Upper leg weakness

[LesleyH]

I have a huge problem with the muscles in my upper legs. I find it so difficult to get upstairs, walk up a hill and getting up from the floor if I bend down. I am fine coming downstairs or down a hill. Does anyone else have this problem I have to spoken to 2 different RA specialists and they just don't say or do anything

[Nettac]

Yes I do. I live in a ground floor flat, so don't have stairs. Tried to climb some the other day. It was painful and stiff. I'm trying to strengthen them by using friends stairs, swimming and physio.

Can you ask for some physio?

[LesleyH in reply to Nettac]

Thanks for the reply I have had Physio it doesn't make any difference and I swim every day it is just so frustrating but that the thing with RA and Crohns 😣

[Nettac in reply to LesleyH]

You have to do the exercises every day. Sometimes I'm to knackered, but definately helps when I actually stick to doing it!

Another good exercise I was given is the following. (This one particularly good for damaged hips) also helps thigh muscles.

Lie on floor ( I can't so I lie on bed) pull feet up so heals touch your bottom. Lift toes and pad of feet off floor/bed so that you are on heals. Keep back straight and push bum up off the bed. Up down up down, as many times as comfy. All exercises given are for inflammatory arthritis, and given to me by physio.

[Bailybiscuit]

Yes I do. My dr thinks it is steroids causing mine. My rheumatologist never comments and I have read besides steroids causing weak muscles my lansaprozole can cause weak muscles too.

[Ccupcakes]

Hello LesleyH

Yes I do, however I also have problems with my hips and degenerative disc disease in my spine so am not very mobile.

I have OA and several other autoimmune diseases, and also, fibromyalgia, and to be honest between them àll , I'm not sure exactly what caused the initial weakness, now it's muscle wastage, and I use an armchair pedal exerciser to try to avoid losing any more muscle mass.

Physio is a really good idea, but the referral time is awful in my area, however there are some good armchair exercises on u tube

Ccxx

[LesleyH in reply to Ccupcakes]

Thanks I have had Physio didn't change anything. I swim every day it's very frustrating but RA and Crowns are those type of diseases

[Ccupcakes in reply to LesleyH]

Yes, Crohns and Colitis are are in my bag of goodies too! Also Diabetic, its difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes the weakness isn't it?

[Nettac]

A really good exercise my physio gave me is the following:

If you are able, get a dining chair, sut in it and with arms folded push yourself up. Don't use aem resta to aid you. Start with five and work you way up to thirty really helps, but painful to start.

[GemsfromWarks]

I have started Pilates and it is helping me strengthen my muscles and improve my balance. I started 1 to 1 with a Physio and then have progressed to a seated class. We sit on a big ball for an hour and do exercises. It is a great help.

[oldtimer]

Have a look at the NRAS site for exercises you can do yourself. You will know that they are suitable for people with RD!

It is really difficult to build up the muscles when there is a limit to how much exercise you can take at any one time - but little and often is best. I did find that getting up and sitting down(without using my hands and without cricking my neck either - Alexander technique way) helped me. Stair climbing is also a good exercise for these muscles.

[Olmettig]

I do!!! I have the exact same thing.. I see my Rheumatologist in a couple of weeks and plan on asking her.. I am hoping she can give me hope that this will go away, once the RA goes into Remission...or calms down.

[Nik8210]

Have you thought about some fins for you feet in the pool they increase resistance in the water and make u go faster u will need to do a front or back crawl tho.... I swear by mine

[Northernlassie]

Hi LesleyI have started having this problem. My stairs at home are steep and I'm having to really use my arms to help pull me up. Iv noticed my morning stiffness is lasting longer as well.I have a review next month so I'll see what is said but iv read that RA does affect muscle function. I'll let you know what is said.

Take care