Hi folks, Have APS and OA been diagnosed 6 years. Going mad with knee pain at the moment, any ideas?

[MaryH]

[CanaryDiamond10]

Hi Mary H: Aqua therapy with a physical therapist is often prescribed for osteoarthritis of the knee. Almost every knee patient I have spoken with swears by the therapy. You might inquire with your physical therapist if this would be appropriate for your situation. For ongoing, chronic pain, physiatrists (doctors of the skeletal system) usually prescribe pool exercises 3 days a week for an hour or so of specifically devised exercises for the specific problem. A great therapist is the key so if you don't benefit from the first one, try another. Warm wishes and best of luck getting through this bout of pain. I hope this suggestion works for you.

[MaryH]

Thanks to you both for coming back to me. I was at the end of my tether when I typed that question into the forum but sometimes it is needs must. Both of you gave sensible straight answers and I do thank you.XX I have had hydrotherapy in the past and I shall try to get some more as you are right, it does help. I also think the heat does not help, with regards to the weather, somehow it has made it all a lot worse. Now today, like in the past, it has suddenly become less acute and I am managing better. My heart goes out to the people who have that sort of pain in their knees all the time,I do feel for them. Be sure, this illness never lets you get away with anything!! do not let down your guard. Once again thank you both you have been extremely kind to me Love Mary H xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[CanaryDiamond10]

I agree with you in regard to the heat wave! I feel like the little girl in Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory who swelled into a big round blueberry and had to be rolled away to be popped! It is a bother to have the weather litterally run one's life by dictating pain. I live near the border of Wisconsin and Illinois and we are not used to a summer like this one! I notice the humidity as well as barometric pressure have a distinct effect on osteoarthritis pain. I kept a log for a year with the weather statistics compared to daily pain on a 1-10 scale. Perhaps a little OCD, but it allows me the illusion of prediction of pain so I can try to plan what I can do on good days and lay low on ones I know will be bad. I've never been one for blindfolds but some say ignorance is bliss. Each to their own. A long soak in the bathtub may help with the heat as well as the knee. Also, the bathtub is a great place to "start" moving, because you know that moving is the key to getting the pain down. It's just really hard to get started but once your going a while, everything gets a little better. Feel better, Mary. Smiles to you.