Knees...

My knee gives me a bit of 'jip' on occasion but Pilates and swimming seem to keep it in check. I'd have to be in dire straits before I went into hospital I have to say. My hospital experiences have not been good ones over all.

I have arthritis in both hips and at least one knee. Cortisone injections have helped the knee pain, but I have also taken up swimming and aquafit classes, to strengthen the leg muscles and help general joint. mobility. It does seem to be helping, and is doing me good in other ways.

I take curcumin extract and turmeric capsules - great anti-inflammatory - and also proven to be one of the best ways to prevent or slow down Alzheimers too ...(my worst nightmare having seen the results in too many people).

Preparing now for second knee replacement (at 67). The first one was very tough- as there was a lot of peripheral damage (tendons, ligaments, etc) bone beaks and growths - all results of a severe cr accident when I was 19 - with right leg and knee all smashed up.

The new knee holds well, but lots of strange feelings and low pain still, almost 2 years after replacement. Having second one done on 6th of March - and hoping this one will be much much easier and quicker- without those weird feelings - and become my top/best knee that will help the other cope, as it has done for the last 48 years ... Off to a spa for 1 week on Saturday, lots of warm water, swimming (have to do up and down legs- no frogs!) ... and exercise- and try not to worry too much.

Despite being told that glucosamine is not scientifically proven to help, I’ve started taking it again combined with chondroitin and ginger in one capsule.

I think it’s working for me.

Using a walking aid does help take the pressure off.

Oh yes. All the herbal supplements etc can't help if you're bone on bone. Also masking pain doesn't make the underlying cause go away.

Have your knees replaced if they need doing sooner rather than later, I had my first knee done when I was 55, second 2 years later, I have not looked back since, I'm sure I would have been in a wheelchair by now if I hadn't. What made my mind up was a physiotherapist telling me to give the surgeon "something to work with". Have a look at the bonesmart website, it has so much good, factual, sensible information, I found it a great support. bonesmart.org

Our GP thought I was too young at 59 to have my knees replaced. Luckily the X rays told a different story because having them done made such a difference to my life. I would have been completely immobile by now if I hadn't gone for it.

I had a lot of support from others on GN when I first heard my knee had reached the end of the road ( as the orthopaedic surgeon put it!). Lots of us on here have dodgy knees and experiences and practical tips to share.

Thanks for this thread Pen50. My knees are gradually getting worse so these suggestions are very helpful.

I had a new knee at 61. A longer recovery than they tell you but its fine now. No pain. Only snag is the other knee needs done too. I don't want to put it off too much longer as trying to walk carefully is leading to knock on hip pain.
I'd say don't leave it too long as long term tendon and ligament damage due to you trying to compensate could make recovery harder.

At 61, I have had a painful knee for a few years. After moving back into my 3rd floor flat and carrying heavy furniture up the stairs, both became painful. I was recommended Devil's Claw. Within days of taking it, not only did the knees improve greatly, my bad back of over 40 years greatly improved and hasn't given me problems since.

The only thing that helps me with my multi-joint arthritis is Naproxen prescribed by my GP. Without it I'm in a lot of pain and have stiffness that doesn't allow me to do lots of things.

My DH has one very painful knee. Someone told him to take rosehip tablets. It has been fantastic and his knee is very, very much better. It could be just a placebo but I think not. Worth a try anyway.

My husband is 74, and had suffered from arthritic pain in his right knee for a long time. Due to a combination of a sport injury and congenital slight deformity.
Had various treatments, then our doctor referred him to a rheumatologist for a special injection involving a product which promotes renewal of cartilage.
TG it was very successful, although it's expensive and might have to be done privately.
Look up viscosupplementation.

Certainly exercise to strengthen the muscles. Not sure why 61 is too young . I had mine done 5 months apart when I was 59 then 60. Getting rid of that constant pain and being able to do so much more is wonderful.

pen50, I discovered a really good knee support called ‘Active650’. I wouldn’t be without it.

I haven't tried it yet but I've heard cannabis oil spoken of very favourably in connection with arthritis pain. It's perfectly legal as it's had its psychotropic content removed. It's obtainable in health food shops and on line. I think I might give it a go.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Elasticated-Knee-Support-Compression-Bandage-Brace-Wrap-Arthritis-Tendinitis-x-2/321425873675?hash=item4ad6799b0b:m:mMVe8IKA-NfATwQ6UzFVxcg

I wouldn't be without these. I don't wear them on my knees as I can't bear the pressure but pull them down over my calves. I find support below the knee helps a great deal with mobility and the warmth in cold weather is very comforting.

Under trousers nobody can see them and I think it's important to look after the bit of your leg that has to work extra hard when your knees are dodgy.

Try and strengthen the muscles in your legs as that will take some pressure off your knees, I’ve found Yoga and Pilates helpful