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10 Ways to Avoid Knee Surgery

If you have osteoarthritis, surgery is rarely a first resort. There are plenty of things you can do to avoid (or at least postpone) heading into the operating room. Take care of your knees with these solutions.

No-brainers:

Weight loss. For many, weight loss is a basic but crucial way to help avoid knee surgery. Shedding just 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half, according to a recent study presented at the American College of Rheumatology’s annual scientific meeting. And should you need arthritis knee surgery later, you’ll decrease your risk of complications and reduce strain on your knees, which will make your rehabilitation go more smoothly.

Physical activity. The health of your knees depends on movement. Strong muscles support the joint and relieve pressure. Movement keeps tissues within the joint flexible, lubricated and replenished with nutrients that help healing. If you end up having knee surgery, the rehab will be easier if you start strengthening muscles before surgery. Walking is a great way to keep your knees healthy and pain free. Learn more about why exercise is so important if you have arthritis and hope to avoid knee surgery, and get some great ideas for maintaining motivation, stretching, safe moves and more.

No (or very few) side effects:

Braces. Prescribed by a doctor and fitted by a physical therapist, braces can improve the alignment of the knee, relieving pain.

Corticosteroid injections into the knee joint help to reduce inflammation, which can alleviate pain without causing side effects associated with oral corticosteroids.

Electrical stimulation may reduce pain by strengthening the quadriceps (the large muscles on the front of the thigh that help stabilize the knee joint), or it may even encourage regeneration of cartilage cells.

Hyaluronic acid injections, which supplement a naturally occurring lubricant lacking in the joints of people with osteoarthritis, may decrease pain and increase function for some people and help delay arthritis knee surgery.

Botox injections have been shown to relieve severe knee osteoarthritis pain and buy time before knee surgery.

You’ll likely take one:

Over-the-counter medications, such as the analgesic acetaminophen (Tylenol) and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), ease pain. But several recent studies indicate that some NSAIDs may delay healing of connective tissues such as cartilage or tendons.

Prescription medications are available to ease pain and decrease inflammation. Whether they improve tissues in the joint continues to be investigated.

Dietary supplements. The National Institutes of Health is funding a study to see whether the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin helps repair cartilage. The duo has been shown to reduce pain in people with moderate-to-severe knee pain – those who need it most.

10 Ways to Avoid Knee Surgery

No-brainers:

No (or very few) side effects:

Braces. Prescribed by a doctor and fitted by a physical therapist, braces can improve the alignment of the knee, relieving pain.

Corticosteroid injections into the knee joint help to reduce inflammation, which can alleviate pain without causing side effects associated with oral corticosteroids.

Botox injections have been shown to relieve severe knee osteoarthritis pain and buy time before knee surgery.

You’ll likely take one:

Prescription medications are available to ease pain and decrease inflammation. Whether they improve tissues in the joint continues to be investigated.

Arun Joglekar

14 Nov 2009, 07:10

My wife has OA in both knees and doctors are suggesting knee replacement. We wish to avoid surgery if there is any alternative. I am told using braces will make the knees straight and may even induce growth of cartilage. Is it true and where can I get good braces?

Will reducing Ca intake help as commented by
Karen. What is Quad exercise?

Arun

Karen

12 Nov 2009, 15:52

This is in response to Kathy re: calcium. I have right knee medial arthitis and am wearing a brace but I was still having a lot of trouble and I read somewhere that calcium supplements can cause arthritis problems so I decreased the amount of calcium I was taking by half and all of a sudden my knee started to feel better. Go figure. By the way I'm 54 and instead of taking supplements I'm eating more calcium rich foods.

Rebecca

08 Nov 2009, 21:01

I suffer from severe RA. I need to have both knees replaced at some time, but I feel that because I have RA and my knees are bone on bone. I walk about 30 minutes a day and use a small bike while I sit in a chair. I use the pool at least 5 days per week. Because RA has also caused me to have other illnesses such as COPD, Gerds, Sjogrens Syndrome, and Peripheral Neuropathy my doctors feel that at this time having both knees operated would not cure the RA. My options are very few and my hope is that the HUMIRA injections that I take will soon put me into remission. Presently I suffer from pain 24/7, but I still manage to approach each day with a smile and mostly a positive attitude, because I know that someday in the future there will be a cure for RA.

