
You read that right.
Anyways, I started exercising at 5 weeks post-baby, and I was seriously itching to get back. No, really. I was pretty itchy. Another post partum novelty.
I began running, jumping rope, and resistance training. And it was freaking hard, but I expected this. What I didn't expect was to barely be able to walk up the stairs (slight exaggeration, but it makes for great reading) because my knees hurt so much. I've dealt with knee pain before, but towards the outside of my knees- this pain was on the inside. I knew it was pregnancy related because it was both knees and the pain was the same.
In addition, I have chronic shoulder pain that seems to have worsened since having a baby. Knees and shoulders. Awesome.
I've tried epsom salt baths, foam rolling, ibuprofen, and taking time off of high impact exercise, and while the pain has somewhat subsided, I know that I am not going to be able to get back into high impact exercise as quickly as I intended to.
WTF!? I thought going through nine months of
I posted this on my Facebook Page and you peeps were amazing with tips and tricks to help with joint pain (that is breastfeeding friendly). The problem is most likely from the hormone Relaxin, which helps your joints (pelvic and cervical regions) relax during pregnancy to prepare for childbirth.
I got some great advice that included the following:
-Try adding Fish Oil capsules (I researched this and I will be checking with my doctor, but an addition of 200mg of DHA is good for joint inflammation)
-Ease back on high impact exercise
-Try Safflower Oil 3x/day
-Visit a chiropractor/sports massage therapist
-Try Hot/Cold baths
-Water running or swimming
-Give it time
-Joint pain can be cured with a joint (so I added this one in. I feel like it makes sense.)
*Note that glucosamine and microlactin were advised, but they are not recommended for breastfeeding*
So I will keep you updated.. I got Swiss Natural Wild Salmon and Fish Oil this weekend and will let you know if it makes a difference! You can take 1-3 per day, but I am taking 1-2 so that it isn't too much for the baby. What a wimp.
Do you have any suggestions to help with joint pain? Wine is an acceptable answer.