I really want to exercise but everything hurts

I used to be able to exercise a lot and I am relatively fit. However I am suffering with increasing problems with my joints.

Last year I had carpal tunnel surgery so I focused on running whilst my hand was out of action. However my knees and ankles started to hurt and swell up. I have since tried to do press ups and weight lifting but my wrists swell and are painful if I attempt anything in press-up position, this includes leaning on the handle bars of a bike. I have since developed cubital tunnel where the ring finger side of my hands are numb and weak so weight lifting is out. I have also now got a trigger finger and swelling at the base of my index finger on my palm so I cannot hold anything in my hand. I have been waiting for 6months to see a consultant and am getting a bit depressed about my body letting me down when I'm only 31!

So what exercises can I try next? Anyone else suffered with these types of symptoms? I really want to get to my goal and be strong and fit and healthy. So frustrating when I'm so close!!!!

Replies

  • aloralincoln
    aloralincoln Posts: 2 Member
    What about ab work? Also, for the Cardio part of things you could try icing your knees and ankles directly following the exercise. I currently play college softball as a pitcher and I tend to get really sore and I have found that icing your muscles and joints make it feel a hundred times better the following day.
  • kestrel359
    kestrel359 Posts: 342 Member
    Swimming would probably be the best workout for your situation. It provides both resistance training and cardio without the high impact problems that most other exercises cause.
  • sallyaj
    sallyaj Posts: 207 Member
    That really sucks!

    Have you ruled out Rheumatoid arthritis? It almost sounds like a systemic issue.

    Otherwise, agree about the swimming. It's gentle on the joints.
  • I say swimming too. I even have the rubber mitts that provide more resistance which I purchased, along with the instruction card from a White Tiger Wellness (David Wicker) instructor on vacation. This is NOT a sales pitch, only the stuff that I purchased and like very much. Here is the website: http://www.whitetigerwellness.com/store/water-fitness.php

    I also have his Yoga in Paradise DVD which is gentle but very effective. I am not a yoga aficionado, but I can do this and feel very good afterwards. It makes me use what I don't normally use!
  • Chibea
    Chibea Posts: 363 Member
    You didn't by any chance take Cipro or any other antibiotics in that family last year did you? They cause tendon inflammation adn damage in some users. Your symptoms sound a lot like a friend of mine who reacted badly to them. She is having symptoms related to that drug which she took years ago!! Google antibiotics and tendon damage if you are curious.

    I am having similar problems with injuries every time I increase the intensity of my workouts. It is so very frustrating when I get all enthused that I have reached a goal, and then I have to stop and wait for the healing to happen. Swimming is probably the best option, but not my favorite way to exercise:ohwell:
  • lynn413
    lynn413 Posts: 40
    I agree with the swimming. And maybe try a little bit of walking at a slow pace. I had surgery 1 1/2 years ago for a torn miniscus on the outer part of my knee so I wasn't able to walk fast or far for about 8 months but was able to endure it at a slow pace for a short period of time.
  • Netwalks
    Netwalks Posts: 36 Member
    Have you tried pilates? The reformer classes are great.x