the mornings. I take Tramadol and diclofenac which are both very good for the OA pain. I find sitting on the floor in the lotus position is best when I am feeling sore. Soft chairs are worst, a good hard chair is good, especially a high back kitchen chair. Heat seems to work best with me, a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can help when it's bad.

The most important thing is to listen to your body. If you are in pain, rest or sit down or do what makes the pain go away. Don't put up with it. Ask to be assessed at work so you can be as comfy as possible. I had pain, severely for many years and did all sorts of crazy stuff before knowing I had arthritis, i was in pain doing those things but just assumed it was from the illness that caused my OA. I should have taken it as a warning sign something was wrong. Make sure you have a good GP and explain your difficulties to them. They will get you on proper meds and help you with any alternatives also.

You will find this forum a great help, I don't know what I'd do without it now. Take Care

Eck

vonski

Hi Heather

Welcome from me too. I use magnetic knee supports and I also have the sports ones too. They offer quite a bit of support. I know there are a lot on offer try looking at Betterlife Healthcare for some ideas

Hope to see you posting on here a lot

Love
Vonski x

joanlawson

Hi Heather

Welcome to the site, and I am sure you will get a lot of help and support here,as I have done.

Sorry to hear you are having such a lot of pain, and difficulties in doing your job. You don't mention what help you have had so far. Has your GP referred you to a consultant? Also, I wonder whether you have any medication for your pain?

I have OA in my knees,and one ankle, and at the moment I am trying to decide whether to go ahead with a knee replacement. I had key-hole surgery last Dec. and that has reduced my pain to a certain extent,but a replacement is probably the only long-term solution.

I asked my doctor about knee supports because I have wasted money on different types which were no good for me. He referred me to the occupational therapy dept. at the hospital for advice. They were very helpful, and tried two different ones on me, one a bit more supportive ( but more bulky) than the other. Both were good in different ways, so they gave me both, but I was told not to wear them all the time because the muscles would get dependent and weaken in time.I wear them when I feel the need for more support, but they are very good, and cost me nothing. They both fasten with velcro straps, so don't move when I walk.

Other help I have had is physio and acupuncture, as well as cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory drugs.

I hope you will get some help to ease your pain.

Joan

lindalegs

Hi Heather,

Just wanted to say hello and welcome to posting - I can't add anything useful to what the others have already said - so for once I shall keep quiet.

Luv Legs

heather1

Thanks to everyone for their input.

I have been mostly concentrating on my severe back pain till recently where i realised about standing up and sitting down with my back straight putting more pressure on my knees.

I have had 9 months of physio over the last 4 years and my last appointment was in Feb 2009 where he couldn't do anymore for me as it was extremely painful for my back to be manipulated.
I see my doc on a regular basis and am on a daily dose of 3600 Gabapentin,8 co-codamol,4 tramadol,3 diclofenic and Diazepan when needed even these aren't doing much for me.
I have tried the stronger opiate based meds but they don't touch my pain!

Over the 4 years since it started i have had epidural and Facet joint injections,accupunture,spinal exercise classes.etc. the list is enless!