Arthritis and exercise

[Bassman65]

Hi, this is my first post in this forum,

I used to be a Judo coach, but after a right knee arthroscopy 7 years ago and a left shoulder acromioclavicular stabilisation with lockdown about 5 years ago i was forced into retirement. As part of my rehab (shoulder) i started gentle swims but felt a lot of pain. On visiting my consultant and getting an mri he said there was arthritis in the joint and i was far to young for a shoulder replacement. I asked about exercise and was told the more i use it the more it will wear and the worse it will get.

The pain has been there but manageable (without medication) since then until a few months ago. Had another mri and the arthritis is moderate to severe around the acriomioclavicular joint (acj) but i also have fraying tendon around it. I am having physio at present (due to covid i wont be seen about the tendon until April ) but it seems to hurt more and i am not improving

Should i be exercising the arthritic joint or resting it. Conflicting advice is not helping me

[Hidden]

I have mild arthritis in a few places and exercise is good for it.

If yours is edging on severe maybe you shouldn't do anything, would a physio be able to tell you better.

[Bassman65]

I am having physio (via the consultants team) at present got next appt in a weeks time at the hospital

[DorsetLady]

Actually you do need to exercise, but it needs to the right exercise - this might help - versusarthritis.org/about-a...

[Happyrosie]

I’m not a doctor. But, the joint needs to be supported by the surrounding musculature and if that musculature is getting weaker because it isn’t being used, then the support will be less and the pain greater.That’s my view.

I’d certainly be taking painkillers, and also trying out supplements such as turmeric.

[Bassman65 in reply to Happyrosie]

I have played bass guitar in bands for 40 years, so it does get use and carries things, i wasn’t shy in using it just careful lifting heavier objects. I wouldn’t be comfortable taking any supplements before speaking with my doctor as i am on quite a few heart medications

[Happyrosie]

Indeed, as far as supplements go. Personally, though, I’d speak with my pharmacist first. Many pharmacists, mine included, do stints at the local hospital and they are often more clued up on medications, their side effect and interactions than doctors are. Especially if they sell the supplements in which you might be interested.

[Bassman65 in reply to Happyrosie]

Good shout, thank you i may do that

[arthritis_action Partner]

Hi Bassman65 , thanks for getting in touch with your story.

It's a common worry for people with arthritis that exercise can harm the joints. This is not true. It is normal to sometimes feel a little sore or uncomfortable after exercise, especially if it is something you haven’t done for a while, but it is important to remember that this does not mean that you are harming your joints. In fact, regular exercise is essential as it helps to strengthen the muscles that protect and support the joints. Exercise has even been proven to help reduce the pain of arthritis and improve function.

More information can be found on the Arthritis Action charity website:arthritisaction.org.uk/livi...

However, please do speak to a healthcare professional if you're worried about any particular exercising, as they will be able to advise based on your own specific medical history and circumstances.

Let us know how you get on!

[Bassman65 in reply to arthritis_action]

Hi, yes I do expect to feel a bit of pain but not so much that I have to stop exercising for a few days or be unable to sleep

[Hidden in reply to Bassman65]

When i exercise i feel less pain than when im not exercising, its the best thing for arthritis, just take it easy to begin with ..

[Kneesandtoes]

I was lucky coming across a gym instructor newly qualified with a degree in sports medicine, who gave me a program for strengthening the muscles supporting the major joints and I also read Strong Women and Men beat arthritis. You have to listen to your body and proceed with caution. I find that impossible when taking painkillers. They also lower your body temperature and in my case warmth is an important part of the battle. I feel pain long before I am aware of being cold.Bob and Brad on YouTube have useful exercises.