Fifty Plus (50+) - First the knees, now the hips

The knee pain is much better and getting better all the time. It's a 1 on the pain scale and I feel it only when going up stairs, which I do carefully and only when necessary.

My hips are bothering me a little now, but only after sitting. For many years when I was a lot younger, I got into the bad habit of popping my hip joints. Eventually I had to do that often to "release" the joint (or so it seemed). Sometimes I feel that need while riding my bike, but not nearly as often as I used to. I rarely pop it now but only if it seems to need it.

Since it hurts only while sitting and the pain is virtually gone after moving around for a while, it doesn't sound like osteoarthritis. Could it be the ligaments, stretched from years of popping? :eek:

I don't know if I need to rest them or continue moving, since the pain lessens with movement and increases with lack of movement. At work, I sometimes sit for 2-3 hours at my desk without moving much. When I finally leave my chair, I walk like an old lady for the first minute or so until the joints limber up.

It's not at the point where I need to see a doctor. I'm wondering if this sounds familiar to anyone, and if so what your experience was.

Yes, it sounds familiar. So far, I've chalked it up to getting older and mild arthritis. I'm just glad I don't keep tottering when I walk!

Yen- This IS the 50+ forum, so I think a lot of it goes with the territory:)
Some of it may be that you are favoring the knee(s), so you walk a bit different and put the "strain" elsewhere.
Some years ago, I had my wrist in a cast, and after a few weeks, the OTHER wrist started hurting. The Dr. explained it quite simply- It's because you're USING the other wrist MORE!
BTW, I (and my "little" brother who is also 50+) have found that taking a Calcium, Magnesium & ZInc tablet every day, really seems to help joint pain. It's quite inexpensive. You might try them and see if that helps after a couple weeks. I have a couple waitress friends that have tried it and it helped their wrist pain.

Yeh, it's definitely part of getting older (I can accept that) as well as resuming activity after several years of inactivity+sedentary job. :( I'm not really complaining about the pain itself. My main concern is whether the pain is a sign that I need to rest instead of continuing with activity, yet my hips feel worse with inactivity, even a half hour just sitting. Since I don't know if continued activity will make them even worse, or better, I'm not sure what to do and I don't want to further any damage if inactivity is the answer. I suppose one way to find out is to stop all activity for an entire week, take an Advil once or twice (in case there is any inflammation), and see if they feel any better.

The only thing I currently don't do is take supplements. In addition to a good multi-vitamin and cal/mag, I am planning to try glucosamine+condroitin as well. I've read so many good testimonies about it and I'm willing to give it a try.

dont sweat it EVERYONE gets arthritis sooner or later, but EVERYONE after 50 will have some, weather mild or severe.

Thanks.... I'm not worried about arthritis or complaining and I know it could be much worse. Mostly, I am really just wondering if this is something that calls for rest, and if not resting will lead to permanent damage... or if it is best to remain active. I'll have to experiment and only time will tell.

Luckily don't suffer from Joint pains but do have an old injury to the knees. When they start playing up- It can get painfull and the best Remedy for me is to get out and ride. Still a bit of discomfort on the ride but If I do not exercise the Stiffness out- They will just sieze up completely. I find that walking helps a bit but that is boring.

Now starting on back pain- I do have this and the only way I can get comfortable is to ride. That stretched out position takes the load off the back and eases it completely.

Besides the arthritis I have a degenerative hip. I think if I quit riding, I'd lock up tighter than a drum. Anyhow soak in a tub for a while when your hurting , it helps me when I do. The problem I have with that though, is sitting around that long, good luck.

George, that's what I'm afraid this is (degenerative hip), but wouldn't walking or other weight-bearing exercise aggravate it? It hurts to flex my hip while I'm sitting or standing, but walking and cycling don't bother it. It's really a puzzle. My younger brother had both hips replaced before he turned 50 so I'm wondering if I'm next... :eek:

First the knees, then the hips,
This aging thing ain't for weak little pips!
Eyes that no longer focus
On my newspaper as I read,
Trying to remember for the doc
How many times each night I've peed.
Something's tightened up over there,
Something else just gave me a scare.
Then something cracked when I tried to bend,
Just one more thing - it never ends.

We're all aging bozos on this bus
We the proud, the brave, the Fifty Plus!

:lol: If all else fails, at least we can have a sense of humor!! Thanks!