Gladys

06 Nov 2009, 13:30

I am 57 and having partial knee replacement in left knee, on Jan 5th. I am in good health and not overweight. My question is: I have a trip to Mexico scheduled a month after surgery, and I am told that it is not a good idea to fly that soon due to the chance of blood clot. Does anyone have any experience or suggestions?

Ellen

18 Oct 2009, 17:45

I had a Right TKR five years ago - it was the best decision I ever made. I was 56 at the time and was in terrible pain on a daily basis. I went to three surgeons before the third was willing to do it. The first two said: I was too young; I was to heavy; I didn't need it, etc. I had had an arthroscopy several years earlier and my MRI showed tiny metal fragments probably as a results of the instruments used during the arthroscopy; my bone was necrotic (dead) in some areas and waiting or losing weight was not going to improve that.
My surgeon was Dr. Giles Scuderi and I can't say enough about him and his team.The pre-op teaching was great and I did many muscle strengthening exercisesin preparation for the surgery which I think made a BIG difference. The surgery was aq great sucess; I have been pain free for 5 years. The first 36 - 48 hours are very difficult - painful, frightening and long but after 4 days I walked out of the hospital on my own without any devices (canes or walkers) and climbed/decended an entire flight of stairs to my second floor where my bedroom and only bathroom are. I had in-home rehab for a few weeks and then went to out patient therapy for 2 months.
I would highly recommend the surgery if your are in severe pain. The surgery will relieve it.
Hope this is helpful. Dr. Scuderi's info:
ADDRESS: 210 EAST 64TH STREET
NY, NY 10021
PHONE #: 212-434-4310

Robin Frey

09 Oct 2009, 04:06

I am 57 and have had osteoarthritis of my left knee since 21, living with pain and compensating with my right knee for years. Just recently, I can't walk no matter what I try...it seems that my knee has practically no cartilage left..I am thinking of having a TKR..please, does anyone know of a good surgeon in NY, and my second question is, does most of the pain disappear afterwards? What activities will I be able to do/cannot do after a knee replacement. I must say, I was ready to endure the pain, but can't go on limping the rest of my life; not being able to function in the simplest ways is the last straw(:... I'm ready to throw the towel in!

07 Oct 2009, 18:53

I have read a lot of the comments regarding pros and cons; and the fears of total knee replacement.

I Just turned 61, within the last 2 weeks. I had a total knee replacement done around 18 to 20 years ago. My joint in my left knee was bone on bone, no cartilage left. My ortho doctor at the time said I could suffer or do the knee replacement.

At the time I was doing exibition country dancing and minor competition with a dance group. It got so bad I had to stop dancing. I would sit and cry when I had to watch others doing what I desperately wanted to do myself.

I chose the knee replacement; the best decision I ever made. Even the pain after the surgery was nothing compared to what I went thru' for 8 years.

There have many improvements since I had my surgery, and I would still recommend it to anyone that needs it.

I know that in another couple of years I will need the other knee replaced; I will not hesitate to do it.

I hope this helps someone by hearing from me.

Bruce.H

19 Aug 2009, 06:13

My wife has suffered for years with very painful knee joints but we are not really sure what the cause is. Rheumatism?, Arthritis?
She suffers from RLS, but she takes medication which works well for that.
The pain is worst before it's going to rain. She can feel it coming and beats the weather man to the punch in forecasting it.
Being of small stature, we have to be very careful of side effects of some of the prescription medications. These don't appear to work well anyway and the side effects may well be worse than the original condition.
She binds her knees, puts hot patches on and loses lots of sleep nonetheless.
Has anyone any ideas of the best and least intrusive relieveing of this pain?

Susan Helf

17 Aug 2009, 15:29

While backpacking, I tore a meniscus in my right knee in the mid-1990s. The injury went undiagnosed and untreated until I finally had an MRI in late 1999. By then I didn't have much cartilage left. A surgeon repaired the torn meniscus, but the surgery didn't help the pain I had in walking.

