Arthritis help

[PollyPutTheKettleOnKettleOn]

Does anyone have experience of improving osteoarthritis in their knees/back?

My friend is really suffering, they're 60 and unfit, need to lose weight and keen to make changes, but struggle with the pain and stiffness just to get about day to day.

I've said that it can improve with weight loss and strength exercise but I think they're feeling really low and like this is it, that they'll never be able to move pain free or achieve a decent level of fitness again.

If anyone can say that they were able to make improvements and how I think it would really help for me to tell them!

Hi,

I have hip dysplasia with advanced osteoarthritis, I was extremely obese and in a lot of pain. I have since lost some weight and I have been doing strengthening exercises with my hip. With a combination of painkillers, physio exercises and weight loss my symptoms have improved quite a lot. Although this will not fix the problem (I will eventually need a hip replacement, but at present am too young for one) it has made living a lot easier. Carrying a lot of extra weight does put a lot of pressure on the joints, I know it's probably not what your friend wants to hear because I didn't either. But I suggest they see a physiotherapist make sure they have some painkillers for when they need to do some exercise until they can possibly get a replacement if needed.

Thank you, I shall tell her to get a physio referral. She's been told that she'll need a knee replacement at some point.

I'm sorry you suffer so much, it sounds dreadful!

I've suggested supplements and I think I've heard of capusin cream?

I haven't heard of that cream? Yes, definitely get a physio referral then they can give your friend all the exercises they need to target the areas to help strengthen the knee. Their will be a slight wait for physio as they are quite behind, but it will be worth it. For a replacement they will need to have good strength in the joint for the replacement to go forward so I was told, so if they start now they will be well on their way to being ready for an operation. Dieting is hard but I've found that working out how many calories per day your body needs and factoring in how much exercise you do ( there are loads of online calculators which can work this out for you) will help them stay on track with calorie intake per day. Tell your friend that they can have a cheat day say after 3 weeks of sticking to healthy eating and then after that day get straight back on track, then repeat in 3 more weeks it really does help it seem less boring! And also keep on top of pain medication if needed, I went along time without pain killers trying to be brave, but they really do help when you need to exercise or if you are having a really tough day with stiffness from the arthritis. And one last thing I can think of is swimming it is such a good way to exercise and takes a load of your joints. I wish your friend all the best I know what the pain is like but if they keep the goal of getting a replacement in sight then doing all the things to get there will be more easier.

DH has terrible knees (from an early age, his surgeon suspects a genetic issue as his DGM also had all major joints replaced), and what makes the biggest difference to him is keeping his weight as low as possible, cycling to strengthen the muscles and stabilise his knees, and most recently, hydroluronic acid injections which have made a huge difference. He was first told he needed a knee replacement 10 years ago, and lots of work means he has nursed it so far.

Agree that weight is the major factor.
Also movement. The less you move the more it hurts.
I have osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis so I speak from experience. For example I always take paracetamol before going to a Pilates class otherwise I would give up.
A physio will advise on exercises to strenghthen the muscles around the joints and help to support them.
Diclofenic gel (brand name Voltarol) can help but painkillers in general will help to relieve the pain so she can exercise.

Is it Capsaicin?

Thank you all so much for replying - she's really important to me and I hate seeing her sinking under this.

I really appreciate your input and will encourage her to look into all of it. Really good news CMOT that your dh has avoided a knee replacement!

Yes - capsaicin is it! Have you tried it?

And The less you move the more it hurts I shall try to get her on board with this, I think she's definitely taken the it hurts, I'll move less approach.

Yes, I use it. I find it pretty good