Feeling down

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PaulaJ
PaulaJ Member Posts: 24
edited 1. Jul 2025, 06:29 in Living with arthritis

Hi, I am nearly 55 and I have osteoarthritis in both knees. I also have tennis elbow (unconnected but still painful). I am feeling really down at the moment and I am just not myself. I had two jobs and have just given up one job (which I really love) as it is too much for me. I am taking Flexiseq Max Strength which has really helped with the pain but I have stiffness of my legs at the moment and its getting me down.

I am taking a Pilates class tomorrow. Do you know if that will help? I know I will be slow and not able to keep up with everyone, but I was hoping it was a start.

Comments

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,439

    Hi @PaulaJ every bit helps as they say, but if you start to suffer then stop. Have you been to see any doctor or consultant as they could probably prescribe something that will help you. In the meantime try and keep you spirits up, have a look at the following, it might help

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

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • PaulaJ
    PaulaJ Member Posts: 24

    Thank you so much. Thank you for the link, I'll have a read.

  • iwannerbeme
    iwannerbeme Member Posts: 52

    Hi @PaulaJ ,

    I am sorry you are not feeling yourself right now. I dont know anything about you, so this may not be relevant but I found losing weight helped enoumously with the horrible pain in my hips. I have RA and bursitis in both hips. After going for a walk one day, I was in so much pain I had to physically lift my legs into the car. it was truly terrifying. I was about 2 stone overweight at the time, I wanted to lose weight anyway and managed to lose a stone and half. OMG! the difference, the last half stone was the best and I got full range of motion back. I hadnt thought about my weight tbh I put it down to old age before RA diagnosis. I found out for every pound you lose , you also lose 6 pounds of pressure from your hips and 4 off your knees. I did put half a stone back on (as you do lol) and sure enough I lost some range of motion and suffered some discomfort and stiffness. Im back at my chosen support group and I am going to lose that other half stone too. The pain is a good motivator for me. I dont want that back again ever. I found exercise to be helpful, strenghining muscles and joints has to be good for a start, the natural boost of dopamine and other "feel-good" chemicals like endorphins and serotonin helps low mood and pain management too of course. i have found a anti inflamatory diet helps too.

    Hope you find something that works, xx

  • Airwave!
    Airwave! Member Posts: 2,485

    arther is available in elbows as well, not as common as other joints but can be found.

  • Bryony
    Bryony Member Posts: 94

    Have you been seen by a physiotherapist? They can help advise on suitable exercises. I have to say my experience of NHS physiotherapy has been very mixed. Some just palmed me off with some leaflets of exercises, and that was that. Others have done a proper assessment and figured out a personalised program, that has been very beneficial If you experience poor NHS support then do consider a few private sessions, if you can afford it, and try to get personal recommendations from others. In the private sector there are also good and bad!

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