Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

[losetocruise]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

thank you so much Kheesan!

[chinadoll]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

Keetje, keep plugging away with the walking. Just try to go 15 mins a day (where the trouble starts) for a couple of weeks, then try adding 5 more then next couple of weeks. Don't push yourself too hard and try not to focus on what you can't do, just do what you can do comfortably. It will increase in time.

The plus is that every pound loss is four less pounds of pressure on your knees.

I buy a cream called Voltaren in Hong Kong (usually what's here is also available in U.K.). It is a cream anti inflammatory and works great on sore backs and knees. I take it along with oral Ibuprofen and it seems to work fine together.

[losetocruise]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

Jill after looking it up the diclofenac and the Voltaren are the same thing. Do you know if taking it topically on your knee can affect blood pressure. I don't know how much of this stuff is actually absorbed into the blood stream, but I know some is. A few months ago I read about someone who died after using way too much ben gay for a long period and having it absorb into their system. they must have caked it on though!

[Keetje]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

Hi Ladies,

I have been away for a few days cycling in the Netherlands, hence why I haven't replied.

Ginny, that person must indeed have been caking on the gel in order for them to die of it! I have to admit I prefer to use just the cooling gel if I can get away with it. If I put the cooling gel on before bed, my knees are usually tons better in the morning.

Jill, yes, I have had voltarol (that is what it is called in the UK) as well - it certainly does the job! Very handy in case of extremely nasty flareups.

I have even tried herbal remedies - anyone got any experience of those?

Keetje

[cookiecate]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

I read that glucosamine could cause a stall in weight loss. I stopped taking it for a couple of days and I really noticed a huge diffeence. I usually walk on the beach for about a mile on the days I did not take my supplement I couldn't manage half a mile.

Now, whether this was because the weather has been so wet here, or my imagination but my poor old knees were very stiff and painful.

My doctor was obviously sceptical when I told him that I had lost weight doing low carb meals. He told me that if I lost a further 15lbs in three months he will operate on my knees..

Keetje, how did the holiday go? I hope the weather was better than here where I think it has rained everyday for the month of July.

[Keetje]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

Hi Cate,

The holiday was great fun, but I have to admit to feeling rather drained after all that exercise. I forgot to pack my glucosamine and as a result the knees are pretty grim - so I can understand what you mean about your walking being affected after not taking it for a couple of days. I did a bit of beach walking while I was away and it is certainly good exercise (i.e. hard work!). We had quite an entertaining time analysing our footprints to see the difference in gait. I do not push off from my toes at all.

The weather was great in the NL - no rain at all, despite gloomy forecasts. I managed to get a bit sunburned, which was (literally) a real pain - am now looking for my green foundation to tone down the redness.

Great news about the doctor and the possible op on the knees - I am sure you can shift that 15lbs, no problem! - keep pounding that beach!

Keetje

[cookiecate]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

Bless your heart you sound as if you need a holiday to get over the holiday.

You should be so proud of all that excersise. I have found that a lot of people give up and don't do very much blaming arthritis. To be honest when the doctor said the dreaded A word I thought "hello dearie, time to get out the knitting". However, keep on going was what my doctor said, get as much excersise as you can.

When I spoke to my doctor about what I could do for my knees he said I should do everything possible to strengthen the thigh muscles and riding a bike must be doing that. He told me whenever I could lift my foot and count to ten for at least thirty times. Sitting or lying but that would strengthen the muscles.

I know what you mean about the beach walking and footprints. My gait has improved and it would appear I am putting my weight down more evenly now.

Well my little red friend I think I can see you glowing from here. Very best wishes - glad to see you back safe and sound.

[losetocruise]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

I have found the exercise to be the best help for my arthritis too. I can tell my muscles are getting stronger and I think that puts less strain on the knee joint. Less drag when youwalk if you know what I mean.!

[cookiecate]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

Indeed I do know what you mean, losetocruise, My drag has sometimes been the reason I have fallen over, I just don't pick my feet up high enough. Glad to hear you are getting stronger.

[chinadoll]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

Khesan, I love that cartoon. I saw it years ago and printed it out. It's taped up on my computer table and I still smile every time I read it.

[Jules831b]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

Hi
Biofreeze is excellent for the joints too, I get it cheaper off ebay. I can't take oral voltrol (diclofenc) as I have a hiatus hernia. As I used to take it for years before.
I have OA too, have total knee replacements now from the age of 40 years old, and still get some pain from them, but not the 24/7 pulsating throbbing pain.
Tablet wise I have a combination of Tramadol 100mgs and co-codamol 30/500.
As I have OA in my feet and hands too.
But try the biofreeze its great stuff, just wash your hands straight away after rubbing into the area.
Best wishes
Jules

[cookiecate]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

I am going to see if my doctor will prescribe something like that. I am in a lot of pain now particularly late evening and during the night, the pain is awful like a skewer being stuck into my legs not just my knee it is like a toothache and goes all over my leg.

[Jules831b]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

Yes my OA pain is the same like constant toothache and used to transfer up and down my leg also from my knees.
I'm not sure if GP's prescribe it in the UK or not? Suppose no harm in asking.
Good luck.
Jules

[Desertthorn]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

I suffer from arthritis also, especially in my foot and hands, one foot? I found that water arobics and swimming really helps.

[Jules831b]

Re: Arthritis is a real NUISANCE!

Yes I know that the water really helps, but I don't like going on my own, maybe I should take the plunge as it were! LOL
Your like me then apart from my knees I have it in my hands and feet and have had steroid injections in my right foot, though it doesn't last long.
Best wishes
Jules