help for achy joints...

C

Calee

Cathlete
I know I've seen many threads about this but haven't done a search yet to find them. My issue is that after ANY type of workout my knees and hips feel like I'm ninety years old! I've been experimenting with lower impact, no running, shallower squats, you name it. I also take a glucosamine/condroitin supplement.
In the past I've put my body through the ringer with sports and as a result have had knee surgeries to remove damage and tearing. I don't want to have to give up being active and turn into a couch potato just because it bothers my joints to exercise. Any suggestions I'm not thinking of?
 
I was totally going to bring up the shoe/othotics thing. After going through several months of workout injuries including sprained ankles, constant pain so bad I couldn't get comfortable at night, etc., I finally went to a foot and ankle specialist who used the more high-tech -stepping/walking on a pad that shows an infrared view of your footsie pressure points- method and ordered full-length orthotics. It has made a WORLD of difference in EVERY activity.

I wear my shoes with the orthotics most of the day. My feet are basically spoiled. I find that if I don't wear the orthotics for a majority of the day, my back, legs, hips, neck, hair!! :p ache quite badly!! I now wouldn't even conceive of walking, hiking, working out or even shopping without them!! Too risky!

I'm not a big fan of taking Tylenol, Ibuprofin, Aleve on a regular basis because pain is your body trying to tell you something. I know without a doubt that I wouldn't had to endure such constant and often times debilitating pain had I gotten my orthotics sooner. It's such a downer for avid exercisers to be "benched" due to injury or illness. Promise you will get your feet looked at by a professional. My insurance didn't cover the orthotics, but I figure it's MUCH cheaper than long term disability or worse, surgery. I had to even go so far as to have an MRI on my ankle to make sure it wasn't something more severe or deeper.

Have you tried Cinnamon capsules? Good for inflammation reduction. Also, the Omega's (Flax, fish and Borage) are good as well. Also, hot baths with good epsom salts and Sports Therapy Bath salts relax the body. I am a big fan of ZMA (Zinc, Magnesium) at bed-time.

Pinky swear you will see a specialist!! Your body and spirit will thank you for it!! :D

Pam
 
Try icing your knees for 20 minutes after workouts, to reduce swelling which can cause pain (you can buy something called "Peas" wraps at CVS that are specifically for knees, and have velcro attachments so you don't have to hold them on. They are filled with little pea-sized gel balls that freeze).

Compression pants (capris would cover the areas you are having problems in) might help. I haven't used them myself (though I just got a pair of CW-X shorts to wear while doing my more intense speed walk), but they sound like they could be beneficial for supporting the muscles and thus the joints.
 
Hmm, thanks ladies. I'll keep up with my glucosamine/condroitin I think and add at least the omegas since they'll be good for me regardless. When I used to run I would replace my shoes every 300ish miles. How often should I replace my indoor workout shoes? I thought I had good enough support but maybe not.
Kathryn I'll look for the pea packs, sounds like an easy way to start icing too. I hope some of this helps!
 
My body tells me when it's time for new shoes. When things start hurting I get new shoes. (Hmmm...maybe I should replace my shoes BEFORE my body starts to hurt.:eek:)

Good luck!!
 
Are you stretching? I have had an ACL reconstruction and have IT Band syndrome, as well as minor arthritis in both knees. If I don't stretch for 15 minutes every single day, and use my foam roller on my IT bands, I get nasty knee, hip and lower back pain. Yoga has also been a lifesaver for me. As long as I do these things I feel great.

Stebby
 
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