Let's talk about aches and pains
Posted by Training_Mix_7619@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 69 comments
So, since turning 50 I've become almost constantly in some kind of pain. I exercise low impact daily (walk 70km a week). I don't do much else but work in an office and almost always use a standing desk. Waking up early for to stiffness and poison.
Question is, is this normal for most? We all hear about the aches coming out way, paying for all we've done in our youth. Is this true for others? Really love this sub, my tribe.
SnowhiteMidnight@reddit
It's great you're getting in your walking. You should add core strengthening too, because if core is weak our other muscles work overtime to stabilize our back and bodies and they get sore. (I learned that from my PT.) For me, an absolute must, morning stretches. First thing after waking up I drop to the floor. I prefer the hard floor or a light carpet over wood floor so I can crack out my back. Even just rolling my back down onto the hard floor, it's crackcrackcrack all up my spine. Ahhhhhh. Sit up, legs out front then spread apart, each time holding toes and bending over and stretching. Then a butterfly stretch for adductors (inside the thigh.) All of that takes ten minutes at the most.
2cats2hats@reddit
Based on how you described your fitness regiment I can see why you might be going through this.
u/Vivid_Surprise_1353 mirrors my sentiment exactly. I woke up stiff(first time in years) two days ago and thought 'here we fuckin' go' since I've been to busy to work out lately. But hey, it went away within a few hours. I worked out the following day as it mitigates the aches and pains for me.
Please consider a closer look at your fitness regiment(seek out a trainer) and your diet. I'm closer to 60 now but I definitely get what you're going through as you hit 50. It can be a great decade to live in but to me it was because I cleaned up my act(fitness/diet).
omegared138@reddit
I'm only 46, but I wrecked my back from having a great job and being sedentary. Plus a couple injuries. If I don't stay diligent about stretches, and trying to keep my lousy core in shape, I start getting back to having back pain again on a regular basis. Basis. Hell, my back hurts right now. I found I didn't even have to do anything crazy, just my lower back stretches, some basic core work, and stretching my hips and hamstrings.
That_Damn_Pirate@reddit
I'm 45, threw my back out bending over to pick a sock off the floor. This getting older shit is pure mayhem.
Bubblemuncher@reddit
Do Yoga. Pilates. Core. Strength.
That_Damn_Pirate@reddit
Yes, you are right, I'm planning on a routine starting tomorrow! Have some kettlebells. Need to loose some fluff while I'm at it. Doing a form of hiit and looking into some yoga classes as well.
Bubblemuncher@reddit
This is truly awesome. I had a few severe back attacks in my 40s that put me out of commission for a few weeks, painkillers, immobilized, the whole think. Got serious about health in my late 40s and zero back issues.
Pace yourself, acknowledge that some days you won't be in to it, and that's okay. Just don't fully stop. Mix it up, keep it interesting and keep moving. Keep us updated!
MrPodocarpus@reddit
Dude, you should know that at our age that sock is a two-man lift.
Illustrious_Letter84@reddit
First get an evaluation from and Ortho. You are way too young for this pain. 70k walking a week is too much and too little. Do the FIFA 11+ before you go walking. Add rest days. And do 30 20 10 twice a week. And swim or add weights. You are grinding. I usually charge for that advice.
Randomwhitelady2@reddit
Are ankle weights while walking a good idea?
Illustrious_Letter84@reddit
Nah. Do one thing. 30 20 10. Run hard. Or go long. Don’t combine
kat-bot7@reddit
Well now I've got to ask... FIFA 11+ ??? 30 20 10?? thanks! ...
Illustrious_Letter84@reddit
Just Google. They are my secrets.
Training_Mix_7619@reddit (OP)
I did Google it, great advice and thank for the share
Miralalunita@reddit
Once you said “low impact and don’t do much” I knew that’s your problem lol you HAVE to do heavy weights, move everyday and do yoga. There’s really no easy way out. Doing weights provides your bones and joints the support they need and yoga gives you the flexibility that you’re lacking right now. Walking and jogging are really for your heart which is important but you must focus on weight training.