The surgeon wanted to do a total knee replacement on me. I refused since I was only 48. Instead, he prescribed a great knee brace - the Unloader, by Generation II, now part of the Ossur Company. The brace moved the pressure in my knee to the outside, where I had more cartilage. I wore the brace from 2000-2005, and even did many backpacking trips while wearing the brace.
Finally, in 2005, it became too painful to walk, even with the brace. Evidently, all my cartilage was gone.

In June of 2005, I had a total knee replacement of my right knee. My recovery was rapid and I have had virtually no pain since the surgery.

Early in 2009, I my left knee started having symptoms similar to those that began in my right knee in the late 1990s. An MRI showed break-down of cartilage inside my left leg. I was fitted for the same kind of brace I wore on the right knee.

By wearing the brace, I hope to be able to put off total knee replacement of the left knee for 5 years or more. I am scared of getting replacement knees, "revisions," since they are not as successful as the original TKR.

How can I strengthen my quads so I can avoid surgery on my left knee as long as possible?

Has anybody had a second artificial knee implanted? How did the surgery go? How well do second knees work?

Thanks,
Susan
Seattle

Harry Higgins

07 Aug 2009, 18:31

Knee injections hurt,and only give tempory relief.When your knees get to be bone on bone rubbing; Hyalgan injections help for a while but you still have quality of life issues.You can't jog or run ands it makes you walk differently so you have pain every where.I'm very fortunately to have Osteoarthritis and advance Rheumatiod Arthritis of a agressive nature which cost $3000.00 every two months plus also have to take Methotraxate 20mg.In the last6 months I've had a very bad flare up Rheumatoid Arthritis and the last 4 months I've had up one vial of my Remicade to 5 vials from 4 and double my Methotraxate from 10mg to 20mg
and the last 4 months i've been given a shot
of a steriod plus put on Predisone 10mil. daily plus last month a muscle relaxer to help with cramps in fingers,thighs,calfs,ankles,and feet.At any event knee surgery will offer a little relief so maybe I can walk and jog a little.Also I hope to maybe have some back surgery in the future by the Laser Spine Institue so I can go into retirement in 1 and half years to 2 years at 62 and a half/63years of age and have some time travel and invest my time in my grandchildren.I dodn't want to have to many things go wrong with me to fix up at retirement.If my health got bad then I'd suffer because I would'nt then be able to have all these needed operations.I know about injections in my knees,wrists,ankles,back,and feet;they all help for a while.So I'm opting for early surgery in stead of waiting till I'm disabled and can't work any more.

john d. tor

29 Jul 2009, 01:29

I have a problem in my right knee as the cartilage between femur and tibia is consumed
on one side. The surgeon is suggesting a partial knee replacement? Is there an alternative treatment? Is there an alternative? Is it better to have surgery early
or is it better to delay as long as possible?
Thank you for your advice.

Dee

28 Jul 2009, 12:33

I would like to know if glucosamine/condrotin will also help the bone spurs go away in the fingers. I had surgery on my finger because a cyst had deformed my finger nail. Research indicated this deformaty to my nail was because of the mucus cyst which is kin to the ganglion cyst family and only appears in Arthritis cases. The surgery cleared up the deformaty but now a bone spur on that finger is more pronounced. I also have had another mucus cyst to appear on a different finger. There is not much pain just deformaty in the finger nail.

Gail

08 Jul 2009, 19:30

I am a 61 year old woman who has been very active all my life. I'm not overweight, 5'5"/120 lbs. I have "power walked" for the last 15 years. I walked everywhere during my 1st trip to Europe last year, and now I have been diagnosed with degenerative arthritis of the right knee & hip. I've had (2)Cortisone shots in my knee by different Ortho Surgeons, and just finished my series of "Chicken Shots". I cancelled my surgery in June & have been doing my own "therapy" at home, bike & quad weight lifting.My next alternative is a Rhumatologist. The comments on RIT were very inspiring. I want to eliminate my pain & the Advil & Aleve really don't work.