We rode 24 miles today and I'm happy to report I had NO HIP PAIN after the ride. This is in spite of a very difficult start with my legs feeling like lead and my heart not really into riding this morning (due mostly to the heat).

However, after riding in the car (30+ miles) to my parents' house, sitting at their home, riding to the restaurant, sitting at the restaurant, and sitting for another 30+ miles on the trip back home, I can feel it now. Seems like I need to ride more, sit less. Maybe I can get an Rx for that new bike! :D

Yen, conside purchasing a cheap trainer. You can hop on it any time, spin for as long as you like, heat your body and lube your joints-- and then hop off. Not a substitute for riding, but good for those odd moments when you want a break but don't want to helmet up, face the wind, haven't the block of time. If you watch tv, you can spin away and watch without always being sedantary. If your wrists hurt, you can sit up and ride no hands. You can make it as easy or hard as you feel like. Etc.

GREAT idea. We've talked about getting a trainer for winter riding (heh, "winter" in soCal). A guy at an LBS suggested buying a cheap wheel w/ tire so as to not wear out the tire on our bikes. Any suggestions for either one?

When I was going to the gym and using the tread mill or stepper my hip would kill me. When I started riding, I tried it with a cheap bike and found out that it didn't bother me.

Years ago in service while jumping, I made a bad exit and hit the side of the plane. It didn't bother me all this time, until I started to go to the gym. I went to the doctor and had it x-rayed and that was the results. Besides pain pills for my RA I feel fine now. The bike riding does help as well, good luck.

Yen,
Unless you have heavily treaded tires, I wouldn't necessarily worry about buying a new wheel. The trainer will accelerate tire wear, but not dramatically. Tires are not horribly expensive, but then neither is a cheap wheel from Nashbar. Having to change wheels, though not a big deal, may inhibit you a little from actually using the trainer at times. If you get the trainer, also get a front wheel stabilizing block, just a chunk of molded plasitc, which will lift the front a bit to match the rear when on the trainer.

Thanks.... I'm not worried about arthritis or complaining and I know it could be much worse. Mostly, I am really just wondering if this is something that calls for rest, and if not resting will lead to permanent damage... or if it is best to remain active. I'll have to experiment and only time will tell.

It sounds exactly like Rheumatoid arthritis. Common symtoms exactly not odd or confusing, just typical. You loosen up after a ride and feel better. A long ride could be worse. Warm up slowly and carefully on every ride. On a long ride you may feel great right at the end and have a lot of inflamation the next day as it slowly gets worse over time. Two days off and you can be ready to ride again and feeling better. Muscles take two days to heal 100% from hard exercise anyway. No loss in riding condition from two days off, maybe even an improvement over the course of the season.
Only a doctor can say for sure. Go to a Rheumatologist. I and millions of others have those exact symptoms, if it is Rheumatoid arthritis, the doctor will probably tell you to keep moving or you will get stiff
DUH !
Go see a doctor now, the current accepted best treatment is agressive treatment early to prevent more damage. You may not have to do anything now, but find a good doctor, to keep on top of it. Eventually you will need one, sooner is much better than later. It can prevent (reduce) damage.

glucosamine+condroitin is for Osteo- not Rheumatiod. It will will say it on the package. Different disease different problems. There's plenty of info on line.

Edit: oops-forgot the good news. I have had it almost all my life, I started missing work from hip pain in the late 70's. Cycling helped a lot. The last few years after a 20 mile warm up, I did at least a century every week. Most of the time more than that.

It sounds exactly like Rheumatoid arthritis. Common symtoms exactly not odd or confusing, just typical. You loosen up after a ride and feel better.

Other than feeling better after a ride (or moving in general), I have no other symptoms of RA. I feel this in my hips joints only, not in any other joints. No swelling, no fatigue, no fever. Maybe I'm not a textbook case. I'll keep an eye on it and this possibility in the back of my mind.

You mentioned in another thread that you do some yoga.

Warrior II pose and Pigeon pose are great for the hips and my knees respond well to any gentle stretching of the quads and hamstrings.

If your job allows you to get up and move around at least once an hour, that might help--even if you need to make a not-exactly-neccessary trip for paper, scotch tape, coffee, etc.

You mentioned in another thread that you do some yoga.

