What are some ways to loosen up a stiff knee(arthritis)?I am 14 and have RA in my left knee. It's been really really achy and stiff, and I know I need to bend it out and stretch it. I'm just too chicken-sh!t to start.
How can I loosen it up before exercising?
(riding my bike)
- RedQueen
Heather, I also have RA. I strongly suggest that, before you even think of using glucosamine and/or chondroitin, you discuss their safety with your doctor. I know it's safe for people with osteoarthritis to use, but my rheumatologist says that it's not usually recommended for use in patients with RA. Something to do with an excessive amount of synovial fluid being produced, resulting in increased pain and inflammation.
If your leg has been especially achy and stiff, you are probably in a flare and should rest your joint until the flare subsides. Knowing how difficult this is to do, I'd recommend icing the knee, or using warm compresses. Personally, I'm bothered by the chill of ice, and prefer using a heating pad. My sister, who also has RA, reacts better to ice than she does to warm compresses. You'll need to see what works for you.
Some people might suggest that you try a topical ointment that contains capsaicin. This is reported to be very beneficial for many RA sufferers, however, I find it bothers me. My sister swears by it. Again, do what works for you.
From my own personal experiences with RA, when I have a stiff, painful joint, I do very gentle flexing to increase range of motion. Only a few gentle flexes, gradually increasing each day. If this causes you more pain, stop immediately and rest your joint.
Due to your young age, I'd really hope that, rather than take the advice of anyone here, you speak with your doctor. He/she is the expert, and can best guide you through exercises and treatments that will be most beneficial to your specific situation.
Perhaps your doctor could recommend a physical therapist, or prescribe braces to ease the stress on your joints. If you have access to a heated pool, swimming would do wonders to ease your pain and stiffness. You would get the same benefits from a warm bath.
I'm going to assume that you have been prescribed medications to slow your disease and lessen your discomfort. A call to your doctor may result in a temporary increase in dosages, or some new prescription medications. When I am in a flare, I find that a temporary increase in the amount of prednisone I take greatly reduces my discomfort. Again, this is something that you must discuss with your doctor before attempting.
Following are some links to various articles on juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and a link to the Arthritis Foundation's website. Good luck to you, Heather. I hope you are feeling better soon.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/arthritis/jra.html
http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/bones/juv_rheumatoid_arthritis.html
http://arthritis.about.com/od/jra/Juvenile_Arthritis_Cause_Diagnosis_Symptoms_Treatment.htm
http://www.arthritis.org/
EDIT: I see the person who was peddling glucosamine to you has deleted his answer. Good. I did some research last night and found that it is not proven safe for children, pregnant and nursing women, those with diabetes, allergies to shellfish, asthmatics, and people with heart disease. He was irresponsible for suggesting it to you.
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