Kate

10 Jun 2009, 10:31

For Renee
Re. your comments 1 June.
I haveosteoarthritis/bone on bone in my left knee. I really cannot get my head around having total knee replacement surgery and am interested in anything that will delay this.
I am going to try Synvise but being in the UK am not sure if my doctor will agree to do it.

I found this information on the Centeno Clinic website. www.centinoclinic.com
Hope it helps.

Regenerative injection therapy (RIT) or
prolotherapy is a natural healing
alternative to drugs or surgery.
RIT prompts your body to naturally heal
damaged and degenerated tissues. It
involves a series of simple injections into
the injured area, once a month for 3-6
months. This is not a steroid, which
blocks healing, but substances that heal
and strengthen the ligaments and joints.
The goal of RIT is to increase your
activity level. More activity will allow
your muscles to increase their tone and
further protect the joints and nerves from
injury.
How does it work?
RIT works by prompting your body’s
natural repair mechanisms to heal damaged
or degenerated tissues. While most of our
daily injuries heal completely, severe
ligament tears,
degenerated and worn out tissues, and
tissues with a poor blood supply (such as the
knee) don’t usually mend themselves. RIT
first starts by injecting a proliferant into the
damaged area. This inflammation causes
your body to release it’s own natural growth
factors in the injured tissue. These go to
work immediately, directing your body’s
natural healing mechanisms to repair painful
tissues. The first stage of healing usually
takes about a week, but the tissue continues
to strengthen for 4-6 weeks after an
injection.
What can be treated?
Research has shown that RIT is very
effective for knee pain, low back pain, tennis
elbow and arthritic hand pain. Our own
experience shows that it’s also effective for
ankle pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, neck
pain, upper back pain, and hip pain.

Barbara

10 Jun 2009, 08:52

To Barb: My 16 year old son received a treatment called Platelet Rich Plasma therapy which sounds very similar to the treatment you wrote about. He had a shoulder injury that we worked on his whole swimming season. He was in such pain he wasn't able to do much. He had the Platelet therapy on Thursday and swam in the conference meet on Saturday and won most of his events/scored top 5 on the ones he didn't win. So the therapy was a bit of a miracle. That was in Feb. and he has continued through water polo season without any signs of injury.

Kathy

07 Jun 2009, 10:54

I have OA mostly that affects my fingers and knees right now. I have had euflexxa in one knee and am doing well with that. When I had surgery to repair my rotator cuff the doc fixed the spurs and other problems there and it is great. I'm sure I have it in the spine and hips too. Anyway I read somewhere a lady mentioned since she started taking Calcium she was hurting worse than ever in the knees. I started taking it myself earlier this year. I have had pain in my knee with the shots and the right side from the knee all the way up to the hip and lower back. So I quit taking the calcium and my pain goes away. Has anyone else had this problem too???? Now I don't know what to do, take it or not. I even tried taking a lower dose and the pain comes back.

Delores

06 Jun 2009, 23:57

Four years ago my husband had knee surgery. He had both knees replaced at the same time. After therapy, he is doing great. He has no knee pain. I am 64 and on the other hand had arthoscospy on my left knee. I still have pain. I have tried eight injections of hyalagan but stil had pain. I am currently on Limbrel and exercise three times a week. It seems to help somewhat. Although I still have pain when I try to get up after sitting for sometime. The Dr. said I will need replacement eventually.

Jan

06 Jun 2009, 07:16

What do you do if you don't have insurance to afford to go to a arthritis doctor? I am 56 and just find out I have arthritis. I have been in the hospital for kidney stones and am still dealing with this. I have a stone to big to be cruched and need surgery to have it taken out but no insurance for this. Now I have arthritis in both knees. At first I thought it was from the urick acid I was on but now no it is arthritis. My husband who is 51 just found out he has congestive heart failure with a 20% to 25% ejection factor. Where do I turn and what do I do?

