My dear friends, I must confess something that may surprise you. You see, I have been granted a marvellous opportunity to partake in a delightful activity with a group of individuals who, like myself, suffer from the debilitating condition of arthritis. Thanks to the kind-hearted folks over at Arthritis Ireland, I have discovered the joys of Nordic walking with a wonderful group of people who have undergone joint replacements and continue to remain active in their community.
https://www.arthritisireland.ie helped me out with offering me a set of Nordic walking poles to get me started on the journey of rehab, suffering alone is not fun but suffering together you realise you are not alone. No matter how bad things are they can get worse and believe you me also better. Perspective is a wonderful thing to have. The ladies and gentlemen who volunteer for Arthritis Ireland are absolutely wonderful people, genuine caring and loving souls. They get up and the give it the best that they can on the day. They don’t judge you for how fit / unfit you are, or if you simple can’t make it due to being in chronic pain or otherwise. They greet you with encouragement and understanding. I’m grateful for the time I’ve spent walking with them in the Curragh and in Naas sports ground. In particular I’m very grateful to of met Claire Kinneavy of Arthritis Ireland, many years ago before I had been diagnosed with Psorathic Arthritis , she steered me in the right direction to seek guidance from a specialist. Here is a video of her explaining about her journey.
Now, I know what you may be thinking – Nordic walking? What is that? Well, let me share with you the origins of this modern sport, which first began in the picturesque country of Finland. For decades, Finnish athletes had been training for winter cross-country skiing by walking in the summer months with nothing but their trusty ski poles (a practice they called “ski-walking”). And as it turns out, many individuals had also been walking and hiking in the great outdoors with the aid of sticks.
But my friends, let me tell you, the benefits of Nordic walking go far beyond just a mere pastime. It is an excellent form of exercise that can improve your physical fitness, increase your cardiovascular endurance, and even boost your metabolism. And let us not forget about the benefits of improved stability and mobility that come with Nordic walking. With the aid of the Nordic poles, individuals with conditions such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease can experience greater balance and confidence while walking. Plus, the stretching and range of motion involved in the activity can help to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
And that’s not all – studies have also shown that Nordic walking can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. In fact, research has indicated that it can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve overall mood and cognitive function.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to stay active and reap the numerous benefits that Nordic walking has to offer, I highly recommend giving it a try. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or simply looking to enjoy the great outdoors, Nordic walking truly has something to offer everyone. If you like me suffer from a load of ailments, perhaps ring arthritis Ireland for some guidance encouragement or support. You can ring them on 01 661 8188 / 0818 252 846 or snail mail them on:
Arthritis Ireland
1 Clanwilliam Square
Grand Canal Quay
Dublin 2
D02 DH77
As someone who suffers from psoriatic arthritis, I can tell you that the effects of this condition can be truly debilitating. The pain and stiffness in my joints can be so intense that it often feels as though I’m moving through quicksand. Every movement requires a conscious effort, and even simple tasks like getting dressed or brushing my teeth can be a painful ordeal.
What’s more, the fatigue associated with psoriatic arthritis can be overwhelming. It’s not just a feeling of being tired – it’s a deep, bone-weary exhaustion that makes it difficult to get through even the most basic activities of daily living. There are times when I feel like I could sleep for days and still wake up feeling exhausted.
And then there’s the inflammation. The joints that are affected by psoriatic arthritis can become swollen, red, and incredibly tender to the touch. The skin around the joint may also become hot and inflamed, adding to the discomfort and pain.
Living with psoriatic arthritis can feel like a constant battle, and there are days when it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I’m learning to manage my symptoms and find ways to cope with the pain and fatigue. Through medication, exercise, and self-care, I’m able to find moments of relief and regain some sense of control over my life.
It’s not always easy, but I’m determined to not let psoriatic arthritis define me. I refuse to let it steal my joy or prevent me from living a full and active life. With time, patience, and perseverance, I know that I can continue to adapt and thrive in spite of this condition. You can always reach out to me for advice or support [email protected]