Hi everyone, I’ve been struggling lately with that classic dilemma: do I force myself to go for my daily walk when my knees are screaming, or do I take a day off? My doctor always says “motion is lotion,” but some mornings it feels more like grinding gears. I’m 64 now, and I’ve realized that standard painkillers just don’t sit well with my stomach anymore.
Lately, I’ve been trying a more targeted approach. I started using Balmorex (got mine here) on my lower back and knees before I head out, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for my mobility. It seems to take that sharp edge off without making me feel groggy. But I still wonder if I’m overdoing it. Some of my friends swear by complete rest during a flare-up, while others say sitting still is the worst thing you can do. What do you all think? Is it better to respect the pain and stay on the couch, or should we keep moving no matter what? I’d love to hear your experiences.
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I’m firmly in the ‘keep moving’ camp. If I sit for more than an hour, my hips just lock up. Even if it’s just a slow walk to the mailbox, I have to do something.
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I disagree slightly. If you have a real flare-up with swelling, pushing through it can actually cause more inflammation. I’ve learned to listen to my body and take a day to ice and elevate when needed.
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I actually tried Balmorex last month after seeing a neighbor use it for her sciatica. My hip usually keeps me up at night, but this really settled things down for me and helped me get a full night’s sleep.
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Is that a cream or an oil? I’m always looking for something that doesn’t smell like menthol for three hours.
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I agree with the original post. Balmorex has been the only thing that helps my hands enough to keep up with my knitting hobby. It’s much better than the greasy stuff I used to buy at the drugstore.
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Don’t forget about hydration too. My physical therapist says half our stiffness comes from not drinking enough water as we age. It sounds simple, but it makes a difference.
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It’s such a frustrating cycle. You want to exercise to lose weight to take pressure off the joints, but the joints hurt too much to exercise! I feel your pain, SilverWalker.
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Does anyone else find that the weather makes it ten times worse? This humidity is killing my ankles today.
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I’ve found that doing very gentle stretches in a warm pool is the only way I can stay active without paying for it the next day. Highly recommend looking for a local senior swim class.
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For those asking about the topical stuff, I can also vouch for Balmorex. It doesn’t have that overwhelming medicine smell and it really does help with the morning stiffness. I put it on right after my shower.
Great discussion everyone. It’s nice to know we aren’t alone in this. I think the key is finding that ‘sweet spot’ of movement that doesn’t cross the line into injury.
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