Anyone exercising with arthritis?

[HenndigoOZ]

I am in my early 50s and osteoarthritis runs in my family and I was told they could see it in my back during a recent X-ray. I can feel my hips, back and feet gradually getting stiffer, especially first thing in the morning. I have to do stretches now to stop my feet hurting and increase flexibility. Fortunately knees are OK apart from the occasional twinge or locked feeling.

Currently, I run once a week on the treadmill, 2 x HIIT on my elliptical trainer and 3 x week dumbbell workout. I try and walk 30 mins a day outdoors and do the yoga type stretches during the day. I have been running 10 years - used to do it 3 times a week but have reduced it down.

What exercises do you do if you also are managing osteoarthritis? Any tips?

I have a bit of osteoarthritis in my knees and ankles. Physio said it was fine to keep running but only short distances which suits me as I only usually do 5k.
I was resigned to joint pain just getting worse and worse but I joined a gym and signed up with a personal trainer at Christmas and I have to say I feel better than ever. I've really strengthened the muscles around the dodgy joints and I don't feel any joint pain anymore. I also find HRT makes a huge difference to joint pain.

I'm not fit - I've just retired at 55,with the aim of getting fit this year. I have done pilates for about 5 years however, and it has significantly reduced my O/A symptoms - the pain and stiffness. Remarkably so. Mine is in my hips. Our instructor really knows her stuff. I think I have it in my knees too, but thats based on recent pain in bed, and not confirmed. I'll be asking my Instructor for advice regarding that.

This is

OA in hip, advised by the excellent surgeon not to run (I'm heavy, so it's destructive), lots of mobility, flexibility, movement stuff, taken up cycling and swimming more this year, low inflammation diet, hrt, all good!

Not arthritis, Parkinson’s ,aqua fit twice weekly , which helps aches, I’m 61 and don’t work
water easier…………, try swimming or aqua fit, more fun, than a gym

OA here. I take painkillers 6am(dihydrocodeine and paracetamol) then get on with my day. Daily walk with dog for thirty minutes. Sometimes longer but then end up in loads of pain so it isn't worth it.

I don't do any other type of exercise.

Edited to add it's OA in hips.

Hand and knee arthritis. I take paracetamol in the morning and get on with my day. I ride my horse, walk the dog and do a lot of manual work outside. Worst thing is nighttime pain from my knee that keeps me awake. Have not managed to find a solution to this yet. Following with interest.

I'm 53, arthritis for a long time, treated for about a year. My knees are bad, forbidden to run but otherwise nothing too bad.

Since starting treatment I have been able to do more with less pain and hopefully the drugs will slow any more joint damage.

I do weights three times a week, two yoga classes, ride a bike to work and walk as much as possible. I also do 10 mins yoga every morning.

For me doing hard yoga is the best thing but I can do, but I can only do it on the back of the strength from doing weights. I'm probably stronger now than ever, despite the aches.

There are some things I can't do because of knee and wrist damage but I can do a lot more today than I could last year so that's fine.

You sound like you are doing loads so if I could offer you a tip it would be to look into treatment before you get more symptoms :-)

Arthritic knee here. I do quite a bit of yoga and I find that my sore knee really interferes with my attempts to open my tight hips.
I used to run quite a bit - which probably explains the knee problems. But had more or less had to stop due to the knee pain.
However, I had a steroid injection in my knee eight days ago, and the pain has diminished so much that I decided to give running a go the day before yesterday. It felt really good - no pain, just a nagging feeling of minor 'wrongness'. I know I am probably doing harm but honestly running helps my mental health soooo much.
What do you all think? Am I a fool to use the lull created by steroids to squeeze in a few weeks of running?
I am also doing pilates and my god it is a revelation. I have already significantly improved my neck pain, just through strengthening and lengthening my spine. Perhaps pilates will help me to work on the knee pain too.

I'm glad you started this thread because I'm also interested.

I stopped exercising because I didn't want to make things worse. I wish I hadn't because losing my strength as well as dealing with pain has been really hard.

I'm too scared of the pain at this point. I get so achy from just being stood up for too long.

Swimming is great as non weight bearing

Never give up daily exercise as it will definitely just make it worse in most cases. I take painkillers daily (unfortunately paracetamol/ibuprofen on its own just isn't enough) to get through the day with a busy family.

Even just a gentle walk round the block is better than nothing ❤️

I'd love to run again but have come to terms with losing that high. I saw a knee specialist who twanged my kneecap (absolute agony) and said ah yes you have so and so and no running or skiing for you.

I'd be careful of overusing your knee - I had injections for a bit but you shouldn't have too many and they don't stop the degeneration. I have the same problem as you with knees stopping your hips opening but over time mine have got better, at least on one side.

You can get a similar rush pedalling your shopping home at full tilt!

Yes, I think I made a big mistake there. Unfortunately I got diagnosed just as Covid hit so I was especially worried about injuring myself without someone watching what I was doing.

It's been so hard mentally to go from being able to do loads of pushups to struggling to open doors. I do need to get back into it.

I completely get it, you don't want to end up causing an injury to yourself but with small steps you will get there. Don't do anything too intense to start with. Baby steps.

It was only a few years ago I was doing loads of exercise, painting fences, doing gardening but as time has went on I can't manage it at all. It's too painful.

Never imagined my life like this, not in a million years. It's difficult to come to terms with when diagnosed before the age of 40.

The Versus Arthritis exercise videos on YouTube are good.

Sore knees or low back are very often indicative of hip/ankle issues. Introducing mobility into those areas should help. The pain comes from the instability of the joint, so strengthening muscles should also help.

I know the feeling. I was under 40 as well. I feel like I've turned into an old woman in the past few years.

Thanks for the encouragement xx

I have it in my neck but fairly ok elsewhere apart from hips in bed at night if lying on side. Bad thing about neck is it gives you nasty headaches at back of head - aggravated it if I carry heavy bags , I find stretching exercises for neck do help

@Vettrianofan

I've just booked myself onto a short exercise class because of your encouragement. Thank you so much again!

You're very welcome. Just do what you can. Small steps. Good luck with your class💪❤️

My opinion is that sea vacation best. Minimum 30 days. I read a lot and probably it is most importan is muscles. So gym is good. Also protein in food. My english is not good . I hope that you undestand. Everything what you do, do without painkiler. Small steps like someone said. If you can move only a litle finger , do it. . Now it is a new life style. Chalenge....