Pain

[Matildatid]

Hello! I've got arthritis in my hands! I've also got problems with my knees. I try really hard, but obviously not enough. I run, walk 8 k three times a week. i'm scared about treatment and have ben advised in the past to have keyhole surgery, i don't know anymore. too scared to ask about my fingers or my knees.

[Joanzoe]

Hi matildatid,I also have the terrible arthritis in my hands knees back,I used to run,I have just had a full knee replacement,my consultant said it was the running that made it worse , I stopped running kept walking and did swimming.at first I had key hole were they cleaned my knee out,this was nothing the op I mean, but it did help,but the knee replacement you don't want to go down that road.I would stop the running ,just do the walking swimming if you can,go to the docs he can give you some medication.hope this helps.

[Matildatid in reply to Joanzoe]

Many thanks for your reply. I will give swimming a try, although sadly, I don't really get on with it! Then again, it is exercise! I will do the walking as I can cope with that. My fingers simply drive me round the bend! I take ibuprofen three times a day, but it doesn't always help that much. Disturbingly, I have noticed that my toes sometimes suffer too. I am visiting my gp soon regarding my knees, so hopefully something might be done, although I'm doubtful.

[Joanzoe in reply to Matildatid]

Try some voltarol cream on your fingers, just a thought.

[Matildatid in reply to Joanzoe]

thank you - will try x

[marybruen in reply to Matildatid]

Ask GP to refer you to a specialist

[andyswarbs]

I have begun to pick on a thread of how some sports people have helped rejuvenation of their cartilage by running and walking on toes rather than flat feet & heels. So if the main damage to your knees is "just" cartilage you might want to google that, I think at least one person has published a book on the subject.

One of my knees primarily has bone damage, the other is mostly cartilage so I am doing that research myself and if I can get one knee into a recovery state that would be a good outcome.

[Matildatid in reply to andyswarbs]

Brilliant! I have actually been told in the past to use what I have until I can't ! have done this to the best of my ability, however, I mostly walk and run. What you are doing suits you, which is great! I treat my knee problem differently to my fingers. My knees, well, I have to goo to the gym, I love it! It is also good for my upper body exercise. Whether I walk or run, I just love it! My fingers - well I am struggling to knit, so I get fed up with myself!

[sammy2016]

Hi matildatid. I also have arthritis in my hands and have problems holding items in my hands, which is debilating when you want to keep hold of a cup of tea or coffee or even a jug. I try to exercise my hands but the pain stays the same. I am so worried that one day I wont be able to move my fingers at all. I am on strong pain relief for arthritis in the back. I am sure everything is related somehow to the nerves in the back. I have been sent to hospital l where they put my hands on almost boiling hot material. It helped. So , if you can bear it put your hands under very hot water and then move your fingers. It makes it easier. Let me know if it helps.

[Matildatid in reply to sammy2016]

Many thanks for the advice. I have tried the hot water today, and yes it did help for a little while. Like you, I drop things, can't open certain things like jars. My fingers feel like a bunch of bananas sometimes! I am aware of being too dependent on drugs as well, so I guess it is just something I will have to live with. Shame you have it in your back. My mum gets it in her neck, and this causes her a lot of grief. So, once again, many thanks for the tip, I will remember this!

[sammy2016 in reply to Matildatid]

I am pleased that the advice helped you. You could also ask your GP to send you to a clinic which deals with arthritis in your hands. Perhaps you still can do more for yourself than hot water.

[Matildatid]

Many thanks for this.

[syltownsend]

Matildatid I too have osteoarthritis in many joints. Have had one knee and two hips replaced, which has given me wonderful relief in those joints, so that I can be relatively active again. A few years ago it started in my hands. Not too bad yet, and I'm trying to keep it that way. Hand therapy from an ot helped some. She also gave me some handouts which are for people with RA, but lots of info on how to avoid straining the joints, such as always using the largest and strongest muscle group, using both hands to lift something, and using gadgets like jar openers etc. There are catalogs full of such gadgets or you can try online.

Exercise and yoga classes adapted for seniors have also been a big help to strengthen muscles, relieve joint pain, increase flexibility and balance, and stretches to relieve muscle pain. Even if you aren't a senior you may be able to find similar classes or get into the seniors' classes.

My chiro says running is bad for everyone, but especially if you have lower body joint problems. Walking is great. Can't imagine doing 8K even once, let along regularly!

Good luck, and try to keep positive expectations, or at least an open mind about it. You always have choices, and usually more than you think you have. It takes persistence to get what you need and you have to be an advocate for yourself!

[Matildatid]

syltownsend thanks so much! Today I got up really early and did 22 lengths of lane swimming. Nearly killed me!! However, not thwarted I carried on and went and had muscle toning on various beds, you might know what I mean. All finished by 10:00 and home for breakfast! I do try to keep positive although naturally, sometimes the pain is absolutely dreadful. I have cried with it before now too. So as you can imagine, your comments have been useful and very much appreciated!

[Kneesandtoes]

I have kept OA under control with excercises for years, but since last March my right knee has been bad. Several physios have said that breast stroke is not good for knee arthritis, because of the amount of force through the inside of the knee. Crawl and kicking up and down is OK. I am trying Aqua jogging, gym, and excercises at home from kneepainexplained .com. Walking at anything like normal pace causes set backs. Warmth helps me a lot, woollen socks and long johns.

I had swollen, painful finger joints about twenty years ago. I am pretty sure that their return to normal coincided with me changing from low fat spread and sunflower oil to butter and olive oil.

Good to hear from others, who are battling on with excercise.