Vivid_Surprise_1353@reddit
💯% agree. Don’t sleep on weight training. Work your way up slowly, but once you’re moving real weight around your body isn’t going to be bitching at you when you need to bend over and tie your shoes!
Bubblemuncher@reddit
Rebuild your core. Yoga, Pilates, Core, Strength.
Bubblemuncher@reddit
Yoga. Pilates. Core. Strength.
HPIndifferenceCraft@reddit
If I might offer an unsolicited suggestion, you need to get the inflammation out of your body. I would try maybe cutting out gluten for a month and see if that helps with some of your nagging pains.
When I got Covid in 2020, it really dicked up my breathing. So I did a deep dive on the correlation between the virus and inflammation in the body.
It lead me to cut both gluten and dairy. My breathing improved in about a week - after struggling for months. Unexpectedly, I noticed that my lingering ankle and hip pains were also completely gone.
I’m not saying it’s a silver bullet, but it may be worth trying.
punkdrummer22@reddit
As someone who CANT eat gluten dont cut it out if you don't have to. It sucks being GF
TooMuchBroccoli@reddit
My ex GFs agree with that statement.
MountainNovel714@reddit
The inflammation point is so true. I went on an inflammation research venture. More water. Less to no sugar. I done drink coffee ( or consume caffeine or alcohol) I know, borrring Lol. I take Omega 3 oil , helps w inflammation. More fruits and veggies. Less to much less to no processed meats, no to very little chips, way way way less bacon, less fat. Unpasteurized honey is also really good for you and help contribute to reduced inflammation. I am cow dairy intolerant and ways, makes me sick in the guts/ bowels for 5 days and extreme inflammation like major arthritis feeling. It makes every joint and bone hurt and ache. It puts me down for the count.
I also have a pile of old injuries from being a sports risk and general risk taker all my life. I never learn. High pain tolerance.
All the above changes did help me feel more comfortable on the daily.
krusbaersmarmalad@reddit
Coffee is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, so unless you're avoiding caffeine specifically, there are good reasons to drink it in moderation.
MountainNovel714@reddit
Ya. Me and caffeine don’t mix well together. I’m already wired for sound. Makes me super anxious. Like over the top. Can be hard on the gut. And I do find it does make my joints hurt oddly enough. (And I know it’s listed as an anti inflammatory - just doesn’t do it for me. Has opposite effect)
People are safer w no caffeine in me. Haha
Zealousideal_Arm_415@reddit
When my doctor told me to quit gluten, I literally rolled my eyes (like any genx-er would). But it actually freaking worked. And now - if I eat gluten - I feel it. Crazy but def worth a try.
Normipoikkeus@reddit
I have a sitting job as a psychotherapist and my back started to give me quite a bit of trouble a few years ago. Then I started to go to the gym 3-4 times a week to lift maximum weights. All of my back (and knee) pains went away with. Maybe this is just temporary but I'll take it :)
realjimmyjuice000@reddit
Just turned 60 and I am frequently woken up in the middle of the night with Charlie horses, a few days ago I got up to go pee and pulled a muscle in my groin, My morning routine now involves 10 minutes of hanging on the side of the bed moaning in pain... It just dawned on me that I'm only one hard fart away from being in a coma!
ktulenko@reddit
Stretching and an anti-inflammatory diet.
EdwardBliss@reddit
Used to get gout flare ups, but that's now all gone after several year on Allopurinol. I used to have lower back problems, but that mysteriously disappeared, possibly because of the Allo (it gradually dissolves the uric acid crystals in your joints) Occasionally I'll tweak something, but that's because of being 50-something more than anything
strangejosh@reddit
Jesus I’m only 43 and I have so many aches and pains. I need to get back in shape.
a_passionate_man@reddit
Was playing competitive volleyball for 20+ years. Feeling my knees and ankles but I do not only blame it on sports as I know that I have some extra pounds on my hips. I started going to the gym only recently but can already notice that it has been getting better.
DaveFoucault@reddit
I have worked as a carpenter building houses on my own since 1991. Unfortunately I have felt like this for a quarter of a century since I was about 30.
