Walking with osteo-arthritis

[Kiwi-family]

I'm guessing there are more than a few here with this experience. What problems does it cause? What limitations are there? What do you need to be especially aware of?
Thanks

 

[Annie G]

No matter what anyone says, I'm taking my OA with me.

 

[Kanga]

Last time I walked, 2 years ago, arthritis was an issue for me, compounded by my stupidity in not packing my prescription medication. My toes and fingers were quite deformed.

Getting started was the worst. I seemed fine once the body had warmed up and everything was moving, but after stopping it was always hard to get going again. All my joints would ache, paricularly hips. Getting out of bed in the morning was very slow and painful. Hobbling for the first half hour was normal.

The good thing was that over-the-counter pain killers seem available without prescription in Spain in much stronger doses than in Australia (and I presume NZ).

I changed my diet six months ago in order to lose some weight and a side effect is that I am now off the medication and pain free. And no, I'm not about to preach about the diet - it is weird and will probably kill me.

 

[Kanga]

@Annie G lol!

 

[Annie G]

Okay, my interest is peaked. Must know what this diet is all about and can I follow it on the Camino.

 

[Kanga]

@Annie G no sugar and no grains. I have no idea if the beneficial effect is from one or the other or from something completely different. Or even just because I've lost weight. But something has made a real difference. I'm not planning to stay rigidly on it on camino - given that I'm nearly down to my ideal weight. If the arthritis comes back once I start eating "normally" again, then I'll know it's the diet.

 

[William Garza]

Kanga
I can sympathise,empathise and otherwise relate to the movement issues.
I warm up n go,but wear out and sit cool down the rise slowly..
Good luck to you and your walks!

 

[gerardcarey]

Anti-inflammatories for OA.
Everyday since 1979.
I'm a drug lover - Voltaren at the moment.
On Camino I take one 50gram tab with 500mls of water as soon as I get out of bed, quickly followed by something to eat. Takes about 30 mins til I feel it working which is generally about when I start walking for the day.
It would be impossible for me to walk the Camino without amflams.
I have no hesitation in taking another if I feel particularly sore when walking is over for the day although this seldom happens.
Regds & best of luck to a creaky cobber
Gerard

 

[Annie G]

@Annie G no sugar and no grains. I have no idea if the beneficial effect is from one or the other or from something completely different. Or even just because I've lost weight. But something has made a real difference. I'm not planning to stay rigidly on it on camino - given that I'm nearly down to my ideal weight. If the arthritis comes back once I start eating "normally" again, then I'll know it's the diet.

Already gluten free for two years. Haven't given up the sugar though. Bummer. Might just put up with the pain.