Osteoarthritis

I have got both Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (plus a few other conditions) but I am not "all bent over and in a wheelchair."

I am forced to eat a very restricted diet so take plenty of supplements to compensate, including vitamins and minerals known for improving bones and joints. I also do yoga stretches when I feel well enough to maintain flexibility.

The pain at the top of your thigh may be coming from your hip joint. Does it feel stiff/painful to lift that leg? I don't know what you mean by the "Knick leg" ... sorry.

Well done for losing 4 stone which must be a great help.

Sallywally1 - I too have right shoulder pain. It’s either arthritis or a trapped nerve. A few years ago, I saw a specialist and he recommended surgery, but I chickened out and said I would cope. And I did for all these years with occasional painkillers. But now, it’s becoming a bit bothersome. Having said that, it’s not affecting the quality of my life. I might go back to my GP. I’m scared of having anaesthesia, because I have lung problems . I think I’ll wait and see.

I’m 66 and seem to have arthritis in many joints. I live on various painkillers to be honest. I go without and suffer, so it’s very difficult. At least it keeps me mobile. I notice my posture is all wrong, I tend to lean forward when I walk, I wish I didn’t but seem to be unable to remain upright. I have the gnarled knuckles too. Pain in my hands can be unbearable especially when it’s cold. You have my sympathy.

I am not sure you can stop further degeneration, sorry. I also have osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, I take occasional painkillers if things start to bother me. I have had a shoulder joint replacement but you sound a long way from that. I think just taking general care of yourself and keep moving is about all you can do at present.

Sallywally1 your story could be my story, I'm the same age as you, lost the same amount of weight (it made no difference to the pain from my arthritic hip whatsoever) and put off surgery for the longest time because I felt that somehow if I was more active / if I exercised more / if I was fitter..... you get my drift?

A year ago I realised I had run out of road, there was nothing else to try. I was taking opiate painkillers,I walked with a dreadful rolling limp and couldn't lift my affected leg into bed. I saw an excellent surgeon who specialises in joint replacement and had a total hip replacement at the end of February. I now walk normally, my knee and foot are aligned once more and no more pain ( and no more painkillers!) I sleep really well once more. It has transformed my life.
Take a look at the hipsters thread on the health forum: we're now on our third one! There are links to the first and second ones and they are a mine of really good information and shared experience
👯‍♀️Hip & Knee Replacement #3 👯‍♀️

I have had osteoarthritis in both knees since I was 21. I will be 72 in a few weeks. My mobility has been limited for years in that I can’t kneel or squat down and my knee cartilage is non existent now. However I can walk perfectly well and now I no longer pound the pavements every day (we don’t have them here in the sticks, grass verges are much kinder!) or sit in one position for too long, I rarely have pain. Stairs are something I would rather not have but they help keep you fit. It is what it is and I’m much more fortunate than many. Don’t overthink the future - after 50 years of the creaking knees I don’t. It stops us enjoying today. Do keep exercising as much as you comfortably can and do keep your weight down. Losing four stone is a huge achievement and so helpful. Well done.

Knick leg meant to say knuckle. Blooming auto correct!

Thank you for your kind replies.

You should check if the hip/thigh pain is bursitis, as arthritis would show on an xray. If it is, physio and steroid injections should cure it.

Congratulations on reducing your weight.
You CAN slow down the progression of OA by daily exercise which will improve your joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. I go to a weekly osteofit class which is very beneficial (There are some on YouTube).
I walk my dog for 3/4 hr + twice a day and occasionally swim and cycle.
Hope that helps.

I take turmeric in the form of golden paste. If you’re taking up swimming see if there’s a sauna you can use. I find heat helps. And ice packs, too. I sleep with my hands on a hot water bottle.Even small exercises can help. Try to sleep in a comfortable position. Sleeping in the wrong way can make you very stiff the next day. My arthritis flares up and then improves. I did see an osteopath years ago and he was a great help. Try to avoid sugary food that causes inflammation. I was in tears a year or so ago because I couldn’t walk but a few months later I was walking again; arthritis does cause flare ups that then dies down. The great thing is that you’ve lost weight so you aren’t having the problem of struggling to lose weight because of the arthritis but being unable to because of the arthritis.

I had subacromial decompression surgery to tidy up my shoulder for the same reason as you. It was keyhole surgery , miraculous and made such a difference. Awaiting progress towards seeing an orthopaedic surgeon about my knee, which stops me doing much walking. I need a TKR. Only been waiting 2 years …

I have the same,very painful shoulders .spreading into my arms.very painful getting a coat or .anything with sleeves ona
It was really bad last night due to carrying shopping bags,and still painful this morning
3 weeks ago I had an X-ray for good ,as they are also very painful.mainly right side
I ramy for results and was told normal.,Whatever that meand.often asked me during the night when I turn over in bed
Wondering if it's worth going back to Drs about shoulders and arms

Forgot knees as well.this freezing weather doesn't help.
Sorry didn't finish first message

I've had both knees done. My spine has osteoarthritis, so I'm told. And now a strangely painful shoulder is driving me mad.
Plus fingers and thumbs... dratted nuisance.

CrazyH have you considered a block instead of GA, I'm waiting for surgery on both my hands and I intend having a nerve block, better all round.

Elless

CrazyH have you considered a block instead of GA, I'm waiting for surgery on both my hands and I intend having a nerve block, better all round.

I had a nerve block when my righthand knuckles were replaced 11 years ago. I didn't feel a thing. much better than a GA and certainly worth considering CrazyH

I have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Im 64 and not in a wheelchair.
My tips.
Exercise. Keep moving even if it hurts. I walk an hour every day and do pilates. I don't love pilates but it's most definitely good for me.
I don't believe special diets, supplements help anyone other than the vendor but eating healthy food and keeping your weight down is crucial. If you are in the overweight range of bmi work on it.

For very painful hands compression glives help.
See a proper physiotherapist before going down alternative routes. I have had some good advice and benefits from physio both paid privately and nhs.

Interesting thread.
Apart from sugar does anyone know of anything else dietary that could be helpful. I am currently taking collagen for my nails and really hoping this could also help as I’ve an awful lot of OA.

PM sent SallyWally1

crazyH

Sallywally1 - I too have right shoulder pain. It’s either arthritis or a trapped nerve. A few years ago, I saw a specialist and he recommended surgery, but I chickened out and said I would cope. And I did for all these years with occasional painkillers. But now, it’s becoming a bit bothersome. Having said that, it’s not affecting the quality of my life. I might go back to my GP. I’m scared of having anaesthesia, because I have lung problems . I think I’ll wait and see.

If you did opt for surgery the Anaethetist would examine you thoroughly and discuss the options with you before proceeding. Your lung condition will be in your medical notes and the surgical team will be fully aware. Please do not be afraid, you deserve a better quality of life and to be relatively pain free if possible.

So many people I know having shoulder problems just now.
I think the cold weather must make it worse
I have had a frozen shoulder twice and this pain feels like it did then.and dresding it happening again.as can only move my arm so far

Read up about Fennel seeds. Drink 3cups a day. It tastes nice and they claim you can lose weight too.
I am now having physio (for knee) and he's taking more care than any doctor I have seen. He gave a tip for a neighbour- place hands in warm water and jiggle fingers and wear heated gloves for driving.

I have osteoarthritis in my hips which I have lived with so far. I walk and swim. However, I am finding that driving for more than an hour is extremely painful. Not sure how to alleviate. I need to drive long distances to see my family.