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What tips and advice would you give to heal and/or prevent some of the pain and problems that come about? My sister is in physical therapy now due to sciatica and arthritis in her back and knee. So I've been wondering how others cope. And, of course, selfishly I want to avoid the same problems. I'd like to hear about experiences, experiments, meds, supplements, exercises, etc. All contributions are welcome.
Just wanted to add that I am also searching other threads for tips.
OP: I'll add some things I use, but I'll do it in pieces as I'm tired sitting at computer now.
I'm 79 and a lifetime of advancing OA. If money were no object and I was NOT too chronic with issues, I would go to PRP/Stem Cells injections. There are links to check these out so I won't post one line. These injections CAN keep people from surgeries.
I've done so much and went thru a hip replacement in 2010 and live with 3 nasty complications. Since that surgery my body is very unstable.
Again degrees make a difference. A good friend had 3-4 dextrose prolo injections to one of her knees and she's doing great, she will be 60.
Her husband went thru a broken back accident and went to the same doctor who did my friend's dextrose prolo injections to her knee and she said it's helped him a lot for his back. She's really sold on this rheumy who does the dextrose prolo work.
I believe surgeries should be LAST RESORT.
Carrying extra weight around does not help the joints. I have two friends now who have hip and or back issues and they are "considering" going to the PRP/Stem Cell doctor and both have extra weight on their bodies. They would see him for at least a consultation, both these women have surgery fears.
Doing strengthening exercises and stretches help a lot. Chiro work helps too and I did that for many years. I'll add more later.
Last edited by jaminhealth; 08-23-2017 at 02:28 PM..
Be careful about your shoe types - use comfortable running shoes according to a PT lecture I attended Monday. Don't cheap out on the type of shoes you buy. Usually you get what you pay for.
Be careful about where you walk, and how you walk. Level terrain is important. Softer, better. Avoid hazardous terrain - twisting knees, hips, fall. Sidewalks can be tilted and cause chronic problems if you're not balancing out walking where both hips/knees get equal terrain.
Work on your balance. There are specialists who test balance as well as provide group classes to prevent falls. (Falls=Fractured hips and arms in elderly).
Get tested for osteoporosis. Take supplements per your MD/Healthcare provider's recommendations.
Keep strong in your lower extremities. Muscles above and below the joint (knee) keep the knee healthier according to the lecture I attended.
Daily anti-inflammatory medication, such as Meloxicam or Celebrex
Exam for osteoporosis, meds for that, if indicated
Weight loss, dump junk food and excess sugar, both linked to inflammation
Walking as main form of exercise. Work it into your day, get out of a sitting position
Inversion table for stretching joints, using simple gravity
These are great suggestions. I am planning to get an inversion table soon. My shoes are the cute crap that women wear and I know it's not good long term. I will research and mention the injections to my sister. Maybe she can be the guinea pig just in case I need that later on... lol I've been keeping the weight in check and need to start looking into supplements for preventive measures.
These are great suggestions. I am planning to get an inversion table soon. My shoes are the cute crap that women wear and I know it's not good long term. I will research and mention the injections to my sister. Maybe she can be the guinea pig just in case I need that later on... lol I've been keeping the weight in check and need to start looking into supplements for preventive measures.
We all love the cute girly shoes, but our body doesn't. Of course mild meds help some, good walking shoes for sure help and yes. losing weight. Too many of us, certainly me, do not keep out weight under control enough.
As for preventive measures, there are those thing suggested but when age sets in, there is only so much that can be done. Shots are something that many of us face sooner or later and eventually surgery. But the surgery, other than being painful is so much simpler that years ago. I read an article yesterday on the new theory about actually do knew replacement as out patient surgery. Yep, it is being used when the patient is in excellent health, a bit younger and other criteria met.
Yoga
Pilates
Weight loss
Walking
Invest in good, supportive shoes
PT was a waste of time/money for me. PT made it worse because all it does is target the problem area. And the problem area is the RESULT of other issues, body misalignment, poor muscle tone, inflexibilty, overweight, etc. PT will never resolve the original issue that caused the problem. The other modalities I mentioned will. They will get the body into proper alignment, add strength, flexibilty, etc.
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