Angela Brown- Living with Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis

Where my OA story Begins:

I have had osteoarthritis, OA, for about 20 years. It began to impact me after a career as a dancer in my early 20s, too many hours spent working in high heels, and genetics. Saddest day ever when I gave away all my heels I couldn’t wear.

I was active, had young kids, walked a lot and was very fit, but my feet were so painful.
No shoes seemed to be comfortable and the thought of going for a long walk became really impossible.

Impacts of OA:

OA started in my feet first and made it painful to walk, one of those things you tend to just put up with until it gets to the point you don’t want to do much of anything that involves using your feet!
Difficult as my jobs involved a lot of walking and standing. Some days were worse than others and you tend to put it aside when it isn’t in the forefront. Shoes became difficult to find as I looked for more comfy styles. Even then, shoes I had worn and then changed for a season, were so painful to wear again.

Doctors tend to be a bit dismissive and say, it’s just arthritis you’ll learn to live with it, take these medications. Sadly, most medications don’t agree with my body, so finding other ways to manage the pain and mobility issues had to be a priority.

Moving Forward:

Gentle is the answer, no strenuous exercising, as I paid for it for days afterwards. So, continuing to keep moving and moderating exercise or activities to suit the condition became priority.
Supplements were unsuitable, I have too many allergies, especially the ones with shellfish. I have tried everything.

OA then started in my hands, which being a cook and painter was very hard to take. I had to keep finding gadgets that could open jars, chop things, and stirring the Christmas cakes became a job for the Kenwood chef. I just couldn’t make the big wooden spoon mix the cake. That was a big disappointment for me.

I also do Aboriginal painting which became very painful. I persisted and found ways to manage by taking short breaks, where once I could sit and paint for hours. I love painting with a passion, so adapting was a must.

Keep moving it or you lose it is a very good reason to keep going, you do lose functionality if you don’t. I also have rheumatoid arthritis and taking steroids has caused osteoporosis, which I had no idea I had until I started breaking bones. In the space of 2 years, I went from being ok, to serious disease. Not a long time in which to lose that much bone, mainly in my feet, which has made my walking even harder, but you keep going, I refuse to give in.

Limited mobility and pain can feel like you want to give up, but keep moving in any way you can, it will help you regardless of age.

The World’s Biggest Sit In  – an exciting initiative to help you get moving!

If you want to join a fun event that will help you keep moving and gain some flexibility, join Musculoskeletal Health Australia’s World’s Biggest Sit In on the 26th of October 2025 at Rippon Lea Estate, Melbourne or join in virtually via Zoom – it’s ideal for anyone with OA or another musculoskeletal condition.

MHA are going for the WORLD RECORD for the largest 30 minute chair-based exercise class – so we NEED YOU!! It’s free to register, for more information visit: The World’s Biggest Sit In.