Help with RA

[Cosybythesea]

I’m new here and really would like some advice on how to deal with hip and knee pain ie should I continue to exercise if it hurts?

[charisma]

Hi Cosybythesea

Welcome!

Have you been diagnosed with any kind of inflammatory autoimmune disease?

If so, you need to speak to your specialist nurse and ensure you get appropriate support with pain until DMARD therapy kicks in, assuming you are started in that.

[Hidden]

Hi cosy

I'm so sorry but we can't advise you on that, you need to speak to your team.

What I will say is does the pain ease a bit with movement? Stiffness is a big part of R. A so it's good to get up and walk around regularly. Sorry can't be more helpful.

[helixhelix]

Over time you learn your own body’s reactions. I now know how far I can go when things start aching (and also not to use it as an excuse for doing absolutely nothing). It’ a fine balance that you need to work out with your doctors.

[medway-lady]

Not to the point of agony but staying mobile is vital as its much easier to continue that to stop, and obviously the risk of a DVT is greater if you remain immobile for long periods. So don't attempt a marathon but s stroll around the block is vital or even down the garden and back every hour or so will help. I don't think any doctor is going to tell you to stop exercise but its about moderation and do as much as you can feel comfortable with. Try low impact exercises yoga can be good.

[Sheila_G]

You really need to speak to an expert. What's right for one isn't necessarily right for another. I would hate to give you the wrong information. It could make your condition worse. Good luck. x

[stbernhard]

In my experience and based on scientific research, it's important to keep exercising. You are very unlikely to do damage, but if you stop it's likely to get worse. I've just gone through 14 days of inflamed lower back muscle and tissue. I carried on(and increased) certain exercises and am sure that helped. There is good information on NRAS website about RA,pain and exercise. Well worth a read. All the best.

[GranAmie]

ask your medics .... BUT it wd help to know what you mean by exercise.... weightbearing exercise may go for your knee, strenuous may hit your back... so ask your medics... do you have contact with a physio? Swimming, tai chi and yoga are often advised .. stretching improves flexibility etc etc... sorry for your pain.. what meds are you on, what diagnosis ?

[Hidden]

Every physio I'v ever seen - and I've seen a good few - has said it's important to keep the joints moving and to put up with pain up to around 4 on a scale of 1 to 10. It's not easy but if you stop moving it will be even harder to get started again and the pain will be worse.

If you exercise accepting this degree of pain, you should find the pain diminishes over time, but if it gets worse and worse, you need to see a physio or your GP.