About 9 months ago, I had a fall while I was out walking. I managed to screw up the tendons and ligaments in both knees. For several months I could barely get around. I had to use a brace for awhile on my left knee for any extended walking/standing that I had to do.
I also had exercises I had to do to maintain some mobility in both knees.
Walking was painful, standing was painful. But I kept at it. I persevered. I ploughed thru all the pain. Applied hot and cold compresses as necessary.
I would love to say that everything is back to the way it was, but that is not the case. Yes, I can walk for longer periods of time and for longer distances. But the pain is still there ….at least in one knee and sometimes in both. It is not as severe. I have found the more I walk, the less pain I have during the day.
Cold affects the knee joints. Sometimes you will see me in sweatpants in the middle of the summer. They provide warmth to my knees while the AC is cooling the house.
Rain affects the knee joints. Both knees tend to ache continuously while there is rain in our area.
Sitting for too long at a time causes the knee joints to get stiff and requires stretching before getting up.
I have found that I can’t totally straighten my left knee or bend it completely causing me to walk with a slight limp.
But don’t feel sorry for me. I am 65 years old and I am NOT in a wheel chair. I am moving under my own steam, albeit, slowly. It takes me longer to walk around the block, but I make it all the way around the block. It takes me longer to do more now than it used to, but I still get it done. I find I have to rest sometimes in between, but that’s ok.
If I move too slowly for you, then go around. I promise I won’t be offended. I may envy your mobility and your youth, your speed and your endurance.
So if you see me out walking, as you zip past me, give me a thumbs up. Make an old lady feel good about her efforts to keep moving regardless of the pain.
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