is it progressing

bertyboy

i have oa in both knees use crutches if going any distance as knees can buckle at times have now noticed pain and grinding in my ankles at times , and achy hips i am doing exercises to keep my muscles as strong as poss but is it all getting worse if its in my hips is it best to go for hip op first if needed or knees first , as i will be on the list for knees next year , probably a stupid question

bertyboy

keep taking the pills then i suppose

helpline_team

Dear Bert,

Apologies that your message has not been answered sooner, but on Friday we were at our monthly training, and we are closed at weekends.

And I'm afraid we are not able to advise over a matter so medical as this. The kinds of people qualified to help you make an informed decision would be a your GP, a physio who knows you properly and an orthopaedic specialist.

I wonder if you've considered the kinds of practical support and ideas available in self management groups?

http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/LivingwithArthritis/Self-management

I hope that gives you some ideas, but if not do feel free to ring us.

all the best

Guy

bertyboy

sorry wasent asking for a medical diagnosis as such but just a general answer as to does it or can it happen as quick as it seems to be doing i will be of to dr in next few days for a re check xx :? :?

helpline_team

Hello Bertyboy

Sorry to hear its all getting a bit much. Sometimes having arthur in one joint i.e knee can exacerbate other joints such as hip, that are taking some of the pressure as you probably walk differently to how you used to in order to compensate for the pain. Some of the pain you are feeling is probably as a result of the extra strain the other joints are taking. If you can, ask for a physio referral and perhaps they can have a look and see how you are walking to help give some pointers on how you can balance yourself up again to stop putting excess strain on other joints.

So in answer to your question I guess it can happen as quickly for some people and unfortunately your situation is proof of this.
Hope that makes sense.

all the best

Simona

snowdrop

bertyboy wrote:

i have oa in both knees use crutches if going any distance as knees can buckle at times have now noticed pain and grinding in my ankles at times , and achy hips i am doing exercises to keep my muscles as strong as poss but is it all getting worse if its in my hips is it best to go for hip op first if needed or knees first , as i will be on the list for knees next year , probably a stupid question[/HELLO I AHVE THE SAME IN BOTH KNEES... GETTING WORSE MY HIP PAIN IS AT NIGHT .
jUST GOIGN TO SEE PHYSIO NOW.. WHERE CAN I GET CRUTCHES FROM PLZZ AS I HAVE THE SAME PROB.. ATM HAVE TO KEEP SITTING DOWN WHEN OUT .quote]

helpline_team

Dear Snowdrop,

If you need a stick or crutches, ask the physiotherapist how they provide them in your nhs area. You may need a referral to occupational therapy, but I doubt it.

Remember the physio's aim may be to get you stronger, so you won't need a support like a stick long term (but they can talk that through with you).

email helplines@arthritiscare.org.uk with your name and postal address if you need an information pack
or see our booklets online - see publications pages... booklets

Hope that's helpful
Guy