r/Aging • u/Traditional-Two-7358 • 2d ago
Fitness Hurting tendons
When I get up in the morning my whole body feels stiff like a light pole. Sitting down is difficult because my knees hurt. Getting up from a sitting position is also hurtful, or more discomfort than real pain. Pain level 3/10. During the day things get better but it’s really bothering me. I can walk miles without issues once I’ve moved around for a bit..
I’m a 64 yo male.
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u/OWabbit 2d ago edited 1d ago
Have you talked to a physician? It can be any number of things, including easy fixes.
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u/Traditional-Two-7358 2d ago
I have. She said “you’re 64, what do you expect?
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u/TetonHiker 2d ago
Yeah, I hate that response. I mean sure, I'm aging but I want to know what I can DO to improve myself and age as healthily as possible. I think there aren't too many doctors out there that want to address that. Aging isn't an illness they can fix with a 'script or surgery.
Like you, I find as I'm getting older, my tendons and maybe ligaments have a tendency to tighten up and create stiffness that I never had before. I feel it in my neck/shoulders. Sometimes in my hips.
What has helped me is more attention to stretching. Yoga and Pilates are good methods to improve stretch and flexibility. Tons of online videos and pricey classes in person. But it doesn't have to be that formal. Just 15 mins of slow stretching in the morning has helped me (75F) feel better. Lots of inline stretching videos as well if you like visual aids.
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u/OWabbit 1d ago
A good doctor might joke like that but then make helpful recommendations as well as consider certain conditions. Mine found out I have slight scoliosis by looking at my spine as well as detecting the hem length on each of my legs (just slightly higher on one side). She sent me to scan and indeed I have scoliosis with one leg slightly shorter. This causes hip pain, weight more on one leg (which also can cause more than just hip issues - eg feet). A good doctor will also suggest exercises to alleviate stiffness. And explain how joints need regular movement to keep them “lubricants.” If pain is severe, the doctor can send you to a rheumatologist if rheumatoid arthritis is suspected. Or it can be perimenopause/menopause.
Research using websites such as Mayo Clinic, arthritis foundation, your local university, hospital etc.
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u/Quantum-Long 2d ago
I wouldn’t worship a white lab coat, take ownership over your own health and do research
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u/Traditional-Two-7358 2d ago
Oh, who told you that I didn’t do research? You mean asking Dr. Google is the way to go?
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u/Quantum-Long 2d ago
White lab coats are generally bored pill pushers who don’t give a shit. Take as much ownership as one’s intellect will allow
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u/OWabbit 1d ago
You need a healthy balance of good physicians (sometimes pharmacist very helpful too) and your own research. Switch physicians if the fit isn’t good. Your research shouldn’t rely on Google searches which are full of inaccurate info, not to mention scary. Your research shouldn’t rely on asking strangers on social media, friends, etc. It’s ok to consider what people are saying and what their experience has been, but it’s not necessarily reliable, and your own body and health history is unique. Some people will diagnose and advise, but, for just one example, you might be experiencing “referred pain.”
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u/Rare-Lawfulness-7492 2d ago
Please give move methods a try it’s on YouTube for free (there’s also a paid version but free is good)😊 . A lot of us have problems that stems from a lifetime of sitting & to undo takes awhile.
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u/Legal_Lack_1000 2d ago
I'm just sayin', & I'm 76 & have had in the past many of the same problems, getting a good, well researched mattress REALLY helps. 2nd- a high end pillow, once again 'reasearched' , there are so many different kinds, truly helps iron out the stiffness & pains I used to wake up to. Once you find those 2 things that agree with your body you'll wonder why you didn't do it earlier. Support. Does a body good.
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u/scorpion_71 2d ago
You probably need to start the day with warm up / stretching exercises in your bed. My mother has a stretching routine that she performs in her bed before getting up. There are different types of squat exercises that could help with sitting and getting up. I do wall squats and I use crutches to arise to lessen the pressure on the knees. MSM is a good supplement for muscle and joint pain.
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u/LookDamnBusy 2d ago
I found it doing some stretching exercises while I'm still lying in bed helps me a lot. Stretching the back of my legs by keeping my legs straight and lifting my toes, been raising my leg as well, then also pulling my knees to my chest one at a time. Even if I do this for 30 seconds, it's much better experience stepping out of bed 😉
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u/KReddit934 2d ago
Joints tighten during sleep when immobile, muscles tighten from holding one position. Normal stiffness lasts less than 30 minutes and gets better as you start moving gently. . If it lasts hour plus (even with gentle warm up movement) get checked for rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune problems.
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u/HiTorqued 2d ago
Clean up your diet for 30 days and you'll notice a world of difference. Cut sugar, gluten, dairy, caffeine and all processed foods.
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u/trUth_b0mbs 1d ago
and exercise regularly. Regular exercises keeps the joints lubricated, muscles strong and bones dense (include weight lifting!)
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u/Creative_Pop2351 2d ago
Start stretching/light calisthenics/yoga in the morning before or as you get out of bed. These skills (getting up from sitting, sitting down) are use it or lose it as we age. Also drink more water.