Thread: Is this arthritis or what?

I recently turned fifty and suddenly my knees have decided they don't like to work too good. I think I twisted them a little and then I woke up the next morning and could barely walk.
I went to the store and got a good knee brace and another "sock like" knee support as well. I have been taking ibuprofen and rubbing creams on them and taking fish oil pills...
They feel as if someone came along during the night and smacked the inner side of my knee with a hammer. When I walk I look like an old man. It's not a sexy look.
So my question.... it's been about a week now, and they arent getting better as fast or as well as I had hoped. Are they ever going to get better or am I destined to a life of limping around like an eighty year old even though I am only fifty? Would I be better off exercising or resting them? Heat or cold or both? Anyone out there suffer from the same thing?
I am about 30 pounds overweight so I know that isn't helping. I'm used to being able to keep up with the youngsters and this is really cramping my style.

Do you exercise? If not you might want to start slowly as you do not wan to overdo it. Exercises for health reasons. You will start to strengthen the knee. Walking is great. Some yoga would also be great. Bicycling as you get old is also great. Cut back on food intake to also give less stress to the knees. Eat small frequent portions throughout the day. Heat after exercise is always good. Later ice. Getting in shape, eating right and good attitude are very important in this stage of the game.