Warrior II pose and Pigeon pose are great for the hips and my knees respond well to any gentle stretching of the quads and hamstrings.

If your job allows you to get up and move around at least once an hour, that might help--even if you need to make a not-exactly-neccessary trip for paper, scotch tape, coffee, etc.

I don't think I participated in the yoga thread. I used to do a little many years ago, but not now. But I'll check out the poses you mention and see if they might help.

At work I am trying to get up at least ever hour and just walk around, get some water, etc. I am planning to buy a little timer for my desk to remind me. It's easy to just sit there for 3 hours, and suddenly I realize I haven't even moved all that time!

I don't think I participated in the yoga thread. I used to do a little many years ago, but not now. But I'll check out the poses you mention and see if they might help.

At work I am trying to get up at least ever hour and just walk around, get some water, etc. I am planning to buy a little timer for my desk to remind me. It's easy to just sit there for 3 hours, and suddenly I realize I haven't even moved all that time!

I wonder if there isn't some free little application on the net somewhere that you could use to have your computer remind you?

I wonder if there isn't some free little application on the net somewhere that you could use to have your computer remind you?

I'm wondering that too..... I'll check!

IAt work I am trying to get up at least ever hour and just walk around, get some water, etc. I am planning to buy a little timer for my desk to remind me. It's easy to just sit there for 3 hours, and suddenly I realize I haven't even moved all that time!

We have a rule in our office in that after 1 hour of looking at a screen- You go out for a smoke break- Or you walk round the building. Stops the phone staff getting ratty with the customers and the Computer bods talking gibberish.

Other than feeling better after a ride (or moving in general), I have no other symptoms of RA. I feel this in my hips joints only, not in any other joints. No swelling, no fatigue, no fever. Maybe I'm not a textbook case. I'll keep an eye on it and this possibility in the back of my mind.


That is texbook case. There are many variations. Lots of people don't have the other symptoms. I don't. You probably have swelling in the joint that can't be seen. Hip joints only is textbook case too. I was exactly that way for years. So are many others.
It could also be other things not so good. Only a doctor can tell. Blood tests help him figure that out among other things.

A sage senior citizen once told me not to leave your wallet in the rear pocket. With all the credit cards and such it caused a serious hip problem for him.

Knees and hips...eh...both can be replaced...:p

A simple blood test can tell you if you are positive for RA...the secret to keeping it in remission seems to be...stay active, keep moving...

The thing is, I can't see rushing off to the doctor to be tested for RA just because of pain in my hip joints when I have NO OTHER SYMPTOMS and I'm 50+ and I'm more active now than I had been for...... 30+ years. That seems like asking for a CT scan of my brain just because I have a headache.

The thing is, I can't see rushing off to the doctor to be tested for RA just because of pain in my hip joints when I have NO OTHER SYMPTOMS and I'm 50+ and I'm more active now than I had been for...... 30+ years. That seems like asking for a CT scan of my brain just because I have a headache.

Then do nothing if you choose to. Sounds like maybe you have decided what to do already.
All I'm saying is that having no other symtoms means absolutely nothing. It doesn't mean you do or you don't have RA. Many people never get those symtoms and would be better off if they knew they had RA earlier (less joint damage later, because it was treated early on). That's one possible down side of doing nothing. Don't get hung up on the other symptoms as being required.
There's no down side to a blood test or asking a doctor. There might be a down side if you have Lupis or Lyme disease and you do nothing. I don't know if any rheumatologists posted in this thread or not. Maybe one did. Maybe one is reading this ?? That's who you should talk to, I'm just repeating what a good rheumatologoist told me. I fit your symptoms and so do millions of others with RA.

2manybikes: I hadn't decided anything yet, until today. I've decided to take a week off the bike:cry: and walking (aerobic/exercise type of walking). If my hips feel better after one week I'll ease in cycling, but continue not walking for at least another week. During that time I'll take an Advil once a day or every other day as needed (I rarely take meds so a little bit goes a long way). I am also taking calcium and magnesium w/zinc now as suggested. If it continues after 3 weeks, I'll see a doctor.

Today one of my hips hurt enough to walk with a controlled limp. I have NO other symptoms of RA, no (visible) swelling or any of the other symptoms, but I'm willing to mention it as a possibility when I go to the doctor. I'm gonna hate not doing anything for a full week, but a week's rest can be a good thing when needed.

