I have not been very active on this group in a long time. I am a chronic pain sufferer of osteoarthritis in both knees and arthritis in my right ankle. I have had reconstructive surgery in my ankle and surgery on each knee for torn meniscus. I also have chronic migraines and am a survivor of MTBI in an auto accident three years ago. I have suffered from major inflammation and burning in my knees over the past several years. This year I made some major changes to my diet. As of August 31, 2014, I started a detox using a product called ClearVite (no I'm not here to advertise this product --- you can do your own research). I starting working with a chiropractor getting adjustments and stimulation from a massage chair to help with neck and back pain. Here are some things I have done that have greatly contributed to the reduction of burning inflammation in my body and thereby helped to reduce pain in my knees and ankle as well as a great amount of weight loss: 1. I cut out gluten. This has been HUGE!! I would wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat due to the heat coming off my burning inflamed knees. I always felt like someone poured kerosine on my knees. I know I have gluten intolerance because I added gluten back in for two weeks over the Christmas holiday and in a matter of a couple of days I was in agony. 2. I cut out dairy. This also has helped immensely. I did the same experiment over Christmas and added the dairy back in and I felt bloated, miserable, achy. 3. I cut out coffee. I adore coffee. It used to be the very first thing I consumed in the morning. Taking the acid out of my diet has also helped tremendously. I have basically cut out caffeine all together except for the occasional piece of dark chocolate. I drink herbal, caffeine free hot tea with almond milk or rice milk. Yes, I use the word "milk" liberally. I think it's properly called "drink." 4. I cut out pork and red meat. Boy has my digestive system thanked me for that! Again, the bloating, pain, inflammation has been reduced. 5. I started adding Vitamin D. I had lab work done at the order of my chiropractor and was astounded by how low my Vitamin D level was. Adding the Vitamin D has helped with my immune system and reduce pain. I've also added something called MCT oil. Additionally, I try to consume ginger, cinnamon, peppermint capsules; other things known to help with pain, inflammation and digestion. 6. I cut out ALL soda! I haven't had a soda since August 31, 2014, and don't plan to resume. I drink plenty of water every day to hydrate my joints. I actually crave water and make it my drink of choice. I do occasionally enjoy fruit juice in limited amounts.
By reducing the pain, I was able to move more and by going to the local YMCA and walking in my neighborhood I shed over 40 lbs. as of mid December. I gained 6 pounds by adding all that stuff back in for two weeks while vacationing for Christmas. Needless to say, I got back on track.
Bottom line...it's hard to exercise when you are in pain. Pain precipitates depression, anxiety, overall dissatisfaction with life. By moving more, I've shed weight off my knees. The American Arthritis Foundation cites, through research, that for every one pound you lose, it is like four pounds of pressure off your knees. So, 40 pounds would be, YES, 160 pounds of pressure off my knees.
I am a psychotherapist and I work with many chronic pain sufferers. I understand the cycle of pain and how we get in unhealthy patterns. I have a lot of compassion and empathy for anyone trying to navigate life while in constant discomfort.
I hope you will reach out to me if you are needing a word of encouragement. It really is important to take it one day at a time and be good to yourself by scrutinizing the food and liquids you put in your body.
My next purchase will be a Vitamix (again not selling this product---just what I am doing ---there are other products). I LOVE juicing and it is such a great way to get all the power-packed nutrients of fruits and vegetables in a drink. I hate kale! But, I find I can have it in a smoothie and never know the difference.
I wish each of you success and pain relief!
- Julie

OP. That knee going sucks. When I started MFP I was not able to do any exercise at all but decided I still needed to loss the weight any way I could .... Watching what I ate. As I neared my goal I was starting to do walking and upper body workouts. Then 3 weeks into maintenance I fractured my foot. Crap! I was sooo determined that this would be one injury that would not result in a weight gain and I succeeded! On You Tube, there are several sitting workouts and I did do those. The one recommended to me was: http://youtu.be/gghRn_Dkiuo and I really liked that one.
I hope you knee surgery goes well.

Gosh do I qualify! I wish I didn't have to but oh how life throws lemons! RA, mixed OA, DDD, Heriated disk, military neck, thyroid disease, gall stone, migraines and it all started with Endometriosis. I'm only 49. Don't feel sorry for me though. With great tribulation comes experience which fosters faith and in faith there is always hope!! Trying biological DMARDS now. Keeping my fingers crossed and dreaming of a happy future. Still need to lose 50lbs but would be ecstatic over 30! Lemonade anyone?

I am the same.. Osteoarthritis in both knees for the last 20 years In physical therapy, which has helps the right knee a lot, but not the left. I am still trying to avoid surgery, hence the new try at losing weight (current 249lbs)

This is a GREAT tip. Thanks you . Even short walks kill my knees, so I am going to try this. Thanks!

bvifun wrote: »

OP. That knee going sucks. When I started MFP I was not able to do any exercise at all but decided I still needed to loss the weight any way I could .... Watching what I ate. As I neared my goal I was starting to do walking and upper body workouts. Then 3 weeks into maintenance I fractured my foot. Crap! I was sooo determined that this would be one injury that would not result in a weight gain and I succeeded! On You Tube, there are several sitting workouts and I did do those. The one recommended to me was: http://youtu.be/gghRn_Dkiuo and I really liked that one.
I hope you knee surgery goes well.

Looks like we are all in the same situation. Pain and inability to exercise much. This is my problem. I need to lose weight to have a better quality of life. Add me as a friend if you want to share the journey and the good and bad days. Talking always helps.