OUCH! That hurts!
By MsTickle
@MsTickle (25180)
Australia
January 19, 2008 3:50pm CST
Okay, I'm overweight. I know to lose weight I need to control what I eat and exercise. Because of my weight and osteo arthritis my knees are painful. So is my middle lower back. I'm unable to get down and do floor exercises and stuff like that but I've always enjoyed walking. It's so easy to find an excuse not to walk...the heat, the flies, the cold, the footpaths here are cracked and damaged and it's mostly dirt roads and I'm not as steady on my feet as I once was.
So, I have bought a treadmill.
I started last December and have worked my way up to just over 2 kilometres every day in half an hour. I do this first thing in the morning after feeding the animals and a cuppa.
On Thursday last, I did my walk as usual but as the day progressed I was feeling more and more unwell. My back was getting really stiff and painful, same with my knees and I was feeling generally unwell. I barely slept that night as the pain in my back on the left side was really bad, whenever I moved to turn over or straighten a leg it would bite me hard enough to make me cry out.
Friday, I had a dreadful headache, was sore and achy all over in joints and muscles and was running a temp off and on. I didn't do my walk that day but instead tried to rest and sleep. I started to feel better Friday afternoon. I was thinking I must have had a 24 hour bug. On Saturday morning (yesterday) when I attenpted to do my usual walk I was in pain and a good deal of discomfort with increasing twinges and aches in my left lower back. As I increased my speed so my aches and pains increased, I slowed down and only managed 15 minutes. I was intending to make up the time later in the day but my back pain is still there. It's now Sunday. I've taken my glucosamine as usual, even taken an extra one and I've taken some 500mg paracetamol but for some reason the pain is staying put. It is constant but seems to flare up and die down when I'm moving about.
My doctor is 3 hours away and the roads out of town are closed due to lots rain.
I'm really missing my walking and don't particularly want to give up on it as the treadmill cost a small fortune and it's basically the only real exercise I can do.
I'm hoping someone knowledgeable or experienced in this sort of thing can help me with advice or information please.
3 people like this
14 responses
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
19 Jan 08
Give yourself a few days rest from the treadmill. It sounds like you are having muscle spasms. Here are some things that you can do that should help. Use heat or cold on your back, whichever feels better. I like the heat when my back kicks up. Also if you have any muscle rub, you can use that. Caution do not use that close to the time of using heat on your back, before or after. When sleeping, if yiu sleep on your side, legs bent, hips and knees, also put a pillow between your knees, that helps relieve pressure on you back. If you sleep on your back, put a pillow up under your knees or roll up a blanket and put that under your knees. Don't give up on the treadmill, just take a rest from it, so your back can get better. Good luck and I hope you feel better.
1 person likes this
@ShardAerliss (1488)
•
19 Jan 08
Yes, I agree with Polly; sounds like you've over done it.
I'd also advise taking glucosamine supplements and some sort of joint oil. I used flax oil (and until 3 months ago I absolutely could NOT 'lift at the knees' and it was beginning to ruin my back) and have no problem with my joints anymore. I am no onger taking supplements, the damage was fixed. However that is because I am still young (ish; 25) and generally fit and healthy.
Anyway try it and see.
Good luck with it all!
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
20 Jan 08
I do take glucosamine ShardAerliss but didn't know about joint oil. Where do I obtain something like that from? I've been taking glucosamine for a couple of years now but I haven't regained the use of my knees. I no longer get fluid on them however and they don't hurt like they used to. But I cannot run and need to support myself on stairs. Since I began walking, I'm actually finding it easier to get in and out of chairs. I'm thrilled about that. My knees are hurting again these last couple of days since not using the treadmill :(
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
20 Jan 08
I'd recommend ice on the painful hours, fifteen minutes at a time. And only do stretching exercise - gently - to keep the fluids flowing to your joints. And as soon as you can get to the doctor, check to see if you have injured/sprained/strained something.
