arthritis?

[Zoe Girl]

I have pretty much assumed that I have arthritis that explains the aches and pains I generally get. In really rainy weather I cannot make a fist or open a stiff jar. I used to take advil to go to a movie since the AC in the theatre is so cold. Generally not a big deal,

But now one hip is really bugging. I cannot get up from sitting meditation easily, I feel I could easily tumble if the stairs did not have a rail because my hip is just not moving easily, and I really hate seeing the DR. I know what it is and so I am not sure what they could tell me.

My plan is to keep putting exercise into my week which has been very unlikely the last months. Also I am working on healthy eating revival (vegetarian style).

[Rosemary]

Could be, or could be stiff muscles. Try some stretching? When my hip is stiff I do some stretches for the piriformis muscle. Also, Zumba is great for working out any stiffness. My whole body is more limber since I've been doing that 1-2x/week. Healthy eating makes a huge difference for me, too. I can feel my joints when I eat too much grains/sugar, but when I eat mostly veg/fruits (and some lean meats)i have no pain and boundless energy.

[JaneV2.0]

Grains and/or dairy products are notorious for causing joint distress in some individuals, so an elimination diet is worth a try.

I'd err on the side of more protein rather than less if I thought my joints and connective tissue were deteriorating. Hydration is important, too.

[Wildflower]

It would be a good idea to see a doctor to determine what type of arthritis you have or even if that is what it is.... Some types of untreated arthitis can lead to permanent joint damage. A healthy diet and staying hydrated will help, but will not fix a damaged joint - sometimes meds are necessary to stop the destructive inflammatory process... BTDT

Taking glucosamine chondroitin with MSM is very helpful for all types of arthritis... Can buy it anywhere and it is affordable. Definitely worth it! Take it for a few weeks to see full results.

[Bootsie]

Could be, or could be stiff muscles.

I'm thinking it might be stiffness, too. I suggest daily stretches and walks. I'm in my 40s and I am starting to notice that if I don't make an effort to keep flexible, stiffness sets in. The daily walk is becoming more and more necessary for me.

Even if it's something more serious, the exercise will be beneficial.

[HappyHiker]

It seems my joints start hurting when I consume dairy products--but not yogurt--and if I back off my yoga. I pretty much try to stay on an anti-inflammatory diet....http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/PAG00361/anti-inflammatory-food-pyramid.html

[Aqua Blue]

I have a type of arthritis called ankolosing spondolitis. It is an auto immune disease. I had what I thought was hip pain, but it was actually my SI joint where the hip bone connects to the spine. I was sure it was my hip. I think a visit to a rheumotologist would be helpful.

[JaneV2.0]

For stiff muscles, I never fail to put in a good word for magnesium.

[Zoe Girl]

Thank you all, I am on day 3 of walking at least 30 minutes and it is get better. I am getting up without total pain at least,

Now my issue is that somehow the last week of watching the treats and adding exercise and my weight is ballooning up. I am wearing one of the few things I can even fit in, I can imagine I am eating more because of the exercise but basically without any sugar and more water I am uncomfortable and hoping the laundry goes quick so I can fit into the one pair of comfortable pants!

The vegetarian thing is my reaction to all the violence in the last year. I am eating more whole grains like brown rice and loads of vegies overall, plus keeping up with proteins, but I am pretty serious. I cannot eat any fructose and that limits, I have never seen a reaction to dairy or grains at this point. I have done elimination diets in the past and my life would not be conducive to that right now.