Osteoarthritis

[Astraight01]

I've had Osteoarthritis for over seven years or more in the upper and lower back in my legs. Also arthritis in my hands. Some days I'm in extreme pain and problems walking.

[katie_huffman Administrator]

Welcome to the group, Astraight01! We are glad you joined.

[celena_adams-locke Administrator OA Ambassador OA Action Member]

Thank you for joining our discussion group, Astraight. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, it is a good idea to speak with

your doctor or therapist about your pain and/or discus with him/her about an appropriate fitness regime to fit your particular situation. Your therapist can also recommend assistive devices, such as braces or shoe inserts, to help reduce stress on your joints.

Living with osteoarthritis can be very challenging; however there are many things you can do to lessen the impact arthritis has on your life, such as water aerobics. Regular to moderate exercise can help.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), National Health Interview Survey 2010.

[kohai OA Ambassador]

Hi Astraight,

Can I first ask which country your living in?

The American and UK health systems and what they can/ both help with, or offer differs greatly.

And I can really empathize with your pain, especially walking. Every step I took yesterday evening hurt so much I was on the verge of tears, so I can imagine how painful it must be for you too.

Just two more questions. What aids or devices (if any) do you have, that helps you with day to day living, managing your condition?

What pain relief has your doctor prescribed? Do you feel these help?

The reason I ask (I'm not being nosey), it gives us a better understanding so we're able to suggest more to help you. It won't help if we don't know, you you're reading down the replies thinking to yourself "got that, done that, already tried that

For example I could suggest a wheelchair (via Occupational therapy dept.) for those days walking just hurts too bad, but that info isn't going to help you if you already have one. I'd hate for you to feel we couldn't help you, so in order for us all to help you, to your advantage, the answers to the above questions would really help us to help you

Ooh (for another post, as my spine is killing me sitting up to type)

I have some great, cheap, items that could really help your hands. I've had arthritic hands since 1998. Have you been given anything for them? I mean gadgets to help you?

Looking forward to chatting with you again :).