Vivid_Surprise_1353@reddit
I used to be in the same boat as you. I didn’t walk nearly that much, but would wake up stiff and sore. Figured that was just the way it was going to be from here on out.
But then… my mom got really sick, and I could just see how weak she was, and how little muscle tone she had, and how hard it made mobility for her. Since I was turning 50, I decided I was going to really start working on strength training and weightlifting as a regular part of my routine. I can’t tell you what a difference lifting weights has made to my overall well-being.
I do lighter weights, higher reps, sometimes I’ll do super sets (back to back sets) with two different muscle groups, and you essentially get a decent cardio workout because you’re not resting between sets. I have also started eating a lot more protein (in the form of whey protein/powder supplement shakes and drinks).
I’ve lost a ton of weight, added a bunch of muscle, and I might literally be in the best shape I’ve been in since my 20s. If I do wake up with any stiffness, it’s gone within minutes.
DoomOfChaos@reddit
Lol! Yup! At 50 I'm kicking my 25 year old selfs ass in the gym... First time in my life I sort of have abs
Zeveroth1@reddit
Not sarcasm. Congratulations on your success. I hope that inspires others to follow suit.
Vivid_Surprise_1353@reddit
Thank you! It’s all about slow and consistent improvement. Once you get to the point where you’re moving real weight around, your body isn’t bitching about tying your shoes or carrying groceries anymore ;-)
DoomOfChaos@reddit
Stretching!!! I hit the gym for weights 4x a week along with being reasonably active daily.
Sufficient-Ice-5574@reddit
Stop walking so much
bettesue@reddit
Women who have gone through menopause have a lot of musculoskeletal issues, some stats say 80% of us. I know my poor skeleton creaks in ways I never thought possible and I’m in decent shape and have done yoga for 30+ years. 🤷🏽♀️ the pain comes and goes and is usually better after some movement in the morning, but I can’t imagine what 60, 70, 80 will bring!
MyFallWillBe4you@reddit
Body aches and pains became very real for me about five years ago (at age 45). There was a medical reason for my severe leg pain. No biggie, I just wear compression socks every day and see a vascular surgeon annually. My job keeps me on my feet and moving 75% of my day. On my days off, I’m completely exhausted and I’m not active enough…and I pay for it!
The best advice I have is to find ways to manage the discomfort. A new mattress did wonders for my back pain. Wearing a knee brace when it starts hurting prevents it from getting worse. Choosing a car with comfortable seats and a supportive office chair make sitting for longer periods much more tolerable.
The somewhat sad truth is you will adapt to aches and pains. Fix or improve the things you can and accept and live with the rest. I’ll be 50 in a few months and I feel like I’m 60+. But I’m not dead…yet.
Stefgrep66@reddit
Im in pretty good shape, but my knees are knackered from years of football so there are certain gym exercises I avoid. My knee went a couple of years as I was...having a shower. I shit you not!
WhiplashMotorbreath@reddit
I don't wake up stiff, or sore unless I really over did it the day before, I get stiff/sore after work if I sit for 30 minutes or longer, once back moving, I'm fine. I don't have an office setting job. Lots of bending ,picking things up. and get about 5-7 miles a day of walking just at work. Getting back up off my knees is the only real issue but at 275 lb's that just comes with it.
cartoonchris1@reddit
Everything Hurts and I’m Dying is on tshirts for a reason.
steelcoyot@reddit
At the moment, going through a shingles outbreak
Sleeplesshelley@reddit
ugh, I NEED to go get those shots...
Judgy-Introvert@reddit
54 and luckily that is not normal for me. I workout 5 days a week doing mostly weight lifting and yoga with some running or boxing thrown in once a week. I rarely get much in the line of aches and pains unless I overexerted myself. My job is also fairly physical. I’m lucky that I have no real heal to issues or have to take any medications. I eat healthy and stay hydrated. I think all that helps to combat that….at least for now.
Alit_Quar@reddit
I too just turned fifty this year. I train at an MMA gym six hours or more per week plus additional cardio and weight training. Everything hurts. All the time. Must be normal.
