What This Means
There is a unique pain in watching your grandchildren play from the sidelines. Joint pain does not just limit movement. It limits connection. When you cannot get on the floor, chase them in the yard, or walk through the zoo together, you miss moments that cannot be replaced.
Playing with grandchildren is not about athletic performance. It is about presence and participation. Even moderate improvements in joint function can transform your ability to engage with young family members. The goal is being part of their world, not competing in it.
How It’s Achieved
Returning to active grandparenting requires treating your joints while finding ways to participate that work for your body.
Reduce Pain and Improve Function
Viscosupplementation
Hyaluronic acid injections can provide months of improved joint function, perfect for staying active with grandchildren. Better joint lubrication means:
- Less pain when getting up and down
- More comfortable walking
- Reduced recovery time after activity
- Greater confidence in movement
Physical Therapy
Specific improvements that matter for grandparenting:
- Ability to get down to floor level and back up
- Walking endurance for outings
- Balance for uneven surfaces and moving children
- Arm strength for lifting and carrying
- Core stability for play activities
Physical therapists understand that functional goals like “play with my grandkids” drive motivation better than abstract measures.
Find Ways to Participate
Adapt Activities
Many activities can be modified:
- Playing board games at a table instead of on the floor
- Watching them play while sitting in a comfortable spot
- Short walks together rather than long hikes
- Reading stories in a comfortable chair
- Art projects at appropriate heights
- Swimming or pool play (water reduces joint stress)
Use Helpful Tools
Equipment that helps:
- Supportive shoes for walking and standing
- A portable cushion for hard surfaces
- A small folding chair for outings
- Knee pads if getting on the floor
- Walking poles for uneven terrain
What to Expect
Timeline to Improved Engagement
Weeks 1-4: Begin treatment. Even small improvements in pain may increase your willingness to participate in activities.
Weeks 4-8: Notice meaningful improvements. You may find yourself spontaneously joining activities you had been avoiding.
Weeks 8-12: Establish new patterns of engagement. Identify which activities work best and how long you can comfortably participate.
Ongoing: Maintain treatment and exercises to sustain your ability to participate. Activity levels may vary with grandchildren’s ages and interests.
What Improvement Looks Like
Success is often measured in moments:
- Sitting on the floor to play with blocks
- Walking through the zoo without cutting the trip short
- Chasing them briefly in the yard
- Attending their games and events
- Giving piggyback rides (even short ones)
- Dancing at family celebrations
Real Patient Experiences
Grandparents describe this as their most meaningful outcome:
- “Getting on the floor to play with my two-year-old grandson was impossible before treatment. Now I can get down there, even if getting up takes a minute.”
- “I went to my granddaughter’s soccer game and actually walked from the parking lot to the field. She was so happy to see me on the sideline.”
- “The gel injections gave me back trips to the park. I can walk with them now instead of just watching from a bench.”
What makes the difference:
- Treatment that provides sustained improvement
- Physical therapy focused on functional goals
- Willingness to adapt activities
- Accepting help when needed
- Focusing on connection over performance
Age-Appropriate Engagement
Infants and Toddlers
Challenges: Getting on floor level, getting back up, carrying them
Solutions:
- Practice floor-to-stand transitions in PT
- Use a play yard at higher levels
- Sit in a chair while they play nearby
- Hold them while seated
Preschool Age
Challenges: Keeping up with their energy, outdoor play, physical games
Solutions:
- Shorter, more frequent play sessions
- Stationary activities like building or reading
- Take breaks while they continue playing
- Pool and water play (reduces joint stress)
School Age
Challenges: Attending events, longer outings, sports involvement
Solutions:
- Comfortable seating for events
- Plan outings with rest opportunities
- Coach or teach rather than play alongside
- Share hobbies that do not require mobility
Teenagers
Challenges: May actually be easier as activities shift
Solutions:
- Engage in conversations and shared interests
- Attend their events and activities
- Share skills and knowledge
- Cook or do projects together
Making It Sustainable
To keep participating long-term:
- Continue treatment as recommended
- Maintain physical therapy exercises
- Pace yourself during visits
- Communicate your needs to family
- Accept that some days are better than others
- Focus on quality of interaction over quantity
When to Push and When to Rest
Push a little when:
- Pain is manageable
- Activity is important to your grandchild
- You have recovery time afterward
- You have not been very active recently
Rest when:
- Pain is significant
- You have been very active recently
- You have other commitments soon
- Your body is telling you to stop