After spending months of treating pain in my back and hip I finally went for x-rays and discovered that I had a compression fracture in the lumbar region of my spine. Now, after eight weeks of physical therapy I am much better. I take half or less of the pain meds I did take.
Take care of yourself. It's the only body you have!
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
22 Jan 08
I have a difficult time communicating with doctors. They don't seem interested in my problems. I had a severe inguinal hernia that went undiagnosed for nearly 7 years. I finally had to tell the doctor what I thought was wrong with me. Last time I told my doctor about my back pain he gave me floor exercises to do. I can't get on the floor! If I do, I can't lie on my back and getting up again is really difficult because my knees don't work.
1 person likes this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
22 Jan 08
Tell the doctor that the floor exercises cause you pain and ask about hydrotherapy in a heated pool. It does wonders, especially for those of us carrying around too much weight. The water helps hold up the weight and make exercises less painful. I was amazed at how much good it did me.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
22 Jan 08
I hate to constantly sound negative but the nearest hydrotherapy pool is 300 klms away.
We do have a naturally heated bore pool here. I wonder if I can find some exercises to do on-line.
I'm going to try and connect with the district nurse while she's visiting here tomorrow.
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
20 Jan 08
You could have a disk trying to slip out or a pinched nerve. I have had both and it is very painful and does cause twinges of pain with every movement. And it can also flare up making it to where you won't be able to move at all without feeling as though your getting kidney punched or something worse. I am not a Dcotor which is who you should see in this case but I know he would probably tell you to take it easy for a few days and take something for the inflammation and not to walk as much and do as little as possible. The treadmill will be there when you are able to continue. I don't know about the weather there but it is cold here it is down to 5 degrees -0 windchill factor and that could have alot to do with your pains. My arthritis is acting up and killing me in my knees. I truly hope that you will feel better soon and that all your aches and pains will fade away and stay away so you can get back on your treadmill and continue with life and your healthier lifestyle. Have you checked a site called WebMD yet? I have heard it is good. Good luck and bless you..
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
23 Jan 08
Sounds like something my father would say, everytime I say I am hurting he preasches I wouldn't if I would go to church, because god would take all th pain away if I would just let him. I have told him on many occasions that I don't have to be in a church to talk to god or receive his blessing and healing. We do not hurt because we are sinners if that was true, I feel sorry for all those preachers who have problems. We are in pain because our bodies are giving out. Hey that is great to hear that you got to walk on your treadmill even if it was not your usual routine. Taking it easy for a while will possibly help out a little. I tried a little walking today with my little sister since it was 42 degrees out today nicer weather then we have been having I even tried two flights of stairs and boy now I wished I didn't, My knee and upper thigh is killing my left leg. I wish you didn't have to be in pain all the time. It can drain you and make you feel bad and miss out on alot. I just remembered something my Uncle Chris told me a few days ago. "By holding onto hurts and wrongs that other people have done to us, lets them control us and it festers and causes us to be bitter sometimes,We need to forgive and delete the trash(our hurts)so to speak, Stop holding onto old hurts and grudges,so that we may go on with our lives without that bitterness holding us down and be healed by Gods grace and healing powers,We shouldn't try to impress others with what we have. If we could see our self through Gods eyes what would we see? Would we be humbled? Feel shame?Feel the need to drop to our knees and ask forgiveness? Do we think twice before pointing a finger and judging someone? Do we condemn them without a trial? God sees and hears all, He doesn't need us gossiping and wagging our loose tongues crushing someones spirit just because they are different then us or do things different.We should be uplifting those who are down not getting a few snide remarks in for ourselves and kicking them when they are down. We are all sinners with just a thought, a word,a glance that condemns,or judgement,We are all guilty,Might not be all the time but all it takes is once to be a sinner.Would we ourselves want to be judged so harshly when it is our turn in front of God? Probably not, but may he deliver us all from our sins and may we be humbled before God by living in his good graces and putting God in the drivers seat of our so called lives. God's road isn't an easy one and they will be many road blocks ahead but as long as you let God control the wheel We will survive this so called Life" Sorry so long I wrote it down when he sent it to me. He wrote that when I asked him why my family couldn't get along, he said because my family hold grudges and never forgive and they judge and always trying to impress each other with what they got while going without what they need. As I said before, your not in pain because your dad thinks your a sinner. I do hope that you start feeling better soon I know how pain can get you down so get better soon okay. Here is a card I picked out especially for you this is the link of the one I chose for you.
