Feeling old, anyone else struggle with their knees?!

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Frankie doodle dandy

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I'm not sure if this is an age thing or a riding thing - I expect its a mixture of both but my knees ain't what they use to be, especially now it's getting cold. They seem to be seizing up and making dismounting a problem. Anyone got any advice or tips on clothing - can you buy knee warmers?
 
I never let my knees get wet, always have waterproofs on. TBH my hip and back are the worst bits, the knees pale besides, unless they get wet in which case they seize up completely.

We have just started on some human cortaflex, and it does seem to be making a difference. Also, early on in October I had a Chiro look at my left knee (which I broke when I was 15) and that one is now better than my right. Funny how people think of a Chiro for backs etc but I had not got help for my knee before.

Some horses /saddles are just at the wrong angle too, and horses that are dead to the leg are not comfortable. Oh, and I wriggle and swing my legs before attempting a dismount, and try to dismount onto a mounting block when I can, as a reverse mount. No shock of landing that way.
 
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I get siezed up knees and really bad aching when riding and just been for a few sessions with the physio. I do squats (back against the wall) and various exercises each night now to build up the muscles around the knee cap and it's working quite well for me. I can definitely ride for longer now before the aching comes on. You may have different causes however.....
 
I've always struggled with my knees tbh-I like wide cushioned endurance stirrups and like back on track products (they do knee braces). Even long socks/leg warmers over your knees could help.
 
I get off out of sight now as it takes several minutes for my knees to work!!! I use flexie stirrups and also sloping inserts which turn your foot and ease your knee. They have helped. I did not ride in them for a bit and I noticed the difference.
 
I need to keep my legs warm for a different reason and use ski base layer tights and leggings to keep me toasty. I also find the long sleeve vests are great too, keeps me warm but not sweaty when schooling. Also, we all take care to warm our horses up properly but how many of us warm ourselves up before riding?
 
Yes, really struggle to get on due to bad left knee and find it difficult putting on leg boots etc as once I am down by the floor, getting back up is another question.
 
OH does (just a couple of years older than moi) and he s started taking Gopo capsules which are supposed to be a new super joint helping supplement.... I ll let you know if it stops the "ooo ahhhh" as he stands up and moves about...a month in and he still makes noises.
 
All of my joints ache and click and grumble and begrudge most forms of movement! I get funny looks at shows when I warm up for an in-hand class with a Shetland pony lol! I have been this way since I was a teenager and I am only 26 now. I am completely screwballed for the future!
 
I have to say that losing weight has helped my knees too. It's just the fingers/toes that are getting bad, Raynauds sufferer. I also have a toe on my right foot which I reckon was broken a few years ago by a hoof. It has now started to feel a bit brick like since the weather has turned. :(
 
Thermal long johns are your friend! I have terrible knees, left knee I fractured on a jump wing many years ago (on a run out) and have had five ops on it, they can't do anything else with it until I'm old enough for a replacement (this was the case from the age of 28!), my right knee is failing as i over compensate. I have had great success with cod liver oil capsules, taken daily.

I had flexi stirrups and ride in a dressage saddle and find these help massively too, definitely keep them warm in the winter as I find the cold causes more aches and pains.
 
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