Under 40 with arthritis (knees)

[Anonymous]

I had been having trouble with one knee in particular and finally went to see my orthopaedist and he diagnosed arthritis. It seems to have come on pretty quickly and I'm in my late 30s. Anyone else have this? All of a sudden it is difficult to kneel, get on the floor with my kids, climb the stairs in my house, and do some of the physical activities I enjoy. My doctor said to stay active but it is pretty hard to motivate when everything hurts.

[Anonymous]

My sympathies, I've had torn up knees and been unable to kneel since I was about 25 (33 yrs. ago).

Try to do as much non-pounding exercise as you can: cross-trainers, swimming, exercises to build your quads (your shock absorbers). I'm lucky I've forestalled the arthritis and the knee replacement I was told I'd need by age 55 (when I was 25) won't be needed for several more yrs. I hope but you may be a bit ahead of my pace of advancing arthritis.

Consider seeing a physiatrist who may (?) be able to help with some exercises and recommendations.

I don't know that glucosamine & chondroitin does anything, the data are very iffy. SynVisc has helped friends of mine but they were in even worse shape than me (pain restricting daily activities). You're too young, I hope, to need that yet.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

OP here...thanks for your post. I do like swimming and also bought an exercise bike last year when it was recommended for my knee trouble (although arthritis was not diagnosed a year ago...) so I guess I will try to increase those activities. Deep sigh. I'm not overweight by any means but he did say I would feel better with less to carry so I guess I need to start thinking about losing those 10 lbs I picked up after my second child was born...

[Anonymous]

I'm 40 and recently experienced the whole difficulty kneeling and having trouble getting back up. I ended up in pain for a week getting up wrong?!

I had knee issues on and off since I was a kid from basketball-jumper's knee, but only lately does it come back often. Plus my other knee has issues now thjat are different. I try to avoid jumping, but sometimes I get so high on endorphins during zumba class I forget and then I pay for it later that day. Haven't gotten my knees checked out in a long time, but did get back checked out over 10 years ago and I have arthritis. I have been careful so it has not been a huge issue.

[Anonymous]

I hit post too soon...22:01 here. Wanted to say I do think there is something to an anti-inflammatory diet. Even if it doesn't end up helping the pain, it's great for your overall health.

Also, I find if I go too long without getting new workout shoes or new orthotics I have more issues with my knees.

[Anonymous]

I was diagnosed with knee arthritis at age 40. I've been very active most of my life. A couple years ago, I switched to low hot yoga. Unfortunately, my knee got worse. I haven't done anything except walking for the past year and haven't had any pain. Rest rest rest.