Rubbish joints

[Scarlett]

My joints keep giving way. My knees feel like they contain sand. Everything clicks. Anyone had this or similar?

[pips1]

How old are you? If over 50 I'm afraid its common. My doctor told me my joints were 'grainey' and it was to do with
general wear and tear of the joints, sorry.

[jen78]

Have you tried the sufasalazine yet as it has eased things a bit. for me, a lot of the swelling and inflammation round my joints has reduced.

Am going to try and get out swimming soon as well and do some gentle yoga or similar to keep them mobile but without putting too much strain or impact on them.

Mine click all the time especially up and down stairs. I do struggle with stairs these days.

Bending as well as my hip joints and lower back seize up (can get down, it's getting back up that's the problem) but regular osteopathy has been a big help with it.

Have you tried any support bandages? They help with my ankles and knees.

Try to keep mobile as well as staying still for long periods can help them to seize up. As I have a desk job I make sure I move regularly at work.

[Scarlett]

Haven't tried the sulfasalazine yet Jen. I know I should but I am trying all the other options first. But the fact that I spend every weekend at home unable to walk means I am gonna have to give in soon. I only get to work cos Access to Work pay for cabs so I don't have to go on incapacity. I wish I knew how other people with Ulcerative Colitis were affected by their joints, as I have nothing to compare with, ie- are my joints weak and sore and rubbish because of UC or something else? Like, years of not exercising cos of slipped discs! A few years back it was just ankles and now it's hips too. I'm worried that if damage may be done to my joints if I don't take something to stop the attack.
Have you had any side effects from the drug?

[Scarlett]

P.S I don't get swelling and redness and heat round my joints. They are normal in appearance, just very weak. They hurt and feel "wrong" if I stand on them and often give way under my weight. I am just wondering if it could be anything else?

[jen78]

I did have problems with headaches at first but they initially put me on the high dose very fast so with a very helpful rhumo nurse I stopped them then gradually built them up which helped a lot.

I'd also take them at night while building them up so the effect was less until my body got used to them.

Switching to enteric coated tablets also helped a lot.

You should have 2 weekly bloods done until you've been able to tolerate the full dose for a month so loads of opportunity to get help and advice from the nurses.

Mine feel very weak sometimes and it's just agony trying to walk but I know if I don't move I will just seize up even more. I was in bed for a week and in serious pain trying to get up and about afterwards.

Osteo really helps and mine keeps a close eye on the medical side of things too which is really helpful. The relief may only be temporary but it makes a big difference.

You could try some private tutition with a specialist in yoga or pilates for it which may help you to be able to build up strength, improve posture and balance your weight better.

If it's really affecting you, a walking aid may be a consideration.

There are forums out there which may help you, found one here...

http://www.ulcerativecolitis.org.uk/colitisfor um/index.php

You can also google inflammatory bowel arthritis for more info as it's not the usual sort and doesn't tend to cause lasting damage to the joints.

Have you had any recent XRays to check on any damage?

I'm still waiting to get back to gastro to see what they think, soon I hope as tummy has not been happy lately though things have been stressful which hasn't helped.

[Scarlett]

Thanks Jen for all that useful advice! I have joined the site. My chiro told me I should get private Pilates lessons and I must! I am also seeing an Osteo but not done much good yet. I'm not completely sure that my joints are down to UC, but then what else could it be?
I have also been doing the Blood Group Diet which has really helped- maybe look into it? x

[beso]

Unfortunately modified fins turned out to be a very poor piece of engineering to support weight despite millions of years of evolution.

Knee problems as described can be due to damaged cartilage or damaged surfaces in the end of the bones.

Cartilages can tear or wear thin. Tears can sometimes be repaired by surgury. I have problems with worn cartilages due to overuse for many years. I have eaten large quantities of gelatine for the past few years and this has helped a lot. During the worst time I had clicks, seizures, swelling and I could not sit in a car for more that twenty minutes without experience agony.

Damage to the moving surfaces of the bones which start out as slipppery as ice develop crazing with age and wear. This is osteoarthritis. It can also be exacerbated by worn cartilages.

The crazed bits can dislodge and this can seize the knee or create clicking. People take glucosamine and chondroitin which is supposed to help but there isn't much that can be done.

[cosmetix4u]

Try something called Blue Active Gel - Ive sold alot of this to my customers and they all come back time and time again raving about how good it is

It contains:
Chondroitin Sulphate � Helps attract water into the cartilage structure, which is essential for maintaining the cushioning effect between the joints and bringing in nutrients, as cartilage does not have its own blood supply.

Glucosamine Sulphate � Well known and documented for its promotion of healthy joints. It�s used by the body to help produce and repair cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

MSM � Sources of sulphur, which is needed for healthy joints, ligaments and tendons.

Golden Emu Oil � famed for its soothing properties emu oils use originates in Aboriginal medicine, but it has now become popular around the world. Its also documented as an anti-inflamotory.

TRY IT!!

[Scarlett]

Thanks a lot for your replies!!x