From Running to Walking

The day running became painful and I was told by my physician to take up walking I was stunned. As a child, running and other physical activity was an important part of my life. It made me feel good. But when I started smoking cigarettes in high school I lost that desire. Nine years later, running helped me quit smoking and sustained me for the next fifteen years.

Not overdoing physical exercise but doing enough and maintaining good form helps me participate in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. By being physically active I am better able to maintain a healthy mental and emotional balance in life.

I remember watching Mary Decker on TV run in the Olympics and I was envious. I was surprised to read in Arthritis Today (Nov-Dec 2015) that she thought her injuries were due to over-training, but today thinks they make have been related to arthritis. She finally listened to what her body was telling her and retired from running in 1999. An earlier diagnosis might have helped ease the depression that went along with her having to retire from the sport she loved. According to this article she now enjoys other activities, including hiking.

Being physically active is critical to some people. After a physically active day it is nice to relax with Maine Warmers’a microwave heating pad. An extra large Back Warmer relaxes stiff muscles, is versatile, and can be used to relax tired feet (the body parts I feel most at the end of the day). The discomfort is likely due to some arthritis, and heat stimulates circulation and increases flexibility.

A gluten-free diet keeps inflammation from arthritis in check and makes me feel better. For gluten-free recipes see the Main Warmers’blog.

Reducing knee pain by making changes in diet

"Every pound of body weight yields five pounds of force on the knee, so even 10 extra pounds can put a considerable load on those joints." WebMD 

Added force on a knee causes the protective covering of the knee to break down more rapidly according to the Arthritis Foundation, in an article, How Fat Affects Arthritis. It seems like common sense. 

Beyond this, some fats may produce a chemical reaction that increase inflammation and contribute to joint degeneration. Omega 6 fatty acids, saturated fats (from animal and whole dairy), trans-fats, gluten, casein, some artificial sweeteners, are considered inflammatory. Read more about these foods in the article, 8 Food Ingredients that can Cause Inflammation. 

Making the changes in diet for less pain and more fun may be worth every ounce of effort. Pain zaps our energy levels and is very distracting -- from work, play, relationships, and generally our whole lives. 

Changing one's diet takes concentration and effort -- plus planning and lots of chopping. Many grocery stores now carry pre-chopped veggies and cut up fruits. Salad bars are also in many grocery stores, so instead of buying a pizza on your way home from work, stop at the salad bar and pick up a hearty green salad. Add some black beans, smoked salmon, or buy some fish that is easy to cook.

A change in diet can have a stunning affect on how you feel and may reduce knee pain. When you are in pain or if you are feeling anxious, instead of running to the fridge for comfort, go for a walk, read a book, write to a friend, or find something else you like to do.  Put a Maine Warmer in the microwave for a minute and a half, then relax with a non-caffeine beverage. Heat relaxes tense muscles, stimulates circulation, and increases flexibility -- helping you feel better.

Maine Warmers Microwave Back Warmer, Knee Ice Pack, & Traditional Neck Warmer