Osteoarthritis of the knee

I had it too. Nothing really stops the pain, it's horrible, I did get steroid injection that kept it at bay for a few months but had to pay for it.
It's a shame he is he not suitable for a TKR? Double check this with your Medics, you never know?

I have knee osteoarthritis and have not found Paracetomol or Voltarol much help either. I have not specifically been told not to take Ibruprofen but for me it's the only thing that has any effect. I used to take just one dose a day ( with breakfast) and it helped a lot but after reading so.much about it I.just take one dose perhaps twice a week ( when likely to be doing more) and one dose of paracetomol on the other days. I have discussed this with doctors who are mostly non-committal about Ibruprofen. One suggested co-codamol which I tried but no different to paracetomol and the possible addictive elements were worrying too. So I have settled on this compromise.
Other things which help - sleeping with a small pillow between my .knees, Deep heat or less often Deep freeze, a walking stick, getting up to move frequently even when it hurts. Some days and for no apparent reason the pain is worse than others. Hope this helps a bit.

I've been advised not to take ibuprofen too. For unknown reasons I have an inflamed ilea cecal valve and moderate kidney disease. I try to manage with paracetamol and exercise when my knee is playing up. It is permanently swollen.
Strange thing is that when my GP prescribed me atorvastatin my knee pain reduced markedly.

I prefer Ibuprofen as it seems to work so quickly but can no longer take it.

Some years ago whilst having surgery on my knee I mentioned to the nurse that I found paracetamol ineffective. She suggested it’s better to take it consistently as it needs to be maintained at a certain level in the system for efficacy.

I have found this works better for me (but still not as good as ibuprofen).

I'm sure there was a thread a luttle while ago where people discussed what helps them.
It did seem to be different for everyone, though.

It must be horrible to have issues with painful knees.

I have widespread OE, including knees, I cope with exercises and either Voltarol or, especially on the heat, the cold freeze gel.

Is he using a stick? It does help.

I do sometimes take ibuprofen as paracetamol was useless. (Though told not too)

Have you thought about physio? Especially if they use laser or other treatments rather than just exercise alone.

He could ask for a pain clinic referral, but I found them to be little help, despite two referrals.

Massage can help, as can hydrotherapy.

Good luck, at 80 he’s done well to avoid OR for so long. Both DH and I “acquired” this condition in mid 60’s. Both good walkers prior to this.