2manybikes: I hadn't decided anything yet, until today. I've decided to take a week off the bike:cry: and walking (aerobic/exercise type of walking). If my hips feel better after one week I'll ease in cycling, but continue not walking for at least another week. During that time I'll take an Advil once a day or every other day as needed (I rarely take meds so a little bit goes a long way). I am also taking calcium and magnesium w/zinc now as suggested. If it continues after 3 weeks, I'll see a doctor.

Today one of my hips hurt enough to walk with a controlled limp. I have NO other symptoms of RA, no (visible) swelling or any of the other symptoms, but I'm willing to mention it as a possibility when I go to the doctor. I'm gonna hate not doing anything for a full week, but a week's rest can be a good thing when needed.


I hope you don't have RA. Hopefully you have nothing serious. Unfortunately, your one hip limping makes me think you have it even more. That fits too. I certainly hope I'm wrong. I hope your OK.
Good luck with your idea, I think it's a good one. I know how much it rots to not exercise for a while, yuck! But it's a good idea to try. I think it would be great if you can come back here later and tell me I was wrong. :)

I think it would be great if you can come back here later and tell me I was wrong. :)
I plan to. :)

A limp and sore hip are symptoms of other problems too, some serious and some not. I'm just in the preliminary testing phase to see what helps and what doesn't. Thanks, I truly appreciate your concern.

I plan to. :)

:beer:

Yen- I want to add my experience and solution.
I had a bad slipping on rocks and falling accident about ten years ago. The immediate symptom was that I could not walk unassisted. I used lots of Advil and Aspercreme just to make it to a doctor.
X-rays and MRI revealed that nothing was broken but Arthritis was present in both knees. The fall stretched the ligaments and therefore I lost support for the joints. The doctors said that nothing could be done and prescribed some potent pain killer and anti inflammatory drugs (Vioxx)
I could not walk without pain for a long time. Perhaps one year.
I decided to go on a bike trainer and spin at no load for at least one hour per day. Eventually more than one hour. Eventually I was able to drop the potent drugs and just used Advil. One year later I was able to drop Advil and a year later I dared to bike across the USA.
I still have Arthritis in the knees. I can feel it. I cannot jog for any length of time without creating a problem. But low load spinning will strengthen the muscles and ligaments and not aggravate the joints.

Will, thanks for telling your amazing story and overcoming what the doctors said could not be overcome (no wonder you are reluctant to go to doctors).

At what point did you start on the bike trainer? Were you able to ride on the trainer without pain during the time you were walking with pain?

Today the pain in my right hip was worse than yesterday and I walk with shorter steps. This pain feels EXACTLY like the pain I had in the same spot about 30 years ago when I strained/tore/whatever something in the groin, and never got it treated. Eventually the pain went away, but I'm wondering if my increase in activity has caused that old injury to flare up.

Bob Anderson's book Stretching has an ad in the back to get the little software program that reminds you to stretch while you are working at your computer.

Hope you feel better soon!

I didn't realize the Andersons were a cottage industry:
www.stretching.com

Will, thanks for telling your amazing story and overcoming what the doctors said could not be overcome (no wonder you are reluctant to go to doctors).

At what point did you start on the bike trainer? Were you able to ride on the trainer without pain during the time you were walking with pain?

Today the pain in my right hip was worse than yesterday and I walk with shorter steps. This pain feels EXACTLY like the pain I had in the same spot about 30 years ago when I strained/tore/whatever something in the groin, and never got it treated. Eventually the pain went away, but I'm wondering if my increase in activity has caused that old injury to flare up.

Actually, in this case, I did go to a doctor. He was/is a modern acting specialist for orthopedic problems. One statement he made and make me like him:"The very least we doctors must do is not make things worse."
When I said to you that the doctor could not do anything, that means that he could not recommend anything at that point in time. He did not think that I was ready for a knee joint replacement.
I asked him about spinning at no load. He said that is fine. He also said to avoid stairs and walking is not as good as biking for this condition.
Yen- The answer to your first question above is that I never do anything in exercise what causes pain. That will only make things worse or you are doing things wrong. No load spinning at 80 RPM should not hurt. If it does, stop and find out why. Seat adjusted wrong, wrong posture, other more serious problems we cannot imagine here. I started this no load spinning immediately.

