Sit to stand pain!

Posted by kneenee @kneenee, Feb 17 7:18pm

Sitting awesome because no pain, but get up start walking ouch groin, hip, knees pain...hate walking but I know "motion is lotion"! Yes some arthritis, 2 year old right knee replacement, trochantic hip bursa... probably overweight causing all the up and walking pain? Knee surgeon said Celebrex, but I don't like meds as they can cause other issues. I need weight loss!

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jackiet | @jackiet | Feb 18 7:40am

In addition to weight loss you might want to get an MRI of your spine to see if stenosis is causing some of your pain. Stenosis can then be treated with a procedure called Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (M.I.L.D.). It has helped me.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 18 8:47am

@kneenee I'm glad that you understand "motion is lotion" because sitting not only causes everything to stiffen up, it is literally BAD for you. I completely understand the reluctance to move when it hurts, I've been there and back. It has taken years to understand my body but I'm finally getting it. Just don't jump into a diet or an exercise program that will fail in a week, start really small. (I made a few suggestions below.)

Weight loss -
If you need to lose weight, there are a lot of diet and exercise plans out there, but if you are in a lot of pain you are unlikely to keep going on them.
What you probably need is a jump start. First a physical to confirm nothing life-threatening is going on, then an eating plan (not a diet) that you can live with, and finally a "get moving" plan.
If your insurance covers it, a nutritionist can help you a food plan than can work for you and your body.

Movement plan -
First, don't think about how you hurt, think about how great it will be to live again.

To get moving, look up some very simple stretches online. Do them in the morning before you get out of bed. You will be amazed how much better you feel if you work out some of the stiffness before you even stand up.

The next step - some chair exercise - it sounds silly but it works. Again find a simple routine on line and try it. If the first one isn't for you, try others until you find one. (Do these in a firm kitchen chair, no wheels, not in your easy chair or recliner.)

Third - get on your feet EVERY HOUR. Set a timer if you must. Walk around and do some mild stretches, do a few chores, go outdoors and walk around.

See if you can get a referral to a rehabilitation physical therapist to set up a progressive plan for you, with weekly or biweekly check-ins to monitor your progress.

Good luck - talking to the kind people here is a good start.