Newly diagnosed at 31

[Cjtunnicliffe]

Hi all,

I am 31 and have just been diagnosed with early osteoarthritis in my toes, knees and hands. It says online normally people who have it when they are younger are athletes or as a result of injury - neither of which are true in my case! Is there anyone else on here in the same boat?

I’m also just wondering of any general advice people have which helps them manage - either lifestyle tips or things you’ve bought which help?

Thanks

[Happyrosie]

My cousin (now 70) had same before he was forty. He’s managed fine over the last thirty years. He wasn’t athletic either. Probably the best website is Arthritis Action for tips

[Cjtunnicliffe in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you - will take a look 👏

[RCHD]

Many have osteoarthritis and have no idea. The most significant think you can do is follow an anti inflammatory diet and keep your insulin levels good… many insulin resistant people develop arthritis. It makes a huge difference!! It has for me for sure.

[Cjtunnicliffe in reply to RCHD]

Thank you very much for the advice - much appreciated 👏

[RCHD in reply to Cjtunnicliffe]

Absolutely.. the first things things to cut out is sugar and alcohol and processed food

[Cjtunnicliffe in reply to RCHD]

Iv seen that diet is key…

[Nifflerluck]

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my early 20's in my knees, also not an athlete. I've had numerous surgeries on my one knee yet one of the things I've found to help with knees specifically is doing exercises with resistance bands. It helps keep the correct muscles strong which in turn helps with the pain and mobility to a point. And ice, I have a fair few ice packs in the freezer and ice my knees daily when I can. If you live in the UK I would also recommend a daily vitamin D supplement if not on one already.

Versus Arthritis is a great website with countless resources. versusarthrites.org

[Cjtunnicliffe in reply to Nifflerluck]

Sorry to hear you’ve had so much trouble! Thank you very much for the advice I do appreciate it. I’ll check out that website

[Nifflerluck in reply to Cjtunnicliffe]

Sorry just seen I gave you a dud link ... here is the correct one versusarthritis.org

[Blackknight1989]

I had it young, certainly had pain in both knees by the time I was 30/31. I am now 57 so nearly lived with it as long as without. For me, it was a fairly quick progression from initial pain to “final solution.” I had my first knee replacement in 2003 at age 36, both hips replaced in ‘08 & ‘09 then both ankles fused in ‘13 and ‘14. Of course my experience has absolutely nothing to do with what you could or should expect, simply I wanted to relay that yes I understand where you are coming from. As I look back I don’t think I could have taken any additional proactive steps to delay the progression. I’m adopted so I am unsure of my family (my “natural” family as I was blessed with terrific parents) history but based on several conversations with my doctors I feel sure it was a genetic issue not a lifestyle complication. I did what I could, ate as well as I was able, did cardiovascular work at least 4/5 times a week with 3 days of low weight free weight training but didn’t help delay the progression. I need both shoulders and both elbows replaced but I am betting I run out of years (realistically what 5-13 more probably 65/70 is my max age give or take) before I get to the point where I feel like I have to have additional joints replaced. Both my kids are adults and living independently (both are my pride and joy!) and I manage with a wheelchair. Within a month or two my wife and I will “retire” the the gulf coast of Florida and I’ll spend whatever time I have with my wonderful spouse in a beautiful place to live. Plus, the upside to living on the coast…the kids (hopefully with spouses and maybe a grandkid or two) will visit more often then if we still lived in NE Arkansas as we do now!