Shirley

02 Jun 2009, 11:46

I agree with you all about walking. It is more painful afterward. When I do a lot of walking my back hurt, I am exhausted and feel as if I dragged around a ton. I too have bone on bone in both knee. I need to loose weight as well and really need the replacement surgery. I enjoyed reading the different comments and have learned a lot to look for and strenght to move forward with a decission. I also wondered just how difficult it is to recuperate with replacement of both knees at one time? However, my doctor here do not recommend it.

Renee

01 Jun 2009, 20:34

To Barb on her 3/30/09 comment about
Prolotherapy, I was wondering if she has
found out anything on this proceedure which is also called regenerative injection therapy - no surgery. I am trying to find out more information on this proceedure, looks like it's been around about 10 years,
they swear it works, no down time etc. They use your own blood (kind of like stem
cell) and treat your blood and then inject into the knee. You need 4 treatments over one week and it encourages regrowth of the
cartlidge. Does anyone know anything about this proceedure? Has anyone had it?
thanks,

Dee

26 May 2009, 15:53

For Barb.

There is a web site re: prolotherapy at getprolo.com. There are testimonials and doctors listed. I don't know anyone personally who has had it. So far I have tried oxygen-ozone injections here in Ohio, but didn't get much relief from it. I have had the Synvisc series without much help. Most relief came from cortisone injections. I also am trying to lose weight(difficult) and exercise. My ortho. dr. recommends stationary recumbant bike which is all I can do. I may try prolotherapy before I give in to surgery.

s. o'donnell

16 May 2009, 15:49

I'VE HAD 2 LEFT KNEE SURGURIES, WITH THE FIRST LEADING TO OSTEONECROSIS OF MEDIAL FEMORAL CONDYLE. I HAD A BONE GRAFT AND CADAVER MENISCUS DURING SURGERY 2. I AM STILL SWOLLEN, THOUGH I FORCE MYSELF TO EXERCISE EVERY DAY. I AM A SMALL WOMAN, 4'10" 117 LBS, AGE 70. SOME DAYS ARE AWFUL SOME BETTER. I AM AFRAID TO IMPLANT BECAUSE OF MY NECROSIS AND BECAUSE I LOVE TO DRESS AND WANT TO WEAR SHORTS, ETC. MY RIGHT LEG IS STRONG AND SHAPELY DUE TO YEARS OF ATHLETICS. WILL MY LEFT LEG LOOK UGLY WITH NO DEFINITION OF A KNEE? I'M NOT AS CONCERNED WITH SCAR..ITS WILL IT LOOK LIKE MY OTHER KNEE? I'M WAITING - MAYBE FOR STEM CELLS? I DO HAVE ARTHRITIS IN LEFT KNEE SINCE SURGERIES. PLEASE RESPOND-THANK YOU.

Norma

16 May 2009, 15:46

I had arthroscopy on my left knee and was told that there was hardly any cartilege left and will have to have total knee replacement. My question is : is there an alternative to that ? Has anyone heard about I Firma that supposedly only the surgeon at Emory Spine center does. I have called them but have had no response . Thank you

Janet

05 May 2009, 19:58

Hi
I go to the gym and use the pool all the time can anyone tell me how to do qued strengthheing exercises. I have oa in my knees and from reading all your comments it seems that quad strengthing exercises helps. Thanks

elizabeth hughes

04 May 2009, 17:58

I am facing total knee replacement.I have several medical problems one with my heart
IS THIS OPERATION worth the trouble.

Mike

30 Apr 2009, 15:47

Im 40 yrs old and still play semi-pro football, this is my 11th year and I just had my 2nd knee surgery last year and the doctor told me I was bone on bone and said no more basketball or football but I still want to play and now Im startind to practice with the team and been playing basketball regular using a knee brace made for me. Should I be doing this with the authritis in all!

