Knee!

If I was told losing weight was necessary for my health I would make that my number 1 priority. Even if you go private any benefit from the operation will be jeopardised by putting too much weight on your knee.

If it’s moderate arthritis do you need an op?? Lose the weight and go to physio - May solve the problem?

Also be mindful of what shoes you wear? Some are worse than others for causing knee pain.

Good luck.

I have moderate to severe knee arthritis diagnosed when it flared up. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, physio prescribed but acupuncture helped most. Now it isn’t agonising but back to niggly.

I did set to and lost weight before my recent hip replacement. I looked on it as self help. I know it's easier said than done but it can be done!
Knee replacements are much harder to recover from but are very well worth it.
Whether or not you go private losing weight is helpful.

You have been given by this thread excellent advise.
I recently saw orthopedics team for Severe OA of knee. TKR needed.
They probably won't do a TKR for Moderate OA but if it is swollen see if anyone would do a Steroid injection? I paid for mine as NHS not doing due to Covid, cannot believe the relief.
Weight loss is the best thing to do to help yourself and keeping the muscles around the knee working.
My knee issue started 12 years ago and only now it looks like it will be sorted (well in the next year) I suggested going private and surprisingly the consultant said not worth it, keep to NHS.
Even better if Robot assisted operation which is unlikely going Private.
Good luck and fully understand your pain.

I was told my patella was worn down because of osteoarthritis and it needs replacing over five years ago. It’s very painful it’s swollen and keeps me awake but I have no intention of having another operation.
I had my hip replaced ten years ago I could not take morphine as my blood pressure was dangerously low. I was offered Tramadol which I refused as they are addictive. I seem to be allergic to every other pain relief they offered. I won’t put myself through post operative pain again. I am not a dramatic person but the pain was that bad I was wishing myself dead.
If you lose weight it will ease the pain somewhat and injections do help but there are only so many injection you can have.
But moderate pain will not justify an operation really NHS will only do the operation if it’s the last stage of deterioration. Try weight loss and injections before you decide to spend your money on an operation privately.

Robotic procedures are available in private hospitals. I had one. It's.workef amazingly well. Am off sticks at two and a half weeks post op.

My advice would be to make losing weight the priority and sensible shoes, I was recommended to wear runners trainers as they cushion the impact when walking and it did work. Also make sure you do sensible exercise for the knee to get and keep the muscles around the knee strong, it will help no end with your recovery if you have an operation.. I had a very successful knee replacement and was able to cycle 7 weeks after the op because I had followed the advice given by the Physio and surgeon. Good luck.

Thanks everyone! Sorry I did not get back to you earlier but was working. I think I agree with the consensus that the weight loss is my priority. So will concentrate on that and review in Feb 22 by which time I will know for sure if the weight loss or the pain is winning… I might book an appt with a consultant so I am on the radar and hope the NHS can get me the physio. Thanks again!

An osteopath has used acupuncture on Mr T’s dicky knee. He has had it done a couple of times two or three years apart. The osteopath said acupuncture is particularly effective on knees - I think someone further up this thread mentioned this too.

the success of knee operations is very hit and miss. I worked with a woman that could walk on level ground but on stairs had to go down one at a time after her knee operation. Another man still in pain 12 months on.
I would try other pain control methods if you can before spending money on any knee operation.

Try the Oxford Knee scale to help you judge how serious your knee pain is and what you should do about it.
Knee replacements are the second commonest joint replacement and are successfully carried out all over the world. Recovery is harder than for hips but I'm so glad every day that I had both mine done.

Thanks again… what are the best shoes for general walking? I do have some very supportive white trainers and most of my day shoes have small heels which seem to help. Thinking of getting g a neoprene knee support from Boots. Aim being to get back to walking regularly. You are all very helpful :-)

The next time you visit your GP try and find out how "moderate" your OA is. It is graded 1-4, 1 being excellent and 4 being bone rubbing on bone.

Most but not all surgeons wait until your sleep is disturbed because of pain. Good luck.

I find an antinflammatory before bed helps me sleep. I was also told a Tkr is never as successful as a Hip replacement

I am regularly waking up at 4:30am with sharp pain, get up and walk around, stretch, drink water and then put a radio play on to distract me so I can go back to sleep! Daytime is better although I stiffen up quickly and walking is painful if I try to go more than 1/2 Mile. Flexibility in knee is still good. I am taking on board the advice about the success of knee ops against hip ops as want to stay active as long as possible! My left hip op was very successful.

Most but not all surgeons wait until your sleep is disturbed because of pain.
That made me smile Charleygirl! I've had 3 arthroscopies on my knees over the years and was told that they won't do a 4th. As my knee pain is far worse at night, I asked if a TKR was possible as it disturbs sleep and I struggle going down stairs now. Consultant suggested I "wait a bit longer until it's really unbearable and use a walking stick at night"! I've tried laying the walking stick beside me in bed but it's not helping!

At least get yourself on the waiting list for a TKR. They really are well worth it. I felt that I got my life back after mine. Then my hip started to play up! If I didn't have such good strong knees now my recovery from hip replacement would be unimaginably difficult.

To avoid aggravating my knee pain I use the raised toilet seat which was necessary after my hip replacement. If the pain isn't too severe but enough to prevent me falling asleep I use a gel icepack (from Boots) for 20 minutes. This can be enough to allow me to nod off.

I have started to get what feels like around or on/behind the knee pain when I bend my leg, especially after sitting for a long time. After moving it backwards and forwards a few times it is much better than before but doesnt actually go. I haven't been to the drs but wonder if I should. I would like to think that the correct exercises could help but where should I start??

Shaunwool book to see your GP. You will be asked questions and have your leg waggled around while you lie on a couch! The pain may be caused by tendonitis. Further treatment might involve referral to a physio for exercises and/or an X ray. (That's based on my experience, for what it's worth)

Chewbacca it makes a lot of sense to me if you stop these midnight walks and if the present stick is not working lying beside you, maybe a 3 pronged one would help but be careful it may tear the bedding. What a stupid thing to say to you.

I'm a little unsettled by this thread as I'm booked for a TKR in a few weeks. definitely hoping for a positive outcome with less pain for sure. Consultants are all different in their approach it seems chewbacca. After looking at the x-rays mine said he would have preferred me being referred for surgery four years ago when I wouldn't have said pain was particularly difficult to manage, from his angle surgery would have been simpler. Be careful with that walking stick!

cornergran don't be unsettled. It's well worth going ahead with this surgery. I was grateful for support received from other Grans before and after my TKRs. Be as well organised as possible in advance and don't expect to be dancing in weeks and I'm sure you won't regret it. Check out the Bonesmart knee forum. It was a lifeline for me. Real info from people going through it at the same time as you rather than 'experts' who've never had the op.