http://www.riversongs.com/e-cards/hugged.html
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
22 Jan 08
I've been in pain for so long now I can't remember what it's like to be pain free. Something tells me I will never be that way. My father tells me this is my punishment for being a sinner.
It was raining for a while and it's warmer again now. I used the treadmill today for 15 minutes at a stroll and it was fine. I'm desperate to be able to stay as mobile as possible because anything else is unthinkable. I truly want to lose some weight so I can regain the mobility I've lost. Thankyou for your care and concern, it's much appreciated. I'll be sure to check out the ste you mentioned.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
19 Jan 08
I'm afraid I'm certainly no expert but it may be you need to take a little break and then work your way up slowly again. I do know just a little is better than none at all but if you've injured something you could do more damage if you push too hard.
Wishing you the best in this and praying your pain subsides quickly.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Jan 08
Well, don't want to get into a big religious discussion but in my experience when my prayers aren't being answered it's usually because He has other plans :( Maybe you just need to take a break or at least take it a little easier.
Sending love and hugs to you dear and am sure it will work out for you in time.
@kayrod2 (1304)
• Australia
20 Jan 08
you poor thing! i hope you feel better soon. its so hard when you cant get to the doctor. i think you need to rest up. you might of pinched a nerve or something. have you got a heat pack? i find that it eases pain for me. if you havent, heated towels help. make sure you take care of yourself. I'll be thinking of you.
best wishes and take care
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
20 Jan 08
Start stretching. Do some light stretches before you even get out of bed. I have back problems. If I forget to,or say I don't need to today then I set up for misery. And its not how fast you go, its how far. So speeding up puts more pressure on the already sore joints. So I was told from my doctor. The American College of Sports Medicine says you should exercise three to five times a week in 20- to 60-minute sessions intense enough to raise your pulse to between 60 and 90 percent of your maximal heart rate. Such exercise should be aerobic, meaning something like running, brisk walking, biking, swimming, or cross-country skiing, as opposed to, say, weight training. Is running better than walking for this purpose? Depends. Running is certainly more of a workout per unit of time, but if your idea is that 15 minutes of running equals 30 minutes of walking, forget it--sustained exertion is the key. 15 minutes 3x a week helps maintain a certain level of fitness
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
20 Jan 08
I'm just looking at getting fitter and loosing weight. I'm not looking at any training. I'm not sure I understand the contradiction ofwhere you say "speeding up puts more pressure on already sore joints." And that the exercise should be "running, brisk walking, biking, swimming, or cross-country skiing, as opposed to, say, weight training."
I'm walking at a level suitable for my age and level of fitness and in a suitable range for my MHR. I do half an hour starting at 3 kph and work up to 5 - 5.5 kph with a slight incline increase as well. It's certainly not extreme but I'm comfy with it.
The fact is...I'm unable to run...lol and walking is something I enjoy and hope to be able to continue to do for some time to come. I used to walk a lot but increased work hours and responsibilities took that away.
I'm comfortable doing the half hour a day and don't think I could do a whole hour every second day. Some of the reading I've done says to do half an hour a day some says to do an hour a day. An hour a day will loose me 2 kg a week. I'm happy to loose one. I wonder when I will start to lose weight.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
20 Jan 08
The one thing I think you should do you can't until the roads clear up.Is there any way you can ring up your doctor. Maybe he/she can suggest something you can do until he/she sees you. I hope you feel better real soon.
