Knees starting to be a problem - advice?

No pain in my knees whatsoever, but my left knee occasionally just gives away with no warning! I’m really interested to read the problems others are having and taking note of their advice

I should say that pilates, yoga and similar activities were an absolute impossibility before my TKRs. Excruciating pain. Not just a bit sore and easy to walk off. I'm not at all surprised at grannyro's sister not moving much. I was reduced to going from seat to seat.

I agree with midgey, pilates is good to help keep your joints mobile. If you go ahead with it, don't forget to tell your instructor about any health issues, they will then be able to help modify the positions for you.

We've a lovely ice machine. Used for 3 entire months after surgery(s).

Believe machines can be used prior to surgery as well.

I think swimming helps me but I would just say keep moving. My sister has bad knees and has almost stopped moving around, if you stop moving they will just get worse. It is worth asking your doctor for a referral to a physiotherapist, I saw one and she said the way I walked wasn't helping so I have insoles and my knees are much better.

MayBee70

I worked at a GP’s surgery for many years and from my experience GP’s know very little when it comes to things like this. I struggled to walk for 9 months and when I eventually got to I see a consultant and mentioned that I’d seen a chiropractor ( who actually got me walking again) he just walked out of the consulting room leaving me sitting there like an idiot. Apart from prescribing anti inflammatories my GP’s were very uninformed. I would have valued advice from people on a forum.

My GP had no clue when I damaged my knee which needs an operation. She did suggest A&E (who sent me away).
Eventually diagnosed by an orthopaedic surgeon.
Still waiting for the operation 18 months later

I worked at a GP’s surgery for many years and from my experience GP’s know very little when it comes to things like this. I struggled to walk for 9 months and when I eventually got to I see a consultant and mentioned that I’d seen a chiropractor ( who actually got me walking again) he just walked out of the consulting room leaving me sitting there like an idiot. Apart from prescribing anti inflammatories my GP’s were very uninformed. I would have valued advice from people on a forum.

I wouldn't recommend that anyone resort to taking advice from social media about what is, in effect, a rather ill-defined medical issue. Even the wrong exercise can be counter-productive. Please seek informed, professional advice from your GP as to what approach and treatment is appropriate for your specific condition.

7?!!! Yikes

Get checked by gp. Could be various reasons. I had total 7 knee replacements so not intended to scare you. I had complex issues. But please do get checked. Hopefully you will just need physio which is beneficial

Aveline

Alison333 don't worry about the pain relief. The hospital will be absolutely in top of it. I didn't like the opioides offered and they gave me alternatives while in hospital. However, when I got home I found that paracetamol four times a day did very well. Ice packs also help. Pain really wasn't a big deal in my case. Good luck. You'll not regret the op. It gave me my active life back.

Thank you for the reassurance Aveline! I'll get some frozen peas in ready for afterwards.

Aveline

Alison333 don't worry about the pain relief. The hospital will be absolutely in top of it. I didn't like the opioides offered and they gave me alternatives while in hospital. However, when I got home I found that paracetamol four times a day did very well. Ice packs also help. Pain really wasn't a big deal in my case. Good luck. You'll not regret the op. It gave me my active life back.

I sometimes forget to take paracetamol: I tend to think of it as just for headaches which, touch wood, I no longer get. My back was bad recently and it didn’t cross my mind that paracetamol would help but when I took some it really helped.

I have arthritis in one knee I do aqua aerobics it helps build muscle around the knee which alleviates soreness.
If you’re on Instagram there is an expert on there called posturemike he’s brilliant he shows you all these different things to do to stop bone on bone.

This is such an interesting and helpful thread. I learn so much from Gransnet. I get pain in my knees after gardening and struggle to get up again. I’ve just looked up the kneelers with handles, they’re not expensive, so I’m going to buy one.
Thanks to everyone for the advice on here.

I know this wasn't my thread but it has so much help.

Alison333 don't worry about the pain relief. The hospital will be absolutely in top of it. I didn't like the opioides offered and they gave me alternatives while in hospital. However, when I got home I found that paracetamol four times a day did very well. Ice packs also help. Pain really wasn't a big deal in my case. Good luck. You'll not regret the op. It gave me my active life back.

I am grateful for so many helpful responses.
I am going to go through them and list the ones I haven't yet tried.
I booked an appointment to talk to my GP and that is 6 weeks away!

I have been refused TKR by 2 hospitals on the basis that I am too unwell to exercise.......I tried it out and sadly I cannot do the exercises.
I was told if I go ahead as I am I will end up even more disabled.
I am already a wheelchair user.....I cannot change this, its not due the OsteoArthritis.
I am overweight though. I have put on more weight as the OA has increased.

The doctors won't talk to me about what options I have so the responses here are very helpful.
I have tried Tumeric twice and not had any improvement Which is a great shame. I do know people who swear by it for increased health.

This is slightly off topic but I am due to have a knee replacement in about 4 weeks and I know it's pathetic but I am really worried about the level of pain involved.

If anybody has had a knee replacement and been able to have the pain controlled, please let me know how!

Glucosamine and Chondroitin, cod liver oil capsules and turmeric

Turmeric capsules, not cheap but hubby and I swear by them

Touch wood, so far I have no problems with knees.

I do, however, have back issues and all I would advise if physiotherapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy.

Find an experienced physiotherapist and stick with it. Mine is Royal Navy and NHS trained. Without her I really don't think I would be able to do much.

I have knee problems and pain too but am not a candidate for replacement.

It’s arthritis. Have your Doctor check which it is so you are doing the correct meds, exercises, treatment.

Your knee joints need to be pampered because they take the worst physical stress of any joint in your body. If weight is an issue (for some) then losing weight will almost instantly give you relief.

I don’t have problems with my knees but my dh does. He has arthritis in both knees , decades of kneeling for his job as an electrician. He takes anti inflammatory meds and has lost weight which has helped and he walks daily with our dog. I have a question about turmeric and glucosamine. Taken daily how long is it before you see an improvement? . Thanks

My husband uses Diclofenac 10% in Ultramax from his GP,appears to help,anti-inflammatory may help as well,hope you get relief soon.

Sounds awful Dutchdoll. Can you really nag your GP? Don't stop complaining about it. If they don't do it soon you'll need your hip replacing soon as well as damaging your other leg joints as they'll be under extra pressure too. Good luck.