Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.

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Muscles & Bones
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Getting people to understand

LeticiaM
LeticiaM
So, I've been out of commission for the longest ever with my ankle arthritis which as it turns out is only one of six issues with my ankle. My arthritis is flaring up, I have tendinitis, a cyst, an old high sprain that damaged ligaments (with bone involvement), an old low sprain with ligament damage, and the ligament that holds my ankle bones together is damaged. All those issues in one ankle.

I guess sometimes it's hard for other people to understand that sometimes I can't do a lot when I'm having flareups. And now I'm limping more and more. I know that I'm usually the person that's constantly on the go but this time around I've been sidelined more than ever and the pain is constant this time around. How do you get people to understand that sometimes you just can't do somethings?
PattyTwinB
PattyTwinB
I understand what you are going through. I have ankle arthritis as a result of having 3 surgeries as a child to correct a clubfoot. It is extremely painful to walk, even with a cane.

All you can do is explain to them what you said in your post. They may not understand what you are going through if they haven't experienced pain from arthritis.

It sounds like you're taking care of yourself and that's what is important.

I hope you get some pain relief.
maddiesgrammie
maddiesgrammie
i am so sorry for all the pain,not just physical,the emotinal pain also.it is very hard,to get someone who has not walked where you are walking to honestly understanding your situation.i have just recently come to the place where,the most important person,most helpful one to understand me,my life with pain is myself.after all,we know our bodies better than anyone else.but i can promise you this much,you will be heard and understood here.i pray you find encouragement and hope and all the other support in different forms that we all strive to share with everyone.maddie.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Sorry that you have flareups and so much pain. tThinking of you. The best way is to tell people that you suffer from chronic pain. II find a lot of people try to understand this.

I hope you feel better soon.hug you!