S. Smith

24 Apr 2009, 12:36

I have been told I am bone on bone on the inside of one knee and know the other is headed there. I was mentally destroyed with all the physical restrictions I had to endure. I had always been extremely physically active before I fell and sped up my knee problem. I finally got over feeling sorry for myself and started PT and going to a pool to do laps and PT on my off days. I have been doing this for two weeks and will continue to avoid replacement. My problem is I am 45 and about 25 lbs. overweight. I cannot find a way to loose the abdominal weight (the only place I gain it except the double chin). Can someone please help me figure a way to acheive my goal with midsection fat. I am told there is a cartlidge producing agent that will be on the market in the next decade, and I would rather hold out for it. Please help.

jean Loew

23 Apr 2009, 14:44

I live in Mexico 6 months of the year and run a Yoga resort. I have osteoarthritis in both knees, and it is bone on bone, having lost the cartilage. Down here they do ozone therapy, which, for some unknown reason, is illegal in the U.S. It is done all over the world, though. I have had 6 treatments, not painful, no side effects, and not expensive. I also do knee exercises everyday and also exercises from a book by Pete Egoscue. My knees are getting better every day No pain. I will not go for surgery ever!

Nita

20 Apr 2009, 17:09

This is for Sue
I had both of my knees replaced in the same surgery in 2005. I am happy that I selected this procedure. The rehab at home was difficult and long, but now I have no knee problems. My primary recommendation is to ALWAYS do all of the exercises that the physical therapist tells you to do, and all will be well.

Jessica

13 Apr 2009, 18:57

Para Carlos,
Entonces a donde recomendas que yo valla para mi osteoartritis y artritis reumatoid infantil.Yo tengo 24anos con dolor en mis coyonturas. El doctor dice que no tengo cartilago en mi rodilla y que tendre que operar me un dia. Pero no aguanto mas el dolor. Yo ago natacion y trato de mantener me saludable.

Sue

13 Apr 2009, 15:59

I have recently been told I will need both knees replaced. I am 55, female, and 4yrs post bilateral arthroscopic meniscus repair. I have never been completely pain free since that surgery because of the additional arthritis involved. Now I am bone-on-bone in both knees and experience so much pain when walking or standing or riding in car long periods, climbing stairs and carrying heavy objects. my orth. surgeon started me out with cortisone shots, which are working okay , but not as well I had hoped. I would like to feel well enough to do strengthening exercises and lose weight and get in shape prior to surgery. I am considering doing both knees at the same time. I would like to hear from medical personnel - describing preparation and rehab after. I would also love to hear from patients who had successful outcomes with bilateral knee replacement. the internet is full of blogs and testimonials of bad outcomes and horror stories, but I need to hear about the great success stories.

Kelly

09 Apr 2009, 22:57

To Joy

It means so much to me that my story helped you. My doctor is Thomas Chambers in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He is an orthopedic surgeon that also is the team doctor for a minor league baseball organization under the Atlanta Braves. Traveling to SC may not be an option for you but finding a doctor with similar credentials is a good start. Go to your local hospitals website or to a major hospital in your area.Once you get basic info on a doc then research/google him/her. Your local arthritis foundation could be a good source of information.The most reliable source is word of mouth. The first doctor I went to was one I googled and his info was impressive...needless to say, that didnt help much. I found out about my doctor through asking questions during my RA infusions. I just came out and asked each person I saw if they had an ortho surgeon and what their experiences were.I gathered a wealth of info.Let me know how things go.

Joy

09 Apr 2009, 14:49

PS - I also had Synvisc treatments a year ago - five in each knee over a five week period - and had absolutely NO relief at all. Very frustrating. I cannot exercise, walk, jog, or do much of anything without my knees "screaming".

Joy

09 Apr 2009, 14:47

For KELLY:

Kelly, you have given me hope. I am 40 and have had severe pain in my left knee for almost 20 years (three surgeries); and now my right knee for overcompensating for my left knee. Last Dr wanted to do a "clean up" to help minimize my pain. I did some research and have found that that kind of surgery is pretty pointless. I have about 15% cartilage in my left knee and 25% in my right. All I keep hearing is no one will do knee replacements until I'm 50; although they generally agree I need them now. Can you recommend your doctor? Where is he located? I am in NM. Thanks.

