Arthritic knee and what to do

I feel for you OP & hope you find something which helps.
I have damage to cartilage & acl plus a displaced patella thanks to dislocations ++ when playing squash years ago. It’s come back in older age to bite me in the derriere. I’ve been incapacitated since last August after some excessive digging & having given up on an NhS appt recently had a (very expensive) consultation resulting in a cortisone and hyalurenic jab. An op was not recommended - yet. It seemed much better for a week until the anaesthetic wore off, but Im now back to square 1. Walking in water, exercise bike and cross trainer were recommended! Im open to any other recommendations. I gave up on Naproxen & cocodamol (dire effect on the bowels!)and take paracetamol & ibuprofen alternately. Old age doesn’t come alone as the saying goes ?

I totally agree Kali I did warn her it was not an easy op or recovery but she told me quite strongly not to give her any horror stories so I haven’t
It’s entirely up to her I won’t influence her in any way

Hello Susytish.
I have the same problem as you. Cant see me getting to the top of the waiting list for a new knee for a couple of years- if I'm lucky.!
Apart from Steriod injections I am now trying Kinesiology tape. It does help, and gives a bit of support when going upstairs etc. I get mine from Amazon, but you can buy it at a sports shop. Worth a try!

It sounds like you need a new knee NOW, not in the future. Why wait? How old are you, if I may ask. Do it know (I have had both done) and then enjoy the rest of your life.

I am so so sorry to hear about your friend BlueBelle- but by the time you get into your 80s and even more, mid 80s - the long operation and anesthetics, is a big thing. Post op requires a lot of effort and stamina, a lot of perseverance and determination, and a strong positive mind. My mum had a knee replaced at that age- but she just was not able or prepared to put in all the hard work afterwards and it was not a success.

I m sorry you have this, my closest friend is in agony with the same thing she’s 86 and not sure she ll will live long enough to get the op The way waiting lists are
I m afraid I will sound very controversial and you will be cross with me but I think you should not be driving

Does your GP know if a hospital near you runs pain clinics? I have 2 arthritic knees and was referred to the knee pain clinic. We had an hour every weeks for 6 weeks. 30 minutes on gym equipment, then 30 minutes talk from a physio. It did me the world of good and when my knees flare up I go back to the exercise sheet. I have never had the injections you mention so maybe your knees are worse than mine. Good luck. I hope you find some relief because it can be very painful.

Those straps you wear just under your knee can help. Although I had a very light one that was good: replaced it with a firmer one when it wore out which makes my knee sore. I’m looking to find one like my first one. It’s the slightly sideways twisting of my knee when driving that can hurt. When I first had arthritis in my knee my osteopath was brilliant. I take turmeric in the form of golden paste. Be careful when sleeping. Try to keep your knee straight. I take a concoction of anti inflammatory things like papaya. I have a hot water bottle on my knee at night but also have a bag of frozen peas that I put on it if I’ve been walking and it’s a bit sore. I also try to do pre knee op exercises to strengthen the muscles (even though I don’t have an operation planned). I miss going to the gym (stopped going because of the pandemic) where I used to do a lot of knee strengthening exercises. Walking poles help with walking.

susytish have you been to see a rheumatologist? If not ask you GP for a referral. A friend had to wait 6 months after her referral seeing rheumatologist next month about her knee. Injections didn't help and her GP won't prescribed anti inflammatories says it up to the rheumatologist.

I'm sure you realise its probably only going to get worse. I was on Naproxen whilst awaiting hip replacement so its ok for shorter periods but its now impacting your life maybe the time is nigh that you consider going on the list for surgery as I'm sure your wait will be long in the present climate.