Knee arthritis

[woody1]

Anyone here suffer from this?

Had it for years but has been getting worse lately. GP wants to prescribe oral NSAIDs. Also mentioned hydrocortisone injections. Said I'd have a think about it.

Wondering if any of the following might help.
Topical NSAIDs eg Voltarol.
More low-impact exercise eg. cycling, swimming.
Physio.

Long-term may be looking at knee replacement but don't particularly relish this.

Anything else help?
Thanks

[cojak]

Yes to the injections, no to the the NSAIDs for anything but the worst pain on occasion- they mess with your stomach and the doctor should prescribe a PPI (eg. Lansoprazsol) to prevent damage to your stomach lining.

Basically, it’s all delaying the inevitable of an operation that will enhance the quality of life, so don’t be such a wuss.

[sadkingbilly]

Anyone here suffer from this?

Had it for years but has been getting worse lately. GP wants to prescribe oral NSAIDs. Also mentioned hydrocortisone injections. Said I'd have a think about it.

Wondering if any of the following might help.
Topical NSAIDs eg Voltarol.
More low-impact exercise eg. cycling, swimming.
Physio.

Long-term may be looking at knee replacement but don't particularly relish this.

Anything else help?
Thanks

you're asking a bunch of mostly unemployed IT bods for medical advice, 'cos you don't like what a qualified expert tells you?
good luck with that.

[woody1]

you're asking a bunch of mostly unemployed IT bods for medical advice, 'cos you don't like what a qualified expert tells you?
good luck with that.

You mean "trust me I'm a Doctor"?

Our experience with our local GPs over the years has not been good, hence I DMOR.

[woody1]

Basically, it’s all delaying the inevitable of an operation that will enhance the quality of life, so don’t be such a wuss.

Even if I was keen, unless I went private, delay would be the operative word. Woman at the boarding kennels where we take our dog had to wait 3 years for one knee and then another 2 for the other knee.

[malvolio]

She who mut be obeyed suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and has done for many years. It's incurable and progressive - basically the body is eating the cartilage in the joints.

On the bright side, she has two replacement knees, neither of which cause any pain or restrictions on movement other than being able to kneel down (the joints only bend to 90 degrees (but I believe newer ones are better), plus one replacement hip (so far...).

Bottom line - it won't get better. Joint replacement is the only long term option.

[sadkingbilly]

She who mut be obeyed suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and has done for many years. It's incurable and progressive - basically the body is eating the cartilage in the joints.

On the bright side, she has two replacement knees, neither of which cause any pain or restrictions on movement other than being able to kneel down (the joints only bend to 90 degrees (but I believe newer ones are better), plus one replacement hip (so far...).

Bottom line - it won't get better. Joint replacement is the only long term option.

osteoarthritis and rheumatoid are entirely different.
knee probs could be meniscus related, too.

I'M NOT a MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

[TheDude]

I am 53 and the medial meniscus on both knees has worn away to nothing. Keeping my legs strong helps and I take cod liver oil, turmeric and glocosamine.

Some days I feel like I could go back to running and some days I am in pain.

[woody1]

On the bright side, she has two replacement knees, neither of which cause any pain or restrictions on movement other than being able to kneel down (the joints only bend to 90 degrees (but I believe newer ones are better), plus one replacement hip (so far...).

Private or NHS? If NHS, how long did she have to wait?

[ladymuck]

Be prepared to be told you're too fat for surgery and have to lose weight before they'll consider putting you on the waiting list