Karen

07 Apr 2009, 14:04

I am finding lots of encouraging information in the comments here. I have been told by my orthopedist that I will need knee replacement in the near future - cartilage is gone in both knees, causing pain and difficulty walking, using stairs, doing daily activities, etc. So far I have coped by having Synvisc injections and cortizone in between while waiting 6 months for more Synvisc. It does help. Seeing how successful most of you have been after surgery is a big plus in helping make a decision. Hopefully I can wait til after summer gardening - I have missed it the past few years because of other surgeries. Thanks for all your comments.

kelly

04 Apr 2009, 12:22

Carlos,
There are many meds your doctor can give you such as celebrex and mobic for the imflammation. He can also prescribe physical therapy to strengthen the ligaments, tendons, and muscles you use to walk and bend. Remember, if your doctoe doesnt effectively help you seek a second opinion.
Kelly

Janice

04 Apr 2009, 11:43

For Kelly,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I love to hear success stories! My knee replacement is scheduled for April 20th and I'm ready because I too have had pain for well over a year. Pain to the point of being almost debilitating. I just want to get back walking again. I have started some in-home therapy the hospital has suggested prior to surgery, so hopefully, that will work in my favor. I'll let you know!
Thanks again

Carlos Lugo

03 Apr 2009, 22:10

I am 61, 5ft 6" and weight 138 lbs. I have always kept in good shape, exercised (Isometrics)and felt that I would reach the 70's without a problem. I also follow a good diet, eat lots of fruit and little red meat. My dad lived to be 86. My family does not have a history of Osteoarthritis, so I did not take any Glucosamine to prevent it. Six months ago after squatting to weed my right knee swolled up. I put ice to no avail and two months later when I saw the doctor, he made X-rays of my knees and diagnosed me with Osteoarthritis. I was depressed. Have been taking Glucosamine and recently started with Inflame Away Celedrone. I found out I can not carry anything heavy upstairs or downstairs, and my pain is getting worse in just a few months.
Any suggestions? I would not like to have surgery but this is getting worse very rapidly.

Thank you all!

Carlos

Kelly

03 Apr 2009, 21:04

I want Debbie to know...you are not alone!! I had the same experience with the first doctor I went to. I know I need to lose weight but have not been able due to severe pain in both knees. I have RA, OA, and FMS. It was not physically possible for me to exercise in order to lose weight.I am also 43 years old so the doc wanted me to wait til I was 50. I got a second opinion...this doc did not hesitate to reccommend total knee replacement after he saw my x-rays. I had my surgery on March 9th and I am doing GREAT!!! Life is not hopeless...the right doctor is out there, so do not stop until you find him/her.Research is your greatest tool!!If I can help, please let me know.

Kelly

03 Apr 2009, 20:52

This comment is for Janice. I had total knee replacement on March 9, 2009. I want you to know you have a major point in your favor... you are ready.I have lived in pain for almost 10 years and honestly I was terrified to have surgery but I knew I could not live my life in pain as I have in the past.I could not have asked for it to go any better. One important thing you can do now is help prepare your muscles for the trauma they are put through. My doc gave me exercises to do and I did them faithfully twice a day. These exercises do not hurt, I did them sitting on my couch or on the floor. 10 days after my surgery I had abandoned my walker and advanced to a cane. Another tip is to research the in-home therapy companies in your area and find a therapist with good credentials. You can request the one you want. I have other tips...not enough space to list them all.

Debbie

03 Apr 2009, 15:38

I am told I have arthritis in my knees, this week I had to go to the emergency room when I heard a pop and was totally unable to move. The doctor there told me I had torn the menicus and he put me on pain med and a knee immobilizer. I saw my orthopedic surgeon on thursday and left in tears. In his words, this is all caused by my weight and the arthritis and he said I will never be able to exercise or diet because of my arthritis and that I should just try to get lapband surgery or something to lose weight. Over the years I have gained about 75 lbs but I never thought I was a total loser and that my life is just over like this doctor made me feel. I love walking and have always been very active...now...I feel like there is no hope...is arthritis in the knees really the end like this doctor has told me??? thank you for any comments.

