Living with arthritis: How do you stay active?

@sueinmn

Sue, I did let my surgeon know. Her response was “really” and started talking about something else. She had given me no choice of who to see. I should have went with my gut feeling and insisted on going to the place I like to go for any kind of physical therapy. I gave the hand therapist a 2 star review. I haven't made a review for my surgeon yet. I think she is a good surgeon, but could be better in other ways. I have to think more on my wording for the review. I believe the trigger thumb was there before the cmc surgery.

The therapist had me at about 4 weeks trying to do the pinching motion. It was just too painful.

Good news. I did writing yesterday on some of my mama's old school photos. Through a facebook group I found someone who could give me names to about half the students and teachers. I wrote their names, county, and school name on the back of each photo. I only had some soreness. Wednesday of last week I could barely sign my name with a lot of pain to a form at my family doctor's office. I was really pleased at being able to write. I need to write a little bit each day.. should be good exercise.

Yes, Sue. Continue to progress as your body tells you. You are best judge of how much you can do. Pain is expected, but our bodies tell us when it is too much. I am glad you have awesome therapists.

ZeeGee

Hi, new to the group. I have issues with Cervical spondylitis. C1,2&3. Trying to avoid surgery by getting (non-impact adjustments) and massage therapy. Massage therapy helps but relief only lasts 2-3 days. The worst pain is caused by muscle spasms between my shoulder blades, of course I can't reach there. I use different creams and have found one that helps. Question: What type of cardio exercises do you suggest? Was running 2-3 miles 4 days a week, really want to keep moving.Thanks

Hi - Welcome to Mayo Connect. You will find a great community of people living with a variety of challenges, and learn how they cope. We are not health professionals, so we don't dispense medical advice, but rather share our own experiences.

I have osteoarthritis, with rigidity and some stenosis in my spine from top to bottom, and have tried a lot of ways to manage the pain and stiffness. I see a physical therapist whose training combines traditional therapy & osteopathic training. He works with me to find specific home exercise to mobilize my spine and the surrounding muscles. With arthritis, which presents itself differently in every body, the most important thing, as you have discovered, is to KEEP MOVING.

If massage therapy helps you, there are hand-held massagers, with or without heat that may help. Here's one example (have not tried this one - ours is no longer available) https://www.amazon.com/Percussion-Adjustable-Intensity-Interchangeable-Shoulders/dp/B008981SDI/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=handheld+massager&qid=1603128383&sr=8-9.
I also find pressure point therapy using a Muscle Hook helpful after I stretch my neck & shoulders - here is the Muscle hook, widely available on line : https://gofit.net/products/muscle-hook I specifically like this one for its versatility & stiffness.

When I had my first hip implant, and later when my spinal involvement was discovered, two different ortho docs were adamant - running, except on a cushioned treadmill, is not a good exercise for an arthritic body. I had been a regular jogger and runner for almost 40 years, so I was quite upset, but now after 15 years I am over it, except for an occasional game of tag with my grandkids. My current exercise is very fast walking or bicycling. Others find swimming to be a good exercise, but it's not for me, although I sometimes walk, jog & stretch in the pool. You just have to find what suits you and your life.

Sue

Want thoughts on osteoarthritis in knee and exercise, any recommendation on mini cycles for this

@bilton I was scheduled to have a TKR in February of 2014 due to having arthritis in my knee. At the very last minute, it was cancelled due to low platelets. From that point on I exercised a lot, a recumbent bike being a big part of my exercise. I was finally able to have the replacement done in October 2017. By that time my pain had decreased significantly and I was walking much better due to exercise that strengthened the supporting muscles. I had friends who thought I was crazy to go ahead with the TKR but I knew eventually it would get bad again so I did.

Other exercises I did were walking and pool jogging. It really was amazing how much the exercise helped. My orthopedic surgeon loves the recumbent bike, and water jogging for exercise, something I didn't even realize when I started doing them.

You really need to check with your doctor, I am not a medical person, just a patient who has been through that experience, but I suspect he will support you exercising. It's always possible that there is a reason for you to not do that and your doctor should know what is best for you.
JK

@bilton You are looking for information related to osteoarthritis in the knee and mini cycles.

You will notice I moved your question to a previous discussion. I did this so you could more quickly connect with members like @gps123 @trellg132 @bonnieh218 @jmb73 @sueinmn @johnbishop that have experience with this topic and may be able answer your question.

May I ask if a mini cycle is an indoor bike?

@bilton - Like @contentandwell I also had a TKR last year due to advanced degenerative arthritis. McMaster Optimal Aging Portal has some good information on osteoarthritis and exercise here:

Osteoarthritis and Exercise - Learn how to best manage osteoarthritis of the hip and knee with exercise. Reduce your symptoms and improve your mobility: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/e-learning/mobility

@bilton I would take a look at the exercises suggested by @johnbishop. As for the mini-cycles, many are intended for people who have been very sedentary, as a first step to getting some movement. Others are for cyclists trying to maintain fitness away from their bikes. You can find a review of several products here that describes each: https://cylanceprocycling.com/best-mini-exercise-bikes/
Sue

John, thank you for the link to McMaster.
Nancy Guy

There is only one exercise 'machine' I can use without extreme negative results. The recumbent stepper......I love it! I get a full body work-out, very comfortably, with no strain on any joints or body. I can not use the recumbent bicycle, as the circular motion will damage my hips and put me in bed in a lot ot pain for several days. The stepper doesn't do that. Just want to mention as a good option. Blessings and Merry Christmas to you all! Elixabeth