MountainNovel714@reddit
ihatepickingnames_@reddit
Exactly. 59 here and I’m running/boxing/lifting weights six days a week and I’m stiff and sore every day (though once I start working out I feel better) but if I miss a week, holy crap.
MountainNovel714@reddit
Ya. Gotta keep moving for sure. I’ve been in pain and healing/injury recovery since I was 12 years old. 🤣. My poor body
Have had a helluva good time though
flyingminnow@reddit
You don’t mention your gender but perimenopause and menopause symptoms include joint pain and stiffness (I woke up one morning with a frozen shoulder -fun!). You may want to talk to your doctor if this applies to you as there are options to help.
mailahchimp@reddit
I train for half marathons and marathons all year. 54 yo. Don't have any aches or pains except a sore ankle, but I can minimise the discomfort with strengthening exercises. I really do think that it's important to exercise as much as possible and go light on the booze.
tbonescott1974@reddit
One word. Sciatica.
Fine_Comparison9812@reddit
My hip and elbow
B0X0FCH0C0LATE@reddit
48 year old tile setter. If I woke up with no pain I would think something is wrong.
S99B88@reddit
We’ve come a long way from Salt’N’Peppa haven’t we 😂
annang@reddit
Mobility exercises. Some of it is stretching, but some is designed to strengthen the muscles that support fluid movements so you avoid overuse or injury.
TinktheChi@reddit
I go to a local pool and swim lengths every weekday for an hour. I absolutely love it. I also went back to taking CBD and I've never felt better.
Swimming is amazing for you and it doesn't feel like exercise to me. I've got underwater earphones that my daughter bought for me and I play rock music during my swim which is excellent.
Fun-Distribution-159@reddit
i am in physical therapy for it. my pt and spinal doctor both recommend firmer mattresses and lots of stretching and strength training in addition to cardio
Stardustquarks@reddit
BigMoFuggah@reddit
I'm sitting here watching football and the pain level in my legs is about 8. I keep holding my breath and trying to massage my knees. My abdominal area where I have a mass that will soon come out hurts on a level of about a 5. Sometimes I question why I want to stay alive.
Old_and_Cranky_Xer@reddit
I’m 58 and have so many health issues to list so I won’t bore you. My at rest pain levels average from 2-4.5. Most walking is 3-10. Anything beyond walking and limited activity takes me from 7-10 almost instantly.
flyart@reddit
58 here. I try to stay moderately active, not overweight. I have cronic back pain between my shoulder blades from degenerative bone disease. I have arthritis in ONE finger. Other than that I'm doing pretty well.
Cryptosmasher86@reddit
Walking 40 miles per week is a bit much, you need a rest day and you should be doing something besides walking
Do you stretch? do Yoga? lift any weights? bike? swim?
The other side is also diet, what do you eat?
And have you actually had conversations with your doctor during your annual physical vs asking randos on reddit?
Good_Queen_Dudley@reddit
No. But there could be a few things at play, including just simply being dehydrated which encourages stiffness and that eh feeling you get. Stress can also cause stiffness and pain. And finally, standing for extended periods of time also isn't great, especially if you have bad shoes or have weaker muscles in your back and core/torso and then shoulders as you may hunch and not even know it. Definitely take breaks at work to squat and touch your toes, lift your knees up, roll your shoulders, go for a quick walk around the office, to stretch out. Try and find some way to strengthen your body in whatever way you like. Then remember to stretch.
MrsByrne80@reddit
I can’t be the only one who read that as Salt-N-Pepa? 🎶Let’s talk about aches and pains🎶
threateningwarmth@reddit
I fucked up my back a couple days ago again moving a bedroom set upstairs that we just purchased. Last time I had this pain. I was fucked up for three straight weeks. Sometimes I wake up and just like a fucking toe will hurt for no reason or a wrist or shoulder. I did not take care of myself in my youth in any way shape or form. I was just go hard all the time and now I’m paying for it. But whatever.
Finding_Way_@reddit
Yoga and stretching help...
So I hear
guvbums@reddit
I work a pretty labor intensive job and always have some kind of stiffness in my ankles and every so often sore knees. I guess it's just a part of aging.