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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Unable To Squat, Sit, Overweight, Diagnosed Of Arthritis In Both Hips And Knee. MRI Shows Spinal Stenosis. What Is This ?

I am scared--I just retired from 40 years of teaching--standing on cement most of the time and now I am 61 and cannot do a squat to pick something up from the floor, trim my own toe nails, tie laces, etc.. 2 ortho. doctors say I have osteosrthritis in the hips and one knee. I have exercises from PT that I am doing to keep loose. I am 25 lbs. overweight and although I eat with good sense, my inactivity keeps the extra pounds on. I swim and walk in a resistance pool for exercise. I use a ball and rope with knots to stretch and do the PT exercises. I had xrays and there is arthritis in both hips and the knee. An MRI revealed some spinal stenosis. I wish to enjoy life and fear that my mobility issues over the past 5 years have taken my life away. I have high energy and good attitude, I do not tire yet I have the feeling that someone poured cement in my upper thighs in the front and have trouble raising my legs to go up steps or to ride a bike. I just ordered a mini bike that you sit in a straight chair and pedal to get more mobility. I really can't walk for a long time--I want to bend from my waist to relieve the pain or sit for 30 seconds then I can go farther. Does this sound like it is coming from my lower back? Funny, but the back is stiff at the bottom but does not hurt. Heating pad loosens it as does a warm shower in the AM. I take Aleve--one a day. Help--Arlene Radomski, Venice, FL
Wed, 11 Sep 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

Yes, your symptoms of inability to walk for a longtime,bending your waist & sitting for a while to ease the pain are very typical symptoms of spinal stenosis.

The initial management of this condition is conservative by the following means -

* Strengthening exercises – one of the best ways to alleviate back pain is with targeted exercise.
* Stretching techniques – proper stretching or yoga classes are a great way to increase the flexibility in your spine and prevent further damage.
* Hot or cold therapy – introducing a heating element to your stenosis increases blood flow and expedites the healing process. If your stenosis is caused by swollen back muscles, ice packs can be a great treatment option.
* Limited rest – while becoming sedentary can be one of the worst things you can do, taking a day or two to allow your back to heal can make all the difference.
* Improve your posture and diet – something as simple as shedding a couple of pounds or walking with a straight back can remove a significant burden off the spine and help speed the recovery process.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Unable To Squat, Sit, Overweight, Diagnosed Of Arthritis In Both Hips And Knee. MRI Shows Spinal Stenosis. What Is This ?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Yes, your symptoms of inability to walk for a longtime,bending your waist & sitting for a while to ease the pain are very typical symptoms of spinal stenosis. The initial management of this condition is conservative by the following means - * Strengthening exercises – one of the best ways to alleviate back pain is with targeted exercise. * Stretching techniques – proper stretching or yoga classes are a great way to increase the flexibility in your spine and prevent further damage. * Hot or cold therapy – introducing a heating element to your stenosis increases blood flow and expedites the healing process. If your stenosis is caused by swollen back muscles, ice packs can be a great treatment option. * Limited rest – while becoming sedentary can be one of the worst things you can do, taking a day or two to allow your back to heal can make all the difference. * Improve your posture and diet – something as simple as shedding a couple of pounds or walking with a straight back can remove a significant burden off the spine and help speed the recovery process. Hope this information is helpful. Good day