Here is my thinking and remember that I am not a doctor:
Lack of exercise, injury, excessive weight, wrong unnatural moves, arthritis all can cause bone to bone rubbing which causes inflammation which causes pain. Therefore one needs to take anti-inflammatory medicine. That will not fix anything but buys time. That time can be used to build muscle around that joint by no load repetitive natural motions like spinning on a stationary bike. IMHO lack of sensible exercise is a national disgrace in the USA.

Yen- I am very persistent and do not give up easy. I did this every day for a few years. The results were terrific. My inactive friends of the same age are in bad shape. They do not have this persistence I am describing. Lucky my wife is following my example and so is our son.

Some recent research suggests that the anti inflammatories may inhibit the bodies natural healing process, that the swelling is actual better for you in the long run as it increases blood supply/flow to the affected area and may help protect aganst future problems in the same area. Pain is an awfully important part of the bodies communication with its inhabitant, working with and through it rather then masking it with chemicals can actually end up with you stronger and more knowlegible about your bodies limitations. And yes I do have arthritis, both knees, one hip and a wee bit everywhere else. Most flare ups happen when I can't get enough riding in, or have to sit for long periods.
My doctor said take these pills and don't move in ways that hurt?!?!?! :eek:
Instead I try to avoid the drugs and do yoga and ride and walk as much as I can, the yoga really helps. Walking can irritate the hip pretty quickly, but if I don't mix it in I have trouble holding my weight where I want it. :(

Hi Yen, I have stiffness in the hips, too. Sometimes both, sometimes one more than the other. And I've found that long car rides really aggravate it. A wedge pillow to sit on in the car helped quite a bit. And I've got a desk at work that rises so I can stand and work if I need to. Oh, and a pillow between the knees in bed helps, too. So, sit less and move more. And trigger point therapy helps with this pain, and other aches and pains, too: http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1572243759/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-2588652-7441618?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188040023&sr=8-1

I've had blood work and know that I do not have RA. Good luck and hope you are feeling better soon.

I think we need to ditch the sedentary jobs, since that seems to be the cause of the joint pain. ;)

Since our crash 3 wks. ago I notice that my left knee (the one that met the pavement) is stiff after any amount of sitting, whether I cross my legs or not. I notice some stiffness in my shoulders as well. Is this secondary to the accident? An age/overuse indicator? Maybe yes, maybe no, maybe both. All I know for sure is that, when I first get up, I hobble a few steps until the stiffness resolves.

I feel your pain, Yen, and your frustration. :(

Thanks everyone. Yeh I think the years spent sitting all day in a sedentary job is certainly a culprit. Couldn't be my lack of activity during those years, eh? ;) On a good note, however, I'm noticing a LOT more strength in my legs just doing everyday things. All because of my bike!

My hip does feel a better. I've taken Advil only once -- yesterday morning -- and the pain has decreased. I haven't ridden or walked since last Wednesday, and today was the coolest morning we've had in several weeks.... a perfect morning for a bike ride.:cry: Tomorrow (Sunday) is my pre-colonoscopy fun day, so maybe I can take a very easy celebratory ride on Monday evening.

This reminds me of a former neighbor who lived around the corner. When she was in her mid-90s she walked briskly several times a day, usually to and from the store. When someone asked her why she did it, she replied "If I don't walk, I can't move". That was several years ago (she is no longer with us... sadly, she was hit by a car while on one of her walks) but I've never forgotten her words of wisdom. Keep moving!

I think we need to ditch the sedentary jobs, since that seems to be the cause of the joint pain.

+1
My physical therapist told me that my desk job was probably the biggest contributing factor to my herniated lumbar disc.

Please let me add a note of warning about frequent use of pain killer and anti inflammatory drugs.
We had a close relative living out her final years at our house. She did all those things wrong we are talking about. Sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, no exercise, smoking and abuse of alcohol and pain killers.

Not surprisingly she developed kidney problems. The doctors said that the pain killers did the damage. She used the pain killers because she could not move without discomfort. No muscle support.
The damaged kidneys got worse and next was dialysis. That attacked the heart and that killed her slowly.

This experience motivated me to get of these drugs ASAP.

Will, that's a sad testimony to the effects of drug abuse (of any type).

Will, that's a sad testimony to the effects of drug abuse (of any type).