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
20 Jan 08
Ms tickle i think that you are just having a flare up with your artritis,is what it sounds like to me..Arthritis hurts and it also can cause swelling and when it swells it pinches nerves.I have had this happen to me because i have artritis in my lower back and my husband has it to..This weather does not help much..Arthritis ia an imflamatory disease wher the bone has spurs and it also causes swelling,arthritis will swell you in the places you have it sometimes,especially in the back ,hip,and knees,then when it swells it hits on nerves which can cause pain when you move around..I think this is what is hapening to you right. now..It will get better''If it gets worse and you have to see your doctor he will percribe an anti imflamatory...
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
22 Jan 08
I was thinking it might be partly arthritic as it had been raining for a few days when this happened. I went for a slow walk to the post office yesterday and felt ok. Today I did 15 minutes on the treadmill at a slow pace. I was fine. Just my normal aches and pains. I'm going to try and get to see the district nurse tomorrow.
@mummymo (23706)
•
20 Jan 08
Oh sweety I am wincing for you here! I know how hard it is to lose weight - I have never been that big an eater and used to get a lot of exercise but even though I was severely underweight til my early 20's then managed to even out in my late 20's, in my 30's I became overweight and just couldn't shift the weight no matter what. After my surgery in April/May I started losing weight - despite being virtually unable to walk much at all or exercise I started to lose weight!
Since July since being virtually bed bound I have lost over 2 1/2 stone - don't ask me how.
Sounds like maybe you are doing more than you realised and putting strain on yourself - I think it is really easy to do that with treadmills - rest up then try exercising more gently! Maybe you could speak to your dr on the phone and get some advice? Anyway I hope that no matter what you start to feel better soon , Hugs xxx
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
20 Jan 08
Everything seemed to begin at one for me. I became menopausaland was no longer working full time and so living a more sedentary life. Got my computer around this time too and discovered the world wide web...lol. I started to gain weight steadily going from between 12 and 13 stone to over 17 stone. Luckily I'm tall. I have been unable to lose any of it and just keep gaining and of course the more I worry about it the more I eat.
My sister said to have my thyroid checked but I have trouble getting doctors to pay attention to me. Bless you sweety. (HUgs to Niamh)
@jjwatson28 (572)
• United States
21 Jan 08
och that awfull take it easy for a while. Try some diffent shoes. maybe you just wore out the shoe. I know when that happens to me i get pain in my legs. get better soon.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
21 Jan 08
You must be careful to not overdo, Ms Tickle! If your pain is that bad you might risk doing yourself more harm if you continue to work out on the treadmill. I hope someone more knowledgeable than myself can advise you on what the problem could be. I have found in the past that when you start a new exercise program sometimes you have to take a few days off and then start up again.
@lightningd (1039)
• United States
20 Jan 08
Well, I'm not a doctor, but I don't think your exercise program is the cause of your pain. Especially given the increased temperature, and location of the pain. That sounds to me like you could possibly have something going on internally. I battled with something similar several years ago, and it turned out to be a Kidney stone in my left kidney.
Overdoing it on your muscles isn't going to cause an elevated tepmerature. The knot in your back could also mean you have possibly done something to your back, if not a pulled muscle, maybe you popped your back out.
I would recommend going to see your doctor and have it investigated further. The pain you describe sounds more serious to me. Please go talk to your doctor. I waited and waited, until the pain got unbearable, and ended up in the emergency room. They said had I waited another 8 hours, my kidney would have ruptured.
See your doctor, and it's always best to discuss any exercise program you are starting anyway.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
21 Jan 08
Yes, the temp and the aches and chills threw me a bit. I'm over that now and thingking it was a 24 hour bug or virus. I'm just left with my sore back that flares every now and then. I haven't walked for 4 days now and I've decided to try and do an easy 15 minutes tomorrow. I walked to the post office and back today and that was ok.
@buster14 (121)
• Fiji
22 Jan 08
I am no expert in muscles but have come across this situations before. My advise would be for you to slow down and take some rest for a couple of days. When you restart it would be wise not to overdo it, maybe decrease it from 2km to 1 km and or start low and then gradually climb up when you feel comfortable
Thanks!! and hope you recover soon
