Arthritis in knee

All sorts ,
Since this discussion started & both yours & my replies last year , I have been referred for knee surgery.
The Consultant appointment was September 2024 & a few days after I returned from a foreign holiday . Coincidentally during that holiday I took to daily walking down the 5 flights of stairs of our hotel . This proved to be a foolish thing as it only increased my suffering.
I had to wait a long time (many years ) to even get that appointment & am now apparently a few months away on the ‘ surgery list’ which is to me amazing news .
But like you I never wanted knee surgery & mine will be a full knee replacement & I dread the surgery but am in so much discomfort/ pain say & night .
Also I have the same as yet undiagnosed issue with my right knee , that has been a problem for many years though is now significantly worse & as painful as my left knee 😢😢😢😢

I completely understand what many of you are going through — I've had arthritis in my knee for a few years now, and it's definitely a daily balancing act. Strengthening exercises have helped me the most, and on tougher days, I use an adjustable knee support for extra help. I also recently discovered Actemra, which has been a real game-changer for managing inflammation. It’s pretty affordable too — for example, you can find it at beautydermal.com/brands/actemra/ , which is much better priced than through some other suppliers. If you're looking for a stronger option to help with joint pain, it’s definitely worth a look!

A TKR on my right knee two and a half years ago has been very successful. This was carried out by an NHS surgeon using space in a private hospital. It was aching a few months ago. An x-ray ordered by the surgery physio confirmed the prosthetic was still firmly in place. We guessed soft tissue damage, it’s now a lot better. Even with the recent aches it is so much better than pre surgery. My leg was bent, pain in every movement whether sitting, standing or walking. I’m so pleased I agreed to the surgery.

A steroid injection in my left knee five weeks ago has worked wonders. Long may it last.

Next step is to ease the pain in a thumb. Physio said trigger thumb, pushed a joint and I shot off the bed. We’re going to try steroid in there once I’m a couple of months past the knee injection. She’s wary of overloading the body with cortisone.

I do think we’re very fortunate to have physios attached to our GP practice. While I mutter about the travelling needed, it’s a huge group practice, the benefits of easy access to an NHS physio far outnumber the inconvenience.

Good luck everyone, arthritis is so painful.

crazyH
I do the same with anti inflammatory meds , I have found the best to be Flarin which have a better result . My husband almost brought me some Magnesium Cream that I use at night if I need it . But tbh I had my 3rd steroid injection 5/01 on my right knee & fingers crossed 🤞 it’s faring better .

I don’t want an operation but my knee as well as hip are painful most of the time, I walk each day but the pain the next day is worse than every ivealkbtoo far. People say walk through tge pain but I can’t.

A TKR is due within the next few weeks but I have arthritis in the hip on the opposite side too. Does anyone else find that they are exhausted with arthritis? I wonder if it’s the combination of pain and the extra effort walking involves?

I am recovering from a TKR and so far it's okay - eight /nine weeks in. The knee feels stronger as if it can only now get better. It will take a few more months probably to settle fully.
Also had problems with the other one - and that was sorted out by a steroid injection which worked miracles - it really was an instant fix about 2 and half years ago.

Thuasne knee supports are specifically for osteoarthritis. Developed by orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists. Available on prescription in some health areas. Expensive but well worth it

ronib

My friend 88 years old is no longer able to walk far without a walking frame. Her hip replacement is okay but knee replacement at a private hospital has not worked at all.
Another friend has problems with her knee replacement and is finding life very difficult as the skin around her scars is a problem. Also private healthcare. This happened 3 to 4 months after surgery.
I presume most knee replacements are more successful?

My guess, after my 2 TKR, not enough physiotherapy. Four months per knee (3x a week) was what worked quite well, for me.

My friend 88 years old is no longer able to walk far without a walking frame. Her hip replacement is okay but knee replacement at a private hospital has not worked at all.
Another friend has problems with her knee replacement and is finding life very difficult as the skin around her scars is a problem. Also private healthcare. This happened 3 to 4 months after surgery.
I presume most knee replacements are more successful?

Farzanah

I have looked up the evidence for Flexiseq on “Versus Arthritis” and the results are equivocal, I’m nerdy like that, but I do like a safety profile and evidence base before I use, and spend money.

I have had arthritis in knees since adolescence and mainly use ibruprofen gel and take paracetamol before I do a reasonable walk twice a week, and exercises to strengthen muscles which support knee. I may try Flexiseq for a few weeks as it contains no drugs apparently.

I can’t use Ibuprofen gel as I have heart problems.

I have looked up the evidence for Flexiseq on “Versus Arthritis” and the results are equivocal, I’m nerdy like that, but I do like a safety profile and evidence base before I use, and spend money.

I have had arthritis in knees since adolescence and mainly use ibruprofen gel and take paracetamol before I do a reasonable walk twice a week, and exercises to strengthen muscles which support knee. I may try Flexiseq for a few weeks as it contains no drugs apparently.

See if anything works for you , but after trying most things the only things that works is a Total Knee replacement. I had one 18 months ago, more painful that Hip replacement (both of my hips done) but if offered take it.

I use the lesser strength one at the moment as I am still active walking the dog. It did take a couple of weeks to feel the effects. It was recommended ito me by an acquaintance who had bad arthritis in her hands and found the maximum strength one really worked for her, again after a couple of weeks.

annodomini

I think Flexiseq might be the answer for me too. There seem to be two strengths: Flexiseq and Fflexiseq Max. Which would you recomment?

I have used Flexiseq as and when my knees have been stiff and achey. My son in law is a surgeon and recommends gentle exercise as much as possible, with surgery a last resort.

I’ve been waiting since September to see an NHS physiotherapist, so in the meantime I have personal trainer who comes every week and we do knee strengthening exercises. I also use a vibration plate to help strengthen my knees. My GP did arrange an appointment for me to have a steroid injection, but I cancelled it and declined to try the knee exercises instead.

I think Flexiseq might be the answer for me too. There seem to be two strengths: Flexiseq and Fflexiseq Max. Which would you recomment?

Thank you everyone for feedback 😊

The name is Flexiseq. Give it a try for a couple of weeks.

My physio advised that it was worth trying a support if I needed to be particularly active but only to use it occasionally as it’s better to strengthen the muscles around the knee.

GMS I do agree with you but do not leave it as long as I did for a TKR. I ended up having a tibial osteotomy as well because my lower leg was beginning to bow. The wait for surgery did not help.

I would agree with the poster who said that the knee support made it worse. Same here. I have a bad right knee. I just take anti-inflammatories at night - or if I know I’ve got an ‘active’ day ahead ie ‘walking’ 😂

Thanks for that tip Avalon. I have had arthritis in my knees since I was 21 but one knee has become very painful lately. I don’t want surgery unless it’s essential.

As there are different types of knee brace it might be worth asking a physio opinion as to one that might help
If you can look at yourself walking if you are a bit knock kneed I found an arch support helped My knees ached when I was rehabbing my two hips and an arch support helped and approved of by my physio while I built up the muscles

My experience was and is the opposite. A support made and makes arthritis pain far worse. Chatting with the surgeon who operated on my right knee he said his view was it’s always worth trying and it’s a bit of a lottery whether they help or not. The left knee is now painful and again I’ve found a support unhelpful. We are of course all different. If you do want to try one I’d suggest the sort with Velcro straps as tightness can be adjusted to suit you.

Perhaps have a look at the hips and knees thread bicycle. Sorry I can’t do a link but if you check the health forum you’ll see it listed. Lots of information and support of a different kind there.