Help for my stiff muscles and joints

**forHISglory** · 10-19-2008, 11:29 PM

For the last couple of years, my hips have become increasingly stiff and sore. I used to be so flexible that I could lay on my back and bring my feet up over my head and touch my toes behind my ears. Now I can barely get my feet up over my head. I'm finding pain when I walk stairs or uphill. And I tend to do some swaying from side to side as I walk. Even sitting, my hips will begin to hurt. I know; I know. Look at my age; my complaints probably aren't that uncommon.

I take fish oil and glucosamine with chondroitin, along with a good multi vitamin.

Do you have any suggestions for restoring my flexibility and my gait, and dealing with the pain? I'm not wild about going to a doctor, although I have been to a massage therapist and chiropractor and physical therapist. They helped to control the pain some, but it recurs. I also soak in a really hot bath which also temporarily helps.

You know, I really don't mind growing older. For the most part, it's wonderful. But tonight I'm really feeling the sore stiff hips and the muscles stemming from there.

Thanks!

**McD** · 10-20-2008, 10:57 AM

I have a lot of problems with my hip--stems from being short in the military.

I notice it hurts a lot worse, when I'm tired or utterly exhausted. It hurts so bad sometimes it keeps me awake at night. I use a rice bag on it when it gets really bad.

**Darlene** · 10-20-2008, 11:53 AM

Well I am dealing with a back blow out now & I know why I have it. Pain in lower back and hips & glutes. I've been miserable. I finally slept last night & I'm feeling better but have a ways to go, at least the pain is more bearable.
It's happening because I sit too much & don't strengthen and stretch my muscles enough. As soon as I can feel able to, I am going to strengthen my core and become a healthier person, that means exercising.
I'm guessing that like me you maybe haven't been taking care of yourself. Let's get stronger together.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Lower-Back...dius&id=507986
http://stanford.wellsphere.com/exerc...n-relief/18564

**joyofsix** · 10-20-2008, 12:21 PM

Very gentle yoga. Restoring flexibility is a slow thing. If it really hurts a prescription for a good analgesic might help in the short term. I am a fan of motrin too when my knees are bothering me.

**nvmommyx6** · 10-20-2008, 12:43 PM

Fresh ginger, eat a piece around the size of a quarter, bout 1 inch thick! It does not taste good but works wonders on sore anything and inflammation too!! A good rub down with some Sambra lotion with jalapeño extracts is also the perfect remedy and move, move and don't sit still long enough for those muscles to tighten up on you!!

**forHISglory** · 10-20-2008, 01:24 PM

I do like ginger, so will give it a try. I also decided to do some stretches this morning. I already work out with hand weights, but thought the stretches might help. And you are right: I haven't been taking time to take care of myself. Thanks for you advice.

**pip** · 10-20-2008, 02:16 PM

I have been taking 2 naproxen sodium at night before I go to bed. I take them with a small glass of milk and a graham cracker. I decided to do this because I am so stiff and sore in the morning that I can hardly get out of bed. A hot shower and moving around does help, but I'm always stiff and achey. At my last physical, the MD suggested that I try Tylenol arthritis, maybe alternate with the naproxen, or just take one of each. I don't think the Tylenol works as well for me, though. I don't like taking meds regularily, but when I stopped for a while, I was in agony.

**Jskell911** · 10-21-2008, 09:54 PM

I found this interesting as I was looking for info about my fibro pain:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art54443.asp

Magnesium as a muscle relaxer

**Moor** · 10-21-2008, 10:08 PM

For my fibro, I take 100 mg of Ultram every 6 hours for pain. Right at the moment, that is not even helping.
I worked last night, so I was on my feet for over 9 hours. That sure does not help. So when I finally was able to sit down here at the house, I could hardly get up.
I know that working out helps a little, but good grief, when you don't even feel like standing, it's hard to get in a groove of working out.
Just keep plugging away. A little bit at a time and it will work itself out.