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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think joint pain is just normal in your mid 40s?

81 replies

bluebears1 · 02/05/2023 13:49

I'm wondering to what extent it's just part of ageing to be stiff with achey joints in your mid 40s. I'm debating whether or not to discuss it with my GP.

I've had some joint issues for a while. For years I have had some amount of aches and stiffness in my lower back and knees. About two years ago this spread to my neck and I now have issues with my elbow, my big toe. I previously had all the tests for RA and don't follow the pattern for an inflammatory condition so it seems to fit the picture of Osteoarthritis, which my mother I'm stiff in the morning and if I sit for periods in the car or on the sofa. The pain is manageable but it gets worse if I do activities like hoovering, exercise, gardening.

But! Part of me thinks maybe this is just part of getting older and that most people in their mid forties will have stiffness and joint pain? AIBU to think this is the case or is it something that points to an actual problem?

OP posts:
Original poster
bluebears1 · 02/05/2023 13:50

I should add, I'm in late perimenopause and on HRT for the past six months, which has improved everything else but not the stiffness and joint pain sadly.

OP posts:
DietCokeUser · 02/05/2023 13:51

I'm a bit older and don't have this. Definitely one for the GP.

GreyTS · 02/05/2023 13:51

Did I hope that's not normal, 45 here and no aches or pains whatsoever, definitely see a Dr

isthewashingdryyet · 02/05/2023 13:52

Get the GP to check vitamin D, this is often not done as not part of routine bloods. Can cause aches and pains if very low.

LightlySearedontheRealityGrill · 02/05/2023 13:52

Oestrogel sorted this for me, perhaps you are not absorbing enough of whatever you use, can you try a different product?

Mary46 · 02/05/2023 13:52

Hi op Im on vitamin D tabs def helped with my joints. Im 50. My doctor recommended them

Original poster
bluebears1 · 02/05/2023 13:52

Thank you both that's actually really useful. I find it hard to know what's normal as this is normal for me! And has evolved so gradually over time I can't really imagine it not being there if that makes sense.

OP posts:
Original poster
bluebears1 · 02/05/2023 13:54

Thanks that's a really good point about does of oestrogen. I might need to go higher so will check that. I've had vitamin D checked in the past and it was very low, got the prescription mega dose which was amazing and take a decent level now to stay on top of it. It helps with energy levels but not joints unfortunately.

OP posts:
Reugny · 02/05/2023 13:54

isthewashingdryyet · 02/05/2023 13:52

Get the GP to check vitamin D, this is often not done as not part of routine bloods. Can cause aches and pains if very low.

This.

Though it caused me issues in my 30s and other people issues at different ages.

If you are that achey don't get fobbered off ask specifically for a vitamin D test test.

Feckinlego · 02/05/2023 13:56

I was the same as you until the doctor increased my dose of oestrogen patch. I occasionally get joint pain now which weirdly seems to be connected to constipation!

Original poster
bluebears1 · 02/05/2023 13:58

I 100% agree about vitamin D and think it's shocking that it's so often missed but I had the deficiency picked up the past and re-checked about 6 months ago plus I'm supplementing so I don't think it's that. I'm due a HRT review soon so will ask about oestrogen level thank you.

OP posts:
Dinosauratemydaffodils · 02/05/2023 13:58

I'm almost 46, have no aches and pains and take vitamin D. The last two may be linked, don't know.

Original poster
bluebears1 · 02/05/2023 14:01

Brilliant to hear so many of you are feeling fine in your mid forties! I'm a bit of a sight hobbling downstairs first thing in my dressing gown.

OP posts:
DietCokeUser · 02/05/2023 14:02

Should add that, for me, giving up alcohol made a massive difference to how sprightly and flexible I feel in the mornings.

sapphiredrago · 02/05/2023 14:02

A lot of people do have joint pain in their 40's and 50's but that doesn't mean it's 'normal' or can't be managed. There is a lot you can do.

What kind of exercise do you do at the moment, are you a healthy weight and what is your diet like? Those things have a huge impact.

I think you should definitely bring it up with the GP.

Animallover87 · 02/05/2023 14:03

What do you weigh and what height are you?

Original poster
bluebears1 · 02/05/2023 14:12

All good points. I have a BMI of 21 so definitely not overweight, size 10. I don’t drink alcohol at all.

OP posts:
Original poster
bluebears1 · 02/05/2023 14:12

I don’t do a lot of exercise except some walking and occasional yoga. I find exercise makes it worse.

OP posts:
mynameiscalypso · 02/05/2023 14:14

Any skin or nail problems? I feel like this but I have psoriatic arthritis.

MathsNervous · 02/05/2023 14:16

I have osteoarthritis, was diagnosed via X ray last year. I take cocodamol daily for it, worse in the mornings.

MathsNervous · 02/05/2023 14:17

Diagnosed aged 39.

tailinthejam · 02/05/2023 14:17

Unless you have a physically demanding job or are a keen sportsperson then no, it's not normal at your age, so I'd speak to your GP.

Kvetching · 02/05/2023 14:18

Really not normal. I’m 51 and don’t have any joint pain.

MathsNervous · 02/05/2023 14:18

See your GP, OP.

DorritLittle · 02/05/2023 14:19

My DH often has joint pain but I don’t. I think it can be normal depending on your physique/family history but I am just guessing based on DH.

I don’t generally get joint pain at all although that said at 45 have suddenly developed a sore thumb joint!

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