Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: VioletAquarius on January 09, 2026, 11:26:21 PM
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Hi
Does anyone have arthritis in their knees? Please can you explain your symptoms.
I think i might have it in one knee.
It started a few days ago where it felt like a strange uncomfortable hurt when sitting down on my shins (well, I couldn't actually sit on them as it hurt). The feeling is all around the knee and sometimes feels inflamed.
Today it properly hurts (rather than the strange uncomfortable feeling/hurt I've had the past couple or so days), and its now hard to walk, go up and down stairs, bend my knee, etc. It feels a little stiff, (and hurts more I think), when first starting to move after sitting.
Also, this morning when I got out of the car my knee gave way.
There's no swelling. OH says it feels a bit warmer, but I don't think it does.
I do have arthritis in a couple of fingers, but they're not troublesome at all, can't remember the last time they hurt, but even then it wasn't bad.
Whats the best thing to take for the pain?
Thanks
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Hi,
Confirmed knee arthritis here. Mine started off as a bothersome ache over a year ago. I had spent quite awhile, on my knees, spot cleaning a carpet and thought it would go away. It didn't and gradually got worse. Three months later my left knee was very swollen and painful.
Eventually went to the GP who gave me anti inflammatorys and booked an x-ray. The x-ray confirmed arthritis.
I would see your GP for confirmation. As for pain relief anti inflammatorys are the best but hard on the stomach. I'm mostly pain free now but opt for Ibuleve, when needed.
Hope that helps
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I've had it for years in both knees. Inherited from my mother and her mother. I take glucosamine and chrondroitin (sp?) daily, and paracetemol if needed. When I put on weight the pain is worse, and when I walk daily it helps reduce the pain.
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Osteo arthritis is not inherited, it is due to natural wear and tear of the joints. These can be anywhere in the body but weight bearing will be impacted because we evolved upright. We are a little taller in the morning than at night. Apparently ;D. X-rays will confirm which painful joints are affected. Some may never be painful, often it's the 'gristle' between the joints that is worn allowing bone to rub onto bone :o. Relatives may well suffer too, my paternal Grandad could 'feel' rain days B4 it arrived due to pain in his knee caps.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease - hot, swollen joints are characteristic of it, years ago Gold injections were given to relieve pain.
Pains down the shins is often caused by another syndrome, sorry - have forgotten.
If a knee 'gives way' it needs to be checked by a medic or physiotherapist who will check the gait and advise exercises. Importantly the quadriceps [thigh] muscles are the first to atrophy if a person isn't exercising regularly, so quads exercises are necessary. These can be done anywhere, however I do forget to practice. Tightening the thigh muscle, holding, relaxing ...... often. Cycling is good for this particular muscle.
Auto-immune diseases may be inherited. Others may arrive. Taking pain relief prior to exercise such as mowing the lawn may well help.
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Thank you everybody.
I will book in with gp and ask for xrays to see if I have it.