Arthritis in the current damp weather.

[Red9zero]

Anyone else struggling in the current, permanently damp weather ? I got arthritis in my knees in my early twenties, and have had a few arthriscopies over the years, and normally get the odd twinge if it's cold and damp, or they occasionally give way slightly, but just lately I am getting some proper aches in both legs. Heat pads do help, and I am still trying to keep up gentle exercise, but at this rate I will be moving to sunnier climes !

[bigpriest]

It's a myth isn't it? Arthritis still affects people in warmer, dryer climates. I don't have an answer but you need less inflammation and more fluid to oil the joints.

[Red9zero]

bigpriest said:

It's a myth isn't it? Arthritis still affects people in warmer, dryer climates. I don't have an answer but you need less inflammation and more fluid to oil the joints.

I did wonder if it is just in your head sometimes, but I do notice the difference. It doesn't help that we have a small dog, so am always out walking in the rain lately.
Agreed about the warmer weather though. I am OK up to about 30 degrees, as I can walk for miles at Le Mans without too much trouble, but I worked in Cyprus for a while when it was pushing 40 and that was definitely noticeable.

[Bluevanman]

The best exercise for arthritic knees isn't walking it's cycling,get yourself an exercise bike and do 30 minutes a few time a week.
Also try and strengthen the muscles around the knees by doing squats

[Red9zero]

Bluevanman said:

The best exercise for arthritic knees isn't walking it's cycling,get yourself an exercise bike and do 30 minutes a few time a week.
Also try and strengthen the muscles around the knees by doing squats

Never been able to get on with cycling since my knees first went. Shame as I used to cycle for miles before. I have my annual check up in the week, so I will ask about squats and any other exercises they think might help. I am having problems with low iron levels at the moment too, which probably isn't helping.