Arthritis

[hellywelly4]

I've got arthritis in my hip and knee (Same side). It's been really bad today. Is it anything to do with the fact that it's been extremely wet here today. I've heard that a lot of people go abroad for the winter because it's warmer and it helps with arthritis. Is that just an old wives' tale? I had a steroid injection in my knee 3 weeks ago tomorrow and it has helped a bit but I'm still struggling. Any thoughts about anything that might help? I  can't take ibuprofen because it will affect my kidneys according to the doctor. My knee pops and cracks like mad as well but it doesn't hurt.

Helpful comments really appreciated. 

[jourdain2]

Join the club, helly.  No, it's not an old wive's tale - my bones hurt in cold plus damp far more than just in cold (though they hurt then) - we have to keep the house at about 21C in Winter, sometimes more, depending on the weather.

Yes, people go abroad to help with it - Malta often, or they used to.

I really wish I could help, apart from confirming your post.  When things really seize up - I see a private physio/osteo, but it costs and I can't afford to do it too often. There are other things that help - but they cost too.

I do wonder about a sun-lamp.  If anyone knows if this is wort it, I, too would like to know.  You have my sympathies.

[hellywelly4]

Thank you Jourdain. That is really reassuring. I've been seeing a physio privately and she has helped, She charges £40 an hour and comes to me.  She recommended a wheat pad to put on the knee and hip and that has helped too.

i never thought about a heat lamp - will have 'a google'.

[nicebloke1]

You can buy heat pads, pads that you heat up in the microwave. Helps a little at times when it gets really bad

[Buenchico]

Most studies seem to suggest that there is some sort of a connection between the weather and arthritic pain:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10120534/

However some critics of those studies suggest that the connection isn't actually a direct one.  e.g. 

>>> Dr. Starz, a clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine . . .  doesn’t deny an association between weather and pain, but he says it’s unlikely to be a direct connection.

“These are multifactorial issues, and it is hard to separate one from another,” he says. For example, for some people, stretches of cloudy days may lead to low mood, which may cause them to dwell more on pain. Or on windy, rainy days people may stay in and be less active, which can exacerbate pain and stiffness" <<<

Source:
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/understanding-pain/weather-arthritis-connection

See also:
https://nras.org.uk/resource/can-you-feel-the-weather-in-your-joints/

[pastafreak]

My knees give me grief when I eat too much sugary things or wheat. Last weekend I had pizza, and I had a lot if sweets during the preceding days. My knees were hurting a lot until this past Friday. Some foods are said to be inflammatory...but not necessarily the same for all people. Can include grains, sugar, dairy.

Might be worth looking at diet.

[Canary42]

I wonder if Dr Starz suffers from arthritis - probably not, otherwise he might change his somewhat loony views.

[nicebloke1]

You may instantly dismiss this idea but think again. A bog standard exercise bike to have at home. Have it on a low setting and just take it slow, its ideal exercise to have thoughout the winter months when you cant get out. I use one every other day at home to keep a reasonable level of fitness along with a few streaching exercises. I do it because some of my joints can become very stiff. During the summer months and part of the Autum due to sitting fishing for long periods. It does help me. You dont get knocked off your bike by a lorry or hit any pot holes at home. :0))))

[Hopkirk]

Probably not an option for you, but I wonder if the warmth of a sauna or steam room might help.

[Old_Geezer]

I've occasionally toyed with the idea of having gym equipment at home. It might encourage me to exercise since I'm no longer enthused with gym memberships and travelling to and from them. (Haven't been for years; decades even.) The problem is lack of space. I need one wing of a country mansion to house all the stuff in all the rooms I'd ideally like. And the lottery isn't playing ball.

[nicebloke1]

A bike is all you need OG maybe 2x dumbells around 3k each to keep a little action in the forarms job done my friend.

[hellywelly4]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm going to get a pedal exerciser. You sit on a chair and pedal on this small machine. My physio brought one round to my home last week for me to try and it was good. She said it will strengthen my muscles by using it. 

[nicebloke1]

Yep, that will do, take it slow and easy dont try and win any races. :0)

[sandyRoe]

I've been told to use an ice pack for hip pain.  It offers some relief.

I see mention if heat pads.  Which is best?

[naomi24]

As I understand it heat causes the joints to swell - hence more pain - whereas ice reduces swelling.  Damp weather, however, is bad news for sufferers.

[hellywelly4]

I've been told you can use hot or cold, use whichever suits you best. I like the heat.

[MargoTester]

I've just got back from my doctor as,like you I have arthritis in knees and already have a replacement hip. He's suggested taking a low dose of codeine with paracetamol for the pain - I can't take ibuprofen either -and referred me back to muscular skeletal services

[hellywelly4]

What dose of codeine Margo?

[MargoTester]

15 mg Helly. I have a real aversion to taking codeine, silly I know and I only took for a couple of days after hip op but that was a much higher dose. So I'll try it and see how I get on because I'm fed up with being in such pain and struggling to walk . I'll let you know how I get on

[hellywelly4]

I'm like you. If the codeine is too strong it doesn't suit me.I do take one  Co-codamol tablet which is 8 mg together with one paracetamol at night and sleep really well. I know it's probably psychological but it works for me. I would have to ask the doctor to prescribe codeine 15mg so will ring the surgery and see what they say. Watch this space!

 

 

[douglas9401]

Those from warmer climes seem to stay mobile for longer and I know the boss benefits from trips abroad, easing her aches and pains from about day two.

Not scientific but observable improvement.