Does anyone have arthritis on this forum? My doctor has said I have it in one of my knees after x-rays, but I'm not sure if that's all that I have. Because it's the knee that doesn't show the arthritis that is the most painful. His advice is "stop doing what is painful, take these anti-inflamitories, lose the weight and exercise." Gee thanks- jerk. (I don't have a high regard for the medical profession these days, it seems like they just want to medicate you and get you out of the office as quickly as possible instead of finding out exactly what the problem is.)
I've been looking arthritis up on the net and I don't have the swelling/redness. I have pain when moving. Sometimes it feels stiff and after I walk and warm up some the stiffness goes away and the pain gets better. I also have creakiness sometimes not all the time. Recently it's been painful to run so I let up on that for the last week and I'm doing more biking/walking. Which doesn't hurt so much.
So can you have arthritis without swelling/redness/puffiness?
It's a visicous circle, stop exersising to give it time to heal, then everything sort of freezes up. I feel like the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz before he got oiled.
Running is what was keeping the weight in check. When I run, I don't eat as much when I'm not running-not that I eat while I'm running It's easier to keep my mindless eating under control.
I have another appointment tomorrow to see my primary, I'm going to push to see a physical therapist.
Sarah - You might try to see a rheumatologist. My podiatrist referred me to one years ago because of some pain I was having and he was really good. I tested negative for arthritis and questionable on lupus. In the end, the pain went away on its own but he had the latest tests and was up to date on all the research.
I have arthritis and don't have either swelling or nredness... in fact, my syptoms sound very much like yours. The best exercise I found for my iknees is using the eliptical at the gym - I tried physical therapy,, but didn't find it at all helpful - so, after six weeks or so, I went back to the gym.
I know good old weight loss will help - - I saw a health segment on a news show and they said every # off is equal to 2# of pressure relieved from the knees.... it got me to return to the beach.
I also got some extra strong glucosamine chondritin capsules from Costco. It takes a month to start seeing a difference, but I'm popping 2-3 a day to start with and, after a onth, will go to one a day.
I went to my orthopedist a few weeks ago and he recommended water aerobics - if you have a pool nearby, it's worth a try. Running is probably not a good idea though - too jarring on the joints. Go for the elipptical - it's a great toner and energizer.
Sarah I don't have Arthritis (that I know of )
I do have cerebral Palsy and Fibromyalgia
I know pain it's not fun
I'd also see a physiatrist
PT is great for that Tinman feeling!
Bottom Line you need a specialist before I was diagnosed with Fibro I was on so many darn meds I was a pharmacy and my primary didn't know her arse from her elbow
Exercise wise Aqua Aerobics is also really good b/c it warms and loosens the surrounding muscles and is not jarring at all
Sarah I don't have Arthritis (that I know of )
I'd also see a physiatrist
PT is great for that Tinman feeling!
How funny, I was reading this and thought "I wonder what she meant to type." I thought it was a mispelling, until I did a google search and found out what it is. That's exactly what I need to find.
A physiatrist (fizz ee at' trist) is a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
I belong to an HMO and it's a hassle. I think during open season I'm switching to a PPO like Blue Cross. I'm tired of always having to see my primary before I see anyone else.
I have it and it's not in my head. Cortisone shot did dick all - I think I had 36 hours of relief from the freezing! Next step is a scope and removal of the floaters. I'm crossing my fingers that will help but know a knee replacement is ahead of me.
Arthur is not a good boyfriend when he comes to stay!
Arthiritis in my hands, feet, knees and shoulders...and I hate it all!!!
Definately a good idea to see a rheumatologist! I did much better when I could take anti inflmmatories..but unfortunately can not take them any longer due to my eye bleeds as they are also blood thinners.
Good luck!! Heat can help and water exercise is good as you don't put as much pressure on the joints!!!
I work for a rheumy and I also have osteo in my knees and elbows. I also have fibromyalgia.
There are literally dozens of different types of arthritis. You don't have to have redness and swelling. My joints don't get red or swollen, they just ache, hurt, itch and get stiff. Like you, the more I move the less they hurt.
Your doctor was right when he said to lose the weight and exercise. (I know, that doesn't mean he's not a jerk! ) Just don't do anything that makes you hurt worse. The BEST exercise for arthritics is swimming or water aerobics. If you don't have access to a pool, then walking or the eliptical is the next best.
It sounds like you don't want to take the meds, but the anti-inflammatories are your best bet for keeping the pain to a minimum. And even though they're not exactly "legal" on SBD, esp. p1, I'm a big advocate for cherries. Just 6 to 8 a day seem to help with the pain.
Also, take the glucosamine and chondroitin. It will help. You probably won't notice it, but if you stop, you'll definitely notice an increase in your discomfort.
Drink lots of water b/c it helps keep the joints lubricated.
Oh good - I adore cherries, especially Raniers! I was afraid something had changed since the list I have came out (not sure when that was - it was on some l-c forum or something, someone had gotten it direct from the official SBD website).
I made my appointment to see the doctor and it's like magic, the pain is almost gone. It annoys me so much that just making the appointment does that...that's why I always put it off because this always happens. I even went running last night with my group, thinking..."dog gone it, I'm still going to go to the doctor and this will help it still hurt by Thursday morning"...but it didn't work, they aren't that bad anymore.
I'm thinking it's a combination of arthritis, a little runners knee and maybe an IT band problem, which most can be fixed by proper exercises that strengthen the opposing muscles that running doesn't do anything for. We had a physical therapist come talk to our group last week when my pain first started and we talked. Unfortunately she's not covered on my insurance plan so I have to find someone else.
Sarah
osteoarthitis-who has it?
It's easier to keep my mindless eating under control. 
