My Rheumatologist said, "Don't walk" after he diagnosed my mild osteoarthritis of the hip. I was too stunned to ask for elaboration. He said, "No Load bearing exercise."
I thought those with arthritis were supposed to walk. I thought nearly everyone was supposed to walk.
I haven't been able to find any other recommendations to stop walking in my research of medical books and the internet.
Has anyone else been advised not to walk? I chose not to interpret this as using a wheel chair but just not to walk for exercise. He told me to swim and do water aroebics. I welcome all opinions. Thank You.

He is correct about load bearing exercises or those of high impact, they will only cause more damage. But I have to disagree no walking, I've had OA in the hip forever until it was replaced (many times) and I'm fairly young considering.

If you are not having serious pain then the best thing to do is simple prevention - Use a walker or cane if your pain is more than mild. If you don't have a lot of pain or even very little no assisted devices are needed at this time. The joint itself will wear and tear on it's own.

He is correct that the best exercise is water therapy but wrong on the other accounts.
Putting yourself in a wheelchair if your arthritis is not advanced enough will only serve to do you more damage if that in fact was what he meant by "don't walk". You will loose the strength and muscle tone in your legs complately and when it comes time for a replacement you will be in for a very very long journey. I think most folks here in our situation would agree.

I am not sure why he would give you such advice. If he is referring to exercise in the general sense I still disagree, unless you are morbidly obese, there is absolutely no reason not to do a 20 minute a day walk with proper shoes at a slow pace with mild arthritis. If your body isn't hurting while you are doing it then chances are any potential damage would be at a minimum.

The Arthritis Association advises:
Walking is good for anyone, especially people with arthritis. It’s an endurance exercise, which means it strengthens your heart, helps your lungs work more efficiently and gives you more stamina so you don’t tire as easily. As a weight-bearing exercise (one that puts full weight on your bones), walking helps strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). This is especially important if you’re taking glucocorticoids for your arthritis, which can weaken bones.

----

I would get clarification from your doctor to be sure about what he is referring to, if he's not talking about general exercise but daily life then get a second opinion. Wheelchairs generally are for those in advanced stages of arthritis when someone can't use a walker for various reason or when the pain is so severe you can't stand on your own very well.

I hope that helps to answer your question

Best of luck
Barbie

Thank you so much. I am going to get another opinion from someone who will talk to me and explain what he says before he dashes out the door.