Arthritis

I have degenerative arthritis in my spine and sometimes I take medication, but I have noticed an improvement when I take 3 fish oil pills a day.

I took them for a different reason a few years ago when I was trying a diet (LOL) and noticed my back hurt more when I stopped.

:flowerforyou:

Diagnosed with arthritis. How do you keep working out and attempt at losing weight when have pain? Any help and practical suggestions are welcome.

Annie-01 I agree with you! I have arthritis as well. I have been doing yoga for many years. This has helped me maintain flexibility. I exercise through the initial pain and stiffness, but also always stretch first. I agree with the post about fish oil too, and will increase what I am currently taking. Judybarragan1, keep moving and stretching.

I have the same trouble with my hands. It's very frustrating as it difficult to do most daily tasks, even combing my hair or writing.
Have your sought physical therapy? My therapist has me doing paraffin baths (you can find them at a reasonable price on Amazon). I dip my hand in 5 times, wrap it and wait about 15 mins. I then peel the wax off, roll it into ball and use the wax to squeeze - as a form of exercise. There may also be some physical therapy videos on youtube. I have necrosis in my bone, which mean my hand will never be the same. The idea is to strengthen the ones around it.

I have OA and get up to do stretching exercises 3x a week. I go to the pool and swim + water aerobics 3x a week. Sometimes I use the whirlpool after. All of these things help alot. I find that moving loosens everything up. I take cod liver oil capsules,and glucosamine everyday. After 15 years these are my tips. I used to have difficulty going down stairs--now I skip down. There is no miracle cure, but you can make things better. Best of luck to you.

Dear OP,

Arthritis is terrible, i am in constant pain and unless one has expereinced that, they have no idea what our lives are like.

My DH and i are now trying a remedy we read about--it is a teaspoon of organic honey in hot water with a teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon--both the honey and cinnamon are fair trade and organic from Whole Foods.

very, very occasionally, i'll use Aleve or Tylenol but as i refuse to live on permanent pain meds, this isn't something i do more than once every few months....i have a wonderful Neurologist and a Dr of Endocrine medicine, both respect that i won't usually take any medicine for the pain.

So the morning hot shower or bath allow me to get dressed and out of the house----i am limping along and bent over until i've been moving for about an hour---then gradually i do loosen up a bit. If i have to sit for more than 10 minutes and then try to move the pain level is back to unbearable---but i do bear it somehow.

Low impact aerobics done to music is what i recommend because sudden movement such as is required for a true sport are usually not possible--once the music begins, the pain subsides for that period of time. What i have learned is that emotions enter into the picture and it is almost impossible to accomplish anything that is very new, very distasteful or that pounds on the joints and muscles.
Yoga, pool aerobics etc--- have been mentioned, that could be great for you....but you have to be able to force yourself to somehow begin some type of regular fitness.

If you can, keep your weight on the low side of the BMI scale...certainly a lower weight is better in our case---you may also benefit from using a warm heating pad on your back, that can be comforting. A hard mattress works best for me, not sure if that would also be good for you--all of this is very individual. In addition i wear braces on my legs, ankles and knees. The support from the braces just could help you also---my friend who has the most pain in her hands wears the hand braces almost all the time. She has said she accomplishes better things better with that extra support.

About 50% of the population has or will have Arthitis, so we have plenty of company---i just really wish you the best--feel free to message me.

Linia

An occupational therapist can assist you with joint protection and pain management techniques - your doctor can refer you.

I've had arthritis since I was a teenager. A couple of things that help me are applied heat - like a 'magic bag' or heating pad. I sleep on a heated bed, and it makes a world of difference for me.

But I've noticed major improvements in my arthritis since I got more active. The more I use my body, the less it gets cramped up. Doing nothing for a few days, and I'm stiff, and sore and it's hard to move.

I cut out dairy and most grains. Also no sugar or substitutes, cept for agave nectar. All pain in my hands went away.

Hello Hawkeye.

I also have very painful arthritis in my hands (and now feet) which came on very suddenly 5 years ago. The pain is such that I stopped moving about enough and put on weight. If you haven't already, lease get referred to a Rheumatologist who can do a simple blood test and xray your hands. Then you may find out what you should be doing to help your hands. I would check this out now rather than keep taking Ibuprofenxx I have stopped drinking alcohol, stopped smoking and am eating much healthier. I feel this has helped.