Hello, and thank you in advance for all answers.

I am turning 50 soon, female, mother of 4, diagnosed with OA w/bone spurs in hips in 2001. I have been getting along ok, not in pain much with it, and really can't complain. My primary issues are: general stiffness after sitting for extended periods, or standing short periods, and inability to walk long distances. I take no pain meds nor any other supplements on a regular basis. I am 100+ lb overweight. Now, I am aware that being overweight is not good in general, however, my condition is gradually getting worse and I have been the same weight for 10+ years. This brings me to my question: Would losing a drastic amount of weight affect my condition? Is exercise beneficial to my OA? If so, how is one supposed to exercise if it causes excruciating pain? I sincerely appreciate any and all answers and advice.

P.S. Extensive commentary on the evils of being overweight is not necessary, I know all about it.;)

I have Osteo arthritis in my hips also. I was told several years ago and the last two years I hurt and limped and now in a chair cause the pain is just too much.
You already know about the weight. Weight loss won't make your arthritis better but it may put less stress on your hips. It always helps us to drop a few pounds if necessary.
I have surgery May 7 on my right hip and then I will have the other one done. My insurance was a mess which is why I did't have surgery sooner. It is very hard to exercise when your in pain. If you have a pool this takes a lot of pressure off the bones. it is about the only place I don't hurt anymore. And I walk in the pool only now because I am able to do it with no pain there.

Hi....I had my hip resurfaced almost 2 years ago and it was
the best thing that ever happened to me! I am a dancer and am 63 and have osteoarthritis all over my body hips, knees, toes, fingers and spine....too much overuse of the joints as
well as a predisposition for this type of disease. I am not overweight, but the weight only is a problem because it exerts more stress on the arthritic joint. The weight is not a problem for the surgery and it did not cause the arthritis. I
took Motrin and nothing else up until the surgery and i waited
four years too long and was almost crippled. You can exercise
by doing upper body exercises while sitting lifting with free
weights, since you will need upper body strength after your
surgery. Also i would use a cane which will take a lot of the stress off the hip that is causing you problems. Remember to use the can in the opposite side of the bad hip. It does
wonders to take the load off the hip joint. Also i did exercise sitting down and laying down legs lifts and ankle
and calf exercises.The exercises and stretching is good for
the arthritic joint since is allows it to be mobile and not to
stiffen up. Also a recumbant bike that you sit and ride burns calories and strengthens at the same time...look for
a cheap one at SEARS. Hope this helps Karen

Hi,

I have osteo in my hips, knees and spine, probably other places. I had my left hip replaced in April of 2006 and since the pain has been minimual. I was able to do a little more. I then had my left knee replaced in August of 2007 and feel better than ever with regard to my OA. I am having other issues now that have nothing to do with that.

I too am about 100 lbs. overweight. I have always been very active and gained about 60 lbs. after I starting having trouble with my left hip. I suffered with it for several years, six to be exact, before having it replaced.

Water aerobics is great if you have a place to go. I also take Mobic everyday which has helped greatly. I also take hydrocodone on really bad days or when I need to be active.

Ask your doctor what he would be willing to do for you for your pain. Life is too short to be in pain. See an orthopedist. You will only feel better when you start to take action to do so.

I was really scared to get my hip replaced but it was not as bad as I thought it would be and defintely worth it.

Keep us posted on your progress and results.

My prayers are with you.:wave:

:) Thank you all for your responses. I find it difficult to talk to family, friends, etc. about my condition, as most are of the opinion that my weight is the cause of my problem. I am relieved to know that it is not, and that there are things I can do to help myself. Of course, losing weight is very high on my "to do" list, but now I don't have to feel like I brought this on myself.

Again, thank you for your advice and support, ladies.