Deb

janice

02 Apr 2009, 12:41

Joyce,
Thanks for the optimistic report on your sister's knee replacements. I have heard of a couple horror stories, but have to say, the successful reports outweigh the bad.
I'm sorry to hear you are having so much pain..that's where I'm at right now. Surgery can't come soon enough!
Thanks again,
Janice

Joyce Short

01 Apr 2009, 11:12

Hi, I have osterarthritis and my knee is killing me, I walk and when I finish I hurt more than I did before, I am on celebrex and Tramadol, they helep for a while and then back to the pain again,I know I need to use some weight, but doing all the right things but some days is worst than others. Old Arthur is no joke, my sister just had knee surgery on March 31, 2009, this is her second one, she had her left knee done this time last year and she is doing wonderful, bounce back so fast. Good luck to you all out there, just keep trying what you are doing and be Bless, the good LORD will take our pain away. Joyce from Clinton, MD

Louis

31 Mar 2009, 13:45

What kind of quad exercise is required?

Louis

Janice

31 Mar 2009, 08:49

I noticed some of you have either had knee replacement or it is in your future. I too am facing it later in April. Because of all the pain I've had, I'm actually looking forward to it! Any "tips" from anybody out there?

Jane

30 Mar 2009, 20:06

I noticed many of you have mentioned upcoming knee replacement surgery. I would like to suggest the Bonesmart forum which can provide you all the information you need. It is moderated by a nurse who has a world of information. I found it an excellent resource before and since I had bilateral knee replacements

http://www.bonesmart.org/public_forum/index.php

Barb

30 Mar 2009, 17:10

Has anyone heard of Prolotherapy for knee arthritis?

Barb

30 Mar 2009, 17:09

I read in your article that walking can help with knee pain. When I go for a walk I am good for about 10 minutes, then I have bad knee pain and pretty much limp for the next 30 to 40 minutes. I am told I am bone on bone pretty much. I keep doing it, but my knees get very swollen after. I'm not sure walking is the best thing for all knee arthritis sufferers. What do you think?....I've been this way for a few months now.

Carlos A.Salazar F

30 Mar 2009, 10:54

Serìa Interesante que a los inscritos,les fuera
suministrado un totorial indicativo de las
medicinas de ùltima generaciòn junto con la
docificaciòn apropiada para un buen mejora
minto.

Pero ademàs,la informaciòn exacta para su
adquisiciòn, habida cuenta que en Latinoamerica
no se consiguen algunos de esos medicamentos,
para la Artrosis preferentemente.

Cordialmente,
Carlos A.Salazar .

Peggy Kubala

30 Mar 2009, 10:38

I teach a water Exercise class that has helped my knees I was able to put off Surgery for 10 years by staying active and in the water. It is easy and you don't have to know how to swim to do them . The natural resistance of the water helps to strengthen your ligaments and muscles with out pressure on the joints. TAi Chi is also very good there is one sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation That works very well After I had my knee replaced I went back to the water to rehab along with Therapy My recovery was faster than most because of it.

Gene Miller

30 Mar 2009, 10:36

Reading the comments about strengthing the quads is good. However, I am scheduled to have my left knee replacement on Jun 16, 2009 and would like to know just WHAT ARE THE QUADS AND WHAT KIND OF EXERCISE can I do to strengthen the quads and relieve the knee pain I now have.

MaryAnn

30 Mar 2009, 09:57

I agree with the previous writer about keeping the quads strong. My physical therapist taught me quad strengthening exercises 10 years ago and I do them every other day. I've been avoiding knee replacement surgery ever since. If I neglect doing them for a few days, my knees begin to hurt. I'm 74 years old and my quads are stronger now than when I was 35.

I also take glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, but I know that it's the quad exercises that are the critical factor.

J Ferguson

25 Mar 2009, 18:10

I don't see any mention of strengthening the quads. I was reading an article in a magazine regarding the increase in knee replacement surgery. I read the article after having knee replacement surgery while I was using the exercise bicycle at the therapist office . There was a man in therapy because his knees hurt. They were showing him exercises to strengthen his quads and his pain was going away.
Walking can be very painful on it's own. I wonder why therapy to strengthen your muscles that strengthen the knee are not promoted after the first visit to the doctor?
J

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10 Ways to Avoid Knee Surgery

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