Morning ankle stiffness

[LostittoBostik]

I'm only 42 but every day it seems to take about an hour to get going. I can barely get around. I remember having similar in my ankles and fingers when pregnant but it went off both times a while after birth.
My youngest is almost 4. It came back about three months ago I think, maybe longer. But it's so bad in the AM, and also a bit stiff after sitting for long periods too.
Is this perimenopause? I also have heavy periods and fibroids and am generally furious at the world
But the ankles is really bad. I feel like an 80 year old for about the first hour of the day.
Are there supplements that will help?

Could just be age, you are a wee bit young for general stiffening up, but could be a slightly early peri as you say.

Get it checked out - if it’s proper arthritis anti-inflammatory diets can help depending what it is. If it’s just general age related exercise is usually the best thing for age related stiffness. If you are overweight try and loose it.

There are various supplements said to help with joints and inflammation, not sure how good the evidence is, but exercise for sure..

It's not your age, and it's not normal.

It could well be perimenopause but you need a multi-pronged solution.

Look up Dr Louise Newson and read/listen to all her menopause bits. Joint problems are very common in peri/menopause. You might find some HRT helps.

At the same time, look up Tom Morrison and start doing some mobility work several times a week. Yes, it's hard, but after a week or two you'll feel amazing. I promise.

As @theduchessofspork says you might benefit from reducing ultra processed foods and eating more veg & seeds.

And Matt Walker to sort out any sleep issues.

Thanks. God I'm seeing the doctor about such a long list of things at the moment this feels like the last priority but maybe it's worth a mention. I will also take a decent menopause supplement.
I'm not overweight (still within healthy BMI) but I'm very short so any gain is felt quickly so maybe losing would help. My perfect weight for height is only 7st 12lb which is hard to get back to in your 40s after 2 children.

Thanks @OctogenarianDecathlete - I'm afraid I'm a bit of a Newsom doubter but I will seek some specialist support

I get this too but sounds not as severe as you
after periods of inactivity my ankles are stiff, not hot or painful at all, just stiff and it wears off when I walk around
I found supermarket vitamin D helps a lot
hope you get answers OP

Vit D and omega fish oils would definitely help.

Tbh this sounds the same as me. It's not painful or hot either. And it wears off.
I'm actually starting to wonder if my sandals are part of the problem....

But definitely will try vitamin D too

Yes to the above suggestions.

I would also try a few exercises before you even get out of bed - ankle rotations, foot flexion and extension, leg slides.

It's probably a combination of everything. I put up with loads of joint issues, all of the above AND increased HRT had helped. Def worth looking at shoes.

After trying a million different cheap gel inserts from amazon I have found the holy grail here: https://www.shoeinsoles.co.uk/silipos-wonderspur-gel-heel-pad-shoe-insole.html

Worth every penny as they're washable under the tap and easy to use in different shoes.

There are plenty of other menopause & women's health specialists out there who will tell you the same. Dr Newson just has a nice podcast.