Psoriatic Arthritis Pain and Exercise

fallcheryl

Psoriatic arthritis is such a pain... literally. Mine is in my feet, hips and hands, and every time I get any exercise - or even when I clean my house - I pay for it with pain.

It sure makes it hard to lose weight, and I'm hoping that a weight loss of 30-50 pounds which help alleviate some of my pain.

Has anyone tried any non-impact exercise (with the exception of swimming - no pool close by) that has made a difference? I'm 50-ish...

Thanks!

MissMdM

Yoga. Tai chi and Pilates. Basically my specialist told me that if it hurts change the action to one that doesn't. I'm also on methotrexate and that's helped heaps

JanisMay67

Recently joined, and with the same problems. Wondering how you've got on, and if you've found an improvement?

crankymagpie

Mine is in one foot, one hand, and my hips. It's a real shame there's no pool nearby; my plan is water aerobics.

I've done exercise bike without too much trouble; I can only go for 15 minutes or so before my knees start getting creaky, but you might try that.

A friend recently told me about the existence of recumbent ellipticals! I have yet to see one in person, but that's also a thought.

JanisMay67

Good that you can use a bike, and good luck with the aerobics. Doing the housework is all I can manage, I'm exhausted and pained out after that. Walking anywhere is so darn painful. However - after seeing how many calories you burn up doing housework - I'm not so worried about not being able to do any other exercise.

Swimming is the one thing I think I would like to do - but I know I would struggle getting in and out the pool. I can't get out the bath without help, and it's so painful that it erodes the relaxation bit. Also - I really worry about the warmth of the water and changing rooms. I went to one pool to ask - but got a dumbfounded look in response. I don't think they had any idea how much the cold can affect some people.

To think that 2 years ago I could run, jump - do anything!

Now - I'm on maximum dose painkillers - and still hurt. I'm affected in hands, feet, knees, hips, shoulders, and lower back.

wigglesmom

I was just officially diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia in September. I just started physical therapy on Friday and they put me on a recumbent stair stepper, it the first time I ever saw one. Tomorrow is my first day in the pool for PT and I'm hoping it will help with the pain. They told me it's a separate therapy pool and the temp is 95 degrees!

I hope after going to PT for four weeks it will give me the strength to start back at the gym and continue. I haven't been to the gym in a few months because I would be in bed for three days after doing the bike for 20 minutes.

JanisMay67

It's a relief to get a diagnosis isn't it? Interesting at the therapy you have been offered. Brilliant! I had 6 sessions of physiotherapy, but it was so gentle, I don't think it achieved much. A hydrotherapy pool would be perfect, but I have heard no mention of one here.
Mind you with our funding - I'm not surprised. Wondering where are you are? It's amazing how the same condition is treated in different areas.

rideafasthorse17

I've had 2 major surgeries in 2 years. I am currently on prednisone and methotrexate. I noticed a slight difference about week 2 but it's starting to wear off/little effect. So frustrating because this last pelvis/spine surgery has left me fairly disabled. I have noticed that morning stiffness has subsided but by the end of the day, no position helps. I try light exercises, stretching, strengthening and a short stroll. Walking sends me into a flare!!!! I too wish a pool was nearby, I feel it may help a bit. I have Ehlers Danlos (hypermobility) psoriatic arthritis AND Ankylosing spondylitis. All set positive. It started as Seton eat I've but after this last disastrous surgery, I am aero positive. I do carry the HLA gene for the AS. I am 39. I had no clue I was suffering from these diseases....I had ignored big red flag warning signs. Partly because I've had traumatic injuries that masked some of it...except psoriasis. Ha! I am an RN. I was in family practice for 4trs, ortho surgery for 8th and Emergency/trauma nursing for 3 when the s**t hit the fan. I had a minor fall off my horse, blew out a disc in my neck....all downhill from there ;-) Weight fluctuations have been out of this world! My spine, sacroiliac joints, feet, left knee, hands, fingers, jaw and shoulders are greatly effective. Much damage done, working to slow/stop further damage.

shrinkidinked

I was just diagnosed with Psa. I was supposed to start Methotrexate a few weeks ago but after reading up on it, I’m afraid to put it in my body. I actually got a complimentary prescription of Folic Acid with it. That’s reassuring lol. I’m hoping a more natural approach will help. I started Keto back in November and I found a great amount of relief cutting down on carbs, processed foods and artificial sweetener. My specialist suggested yoga and swimming. I too do not have easy access to a pool, so I will be trying yoga. This diagnosis, even though suspected, has been overwhelming and quite scary. I’m 51 and nearing retirement and my big dream is to travel and trek all over the US. I don’t want to be held back!

debbywaines

shrinkidinked wrote: »

I was just diagnosed with Psa. I was supposed to start Methotrexate a few weeks ago but after reading up on it, I’m afraid to put it in my body. I actually got a complimentary prescription of Folic Acid with it. That’s reassuring lol. I’m hoping a more natural approach will help. I started Keto back in November and I found a great amount of relief cutting down on carbs, processed foods and artificial sweetener. My specialist suggested yoga and swimming. I too do not have easy access to a pool, so I will be trying yoga. This diagnosis, even though suspected, has been overwhelming and quite scary. I’m 51 and nearing retirement and my big dream is to travel and trek all over the US. I don’t want to be held back!

debbywaines

I have been on methotrexate for 3 years now and like you I was wary of taking it, I read up all I could and found some pretty scary write ups, but as I was in so much pain and my dermy telling me to try it, I took a big breathe and started on it, for the first 3 months I was rough with sickness, for a few days after taking it, but then that went and I'm only occasionally sick now, but the difference it has made to my inflammation and pain is wonderful, I'm so glad I took the plunge and accepted it,