Fluid on my knees.

[sheddie]

I have arthritis in my knees and have fluid on them which causes them to be stiff. I walk Jess everyday because I do believe in the saying use it or lose it! a lady I was talking to told me to lay with my legs up high so they are above my heart, she assured me this drains the fluid. What do you think?:)

[jazzactivist]

I have heard this to, Sheddie. I had a knee injury when I was young and for a while afterwards my knee kept filling up with fluid. My doctor recommend sleeping with my ankle propped up on pillows and it did seem to not be so stiff the next day. Worth a try I would think.

[sheddie]

Thanks jazz I shall give it a try then X

[Crocus]

I hope it works Sheds! Have you been to the drs? and if you have, what do they say?xxx

[sheddie]

It's wear and tear, I have had xrays of them and it is Arthritis.I am told it is important to use them and rest them too.I know my weight is not helping them though, but I am trying to do something about that as it has mostly gone on my knees. X

[Oola]

I've read that having your legs raised by just 6 inches can also greatly help the circulation in your legs, which is probably why it's so beneficial with your problem sheddie. My grandmother is supposed to do this to help stop her leg ulcers coming back.

[eleanor2]

it is good for your circulation.so is massage.sheddy why dont you ask healing hands whether massage would be beneficial.

[dinger]

Maybe Sunflower can give my poor Sheds some advice.

[sheddie]

DIET that is the word !! But I have started and would appreciate any encouragement no matter how small. Last night I lay flat on the floor with my head in the dogs bed and my legs right up on a chair for 10 mins, which seemed an awful long time. Jess came in and barked like mad and thought someone had taken over her bed. But I shall try again tonight.X

[Crocus]

Jess is not used to you lying in her bed! While on your back like that Sheds, read a book or something, or listen to the radio - time will fly. xxx

[sheddie]

I've just done it again, I will persevere, no pain no gain. X

[Healing Hands]

Sheddie I will do some reading up for you sometime today, but I do not think a lot can be done, my mother has also been told that she has the same problem although she came out of the doctors not very happy when he said it is old age, bless her!

[Healing Hands]

Hi sheddie I am back, my client cancelled at the last moment so I looked up about your Arthritis.

Essential oils can be used in different ways to achieve results, if your knee is painfull then try having a bath using either one of these oils, Benzion, Camomile, Lavender or Rosemary.

You could have a local massage or compress on the affected knee and local circulation can be improved by the use of rubefacient oils for example Black Pepper, Ginger and Marjoram.

Whenever heat is applied to a stiffened joint in form of a hot bath, compress or a warming massage, the joint should be moved as much as possible immediately afterwards, otherwise the heating can cause congestion which will make the condition worse rather then better.

Gentle exercise is very helpful, yogo being undoubtedly being the most valuable.

If you do decide to go to a Holistic Therapist then make sure she knows what she is talking about and that she does not "treat" arthritis by trying to relieve the symptom first and that she checks you out with your life pattern and you as a person.

Sheddie I hope this helps and makes sense, if you need any advise please let me know.
xxx

[Ivy]

I know that swimming and cycling are very good for people with knee problems as the weight is taken off the knees and still they are exercised. Obviously I don't know whether it is save to cycle where you live but my husband does a lot of cycling to reduce weight he has had knee problems for at least twenty years and had several injuries but so far never complained about pain in them after cycling.

[sheddie]

In the book on arthiritis it tells you to cycle in the air one leg at a time, but this made it worse and thanks so much H.H. for all your research it is so kind of you. especially the point you make about applying heat, I have been doing that wrong.I take on board all your other words of advice too.I am now sensible eating and lying flat with legs up above my heart for 10 mins a day, not sure yet but maybe not quite as stiff. Will let you know after a few days.Thanks again everyone. X

[Crocus]

I hope it gets better soon Sheds. XX

[Ivy]

Cycling in the air is quite different from doing it on a bike or home-trainer.Because you knee can go in all sorts of directions whereas on a bike it goes straight up and down. (ideally) and not so fast.

[sheddie]

I take on board what you say Ivy about the knee going in all directions, at the minute I am trying everything to help them, I must keep my mobility and it is quite frightening. X

[eleanor2]

sheds keep up the good work mate.you can improve matters.never give in.you can do it.

[sheddie]

I am still sensible eating and exercising and walking, I can do no more. X

[Crocus]

Don't overdo it Sheds, listen to your body eh? XX