Yes YEN- This person I am talking about was a great loss to me/us. She co-signed for us to come to the USA, Intellectually smart and great to talk to, considerate of others, law abiding and a good citizen.

That all did not prevent her from self-destructive behaviour. Don't you think we all tried to get her to change? In her final weeks she finally admitted that she would do things different. Of course way too late.

This is so sad and there is so much of it. We had visitors late night. Have not seen them for a year. Same story. Sedentary lifestyle. Can hardly walk at my age.
My wife and I did our Tandem for 50 miles today at speeds up to 25 MPH and celebrated life at its best. And now we go for a big and healthy dinner with a bottle of wine.:D

Will, I'm very sorry for your loss of such a great woman in your life. It must have caused her some anguish to wish she could do things differently, and for you to watch her go like that.

My brother called today. He had both hips replaced due to osteoarthritis (before he turned 50). I mentioned my hip pain in passing, saying that it hurts only after sitting but not while walking or cycling (except when I first start walking after sitting). He said "That's how mine started". :eek:

I did not expect to hear that. I expected him to say his hurt only when he walked but not after sitting. He said that within 2-3 years of symptoms like mine, his hips hurt all the time while walking, and after 3-4 more years he finally had the surgery. So he went from pain after sitting, to surgery, in 6-7 years.

He also urged me to keep moving, which I already intended to do. After taking it easy for a week, there is no difference, except that the sprain-like pain in the left hip area is gone. That's the one that felt like the hamstring injury I had many years ago.

Looking back, I first noticed the pain starting at least a few years ago when I bent over at the waist. I also notice it when I do stretches on the floor that bring my knee to the chest (which flexes the hip). So, it seems that flexing my hips is a contributing factor.

I'm not worried, it could be a lot worse. Meanwhile I'll keep moving. Discontinuing my activity will only increase my chances of heart disease, and lessen my chances of a quick recovery after a surgery.

But, I'm only 29! ;-)

Osteoarthritis and related problems are genetic. Genetic issues are controlling much of our life. I hear most of our life. My wife's family and my wife are affected by it and it is compounded by a low tolerance for cheese and milk products.
I am very fortunate (so far) of being able to get by without doctors, my wife is not so lucky and I fully support her quest to control genetic issues as well as the doctors can.

Agree about the genetics. I also have osteoarthritis in the big toe joints. I learned about that a few years ago after having pain in the joint while walking, for more than a year. She said I'll probably need a new toe joint by the time I'm 70 but custom-made orthotics and supportive, athletic shoes help that a lot. I'm not worried about this... I'll take it as it comes, and keep moving.

But, I'm only 29! ;-)

My first symptoms started before that age. The third doctor finally diagnosed me correctly. With his help and the right treatment (the right medicine) I continued riding a lot. 26 years after my first symptoms I was riding a century plus aproximately another 50-75 miles a week. Some weeks much more. You need to ask the doctor about something like this. RA is not like OA.
There were times when it was bad but the correct meds kept me from getting more damage during those times and made for many more good years. Without that I would now be worse. RA is a lot different from OA, but it can feel the same at times. The agressive treatment keeps your future better for longer.
If you have OA in your toe what that means is, you had symptoms in your toe and possible visible evidence in the toe, but OA is systemic and can show up and be anywhere even if you don't feel it. I have OA and RA.

I was told I would eventually need new hips decades ago. But I don't now.

I agree with the advice that (typically, not always) the low effort spinning of cycling will help you get very good range of motion exercise without much force on the joints, compared to walking putting force on the joints and causing more pain and irritation. But walking helps keep the bones stronger than the low impact exercise of cycling. But it can be different for everyone, that's why I keep mentioning a good doctor. With correct supervision of a good doctor the right meds can be a huge benefit to your life. Of course you need to not exceed dosages etc. etc. With the help of the doctors advice you need to carefully weigh the risks of medicine compared to the risks of no medicine.

You might have decades of good riding ahead or you. I can ride a lot and not walk much, or walk some and not ride much. Not a huge problem. If you have a bad year, keep your bike, the next year might be a good one.

My symptoms (and lack of) are much more consistent with OA than RA, but I'll at least ask about RA when I go see a doctor. I have a very conservative attitude about medications and will take them only if necessary. I'm planning to start taking G/C very soon. I'll look for a referral to a rheumatologist (hopefully one who is also a sports doc) in the near future.