Knee people advice needed

stickywicket

AC produce an excellent booklet on exercises. Go to http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Listedbytype/Booklets and scroll down 'til you reach the right one.

I was a long time, and multiple physio visits before I realised the value of regular exercise (To be honest, I only really took it seriously when I began to fear I'd not be able to walk) but now I rarely let a day go by without it.

As for the upper leg pain - I can't remember but what I know for sure is that, when one bit hurts a lot, the unconscious stuff we do to try to ease that pain very often produces another somewhere else.

I hope your knee eases up a bit soon, delboy.

Pherstun

If my knees are really bad I hold on to something solid with my arm, then swing the opposing leg and knee forward and back (similar to the image on the page linked below):

http://www.capitalregionorthopaedics.com/educational_resources/knee_exercises.html (scrolll down to Knee Full Extension Exercise, but I don't hold them).

I find my knees are much better for wearing lightweight supports, I have some that are neoprene and aren't tight on my knees at all, just help keep them warm. Not the prettiest of things but hey, they work!

lilyflower

I just have to bend and stretch my knees before I get up to loosen them. Its nothing strenuos but helps before I stand.
I then have to walk round upstairs for a while before I even think about going down the stairs. Once up and moving they settle down until I sit for a long period and have to repeat stretching or they would give way if I stand straight away.
(Thanks for the link stickywicket will have a look at that too)
Hope you get the right exercise for you delboy.

barbara12

Hi Del
Im sorry its that bad, hopefully our Elna will be on soon ...she is our expert on knees...
Hope it improves very soon.

traluvie

Hi Del..

In the morning my knees can be very stiff, i slowly and gently bend the knee slightly gradually increasing untill i can bend the knee, i then sit at end of bed and swing my legs for a bit to get them moving again, then i take my steps forward..When i resting my knee up it helps to suuport just under the knee so the knee is slightly bent and just occasionally bend it so it doesn't become stiff..
This is just things i do that help me, i'm sure someone will have some more ideas for you soon..

valval

hi dell i get the hip pain you talk about my gp tells me it coming from knee so yes it can and ac exercises very good i tend to start clenching and relaxing muscles in body as i wake now it second nature then small movements growing untill can move normal(ok so normal 4 me) it helps that toilet down stairs so if up in night i do not stiffen quite so much as when i sleep through you just can not win good luck pal hope it improves soon val

elnafinn

Oh, that sounds nasty, Del. Best to leave the exercises. Sounds like rest and elevation is the better option atm. Good that you are seeing your gp and hopefully you will not have to wait too long to see a physio.

Elna x

CJHunter

Ouch, im sure thats all you said realy

Hope G.P helps and you get phisio asap.

Take care

stickywicket

For what it's worth I'd have done the same thing, delboy. Meanwhile it'd be the old REE approach for me - Rest, Elevation and (Very gentle) Exercise. It might help to use a knee brace - I use one of those velchro sports things - for short periods while it's feeling unstable eg for going out. (Uneven pavements are much more likely to cause problems than flat floors.)They don't recommend them for long periods as they can cause the muscles to decide they're no longer needed. Usually they also recommend taking the knee - very gently - through its full range of movement every day ie the exercises.

If you can get a quick physio appt that'll be good. If not, I'd ask the GP if the above is what he'd suggest while you wait. I hope it gets back to whatever passes for normality with you asap.

stickywicket

Well, given that 'your knee bone's connected to your....ankle bone' there's a certain almost-logic in it.

valval

exercise with out weight bearing if it bad just keep it moveing till bit better good luck val (did you see oh s radio when you were looking we do not know what he has done with it lol)

Compositor

Hi Del

I had problems with both knees before, and, after TKR's, my GP referred me to physio then onto the hydro pool...I found doing exercise in the pool far more beneficial...it worked for me, it's worth a try, good luck.

John

dreamdaisy

I would be RICE-ing it: rest, ice, compression, elevation. The compression is the tricky part of that, so perhaps just the RIE elements could help. I emapthise, del, it's horrid. As for exercise I would settle for affected leg out in front, supported on a pillow, toes pointed to the ceiling, then flex the upper thigh muscles so your foot rises a little. Be gentle though in case this doesn't suit. DD

stickywicket

Oh yes! I had RA in my knees for years before the OA set in. The RA, if I've got it right, gets to the synovial fluid. Once that's gone OA sets in. I could be wrong. Oftem am.

But I don't think a sudden deterioration after a sudden trauma means it can't be OA. In fact it sounds about right to me. DD's right about the RICE treatment. The X-ray will hopefully make clear what's happenig.

lindalegs

My RA attacks my knees most - that's why I gone through three already :shock:

I don't think exercising would help it at the moment especially if it's unstable. As for the upper thigh pain one consultant told me that nerves grow downwards so that's usually how the pain travels - though I'm not sure that I agree.

Hope it eases soon.

Luv

dreamdaisy

del, if it's a joint it can be RA and sticky's right about the synovial bit. My PA began in my left knee, I've been using sticks in the house for years now but I can appreciate this must be a blow for you. Enbrel won't stop the filth from spreading but it slows the rate of spread. You ain't been right for a while now, have you? Could it be that your Enbrel days are ending? These meds don't work for ever (I am sure the body must build some kind of tolerance to it thus rendering it less and less effective.) I reckon a chat with your rheumatologist is on the cards - when is your next appointment? Oh mate, I am so sorry. Phacking arthritis. DD

lindalegs

I don't think it's your Enbrel days ending especially if it's just your knee, I think we just have joints which occasionally flare for no apparent reason.

The x-rays should help you know why it's giving you gyp on Monday.

Luv,

valval

delboy wrote:

I think it's about 4 years on Enbrel now and it's been brilliant for me and dread to think of the days before.

Guess I'll have to wait for the xray results and Rheumy appt in January.

when do you get results ?? can you not phone rhummy they might inject it for you make christmas so much easyer

sharmaine

Hi
I have a little pedal machine that I use (I find it hard using it sitting upright as it jar my knees) lying down. I got it from Arg.s. Regrettably you do stiffen up with knee arthritis after periods of inactivity. Do you also find you have trouble getting up from low seats etc? We raised our living room furniture - hubby changed all the sofa legs from 1" legs to 4" legs - it made a big difference.

I've had one TKR so walking is much better for me (I did end up in a wheelchair for 6 months prior to the op) - mind you OA was in both knees.

I would suggest wearing well padded shoes when you're out and about as flat surfaces can make walking incredibly difficult.

Regards
Sharmaine

bubbadog

I really feel for you del, as my knee's are the baine of my life! They always seem to give way at the most unexpected times! And the pain is hurrendous. The cold doesn't help it effects me badly causing pain in all my worst effected parts including the knees making them weak.
Hope the Hydro pool helps, it's great for immediate relief but wares' off after a day. Hope the doctor and Physio help you as well, lots of rest is all I can suggest as well. And stay warm! bubbadog/Amanda.

prefabkid47

Hi Del
Hope they get you sorted.Will jump in early for pocket duty,I know your pockets will be crowded.
Keep us posted.
Ron

tjt6768

count me in for duties too Del. How they can figure summat out for you rkid..
Best of luck..
Now get back, that cave needs a good sweeping. All those bat drippings ain't good for your lungs... Even worse when they land in your hair :shock:

Take it easy matey.

traluvie

Fingers Crossed..
I have new super QE by me too

speedalong

Every sympathy, Delboy. I fell weekend before last and have damaged my knee - twisted it as I fell. The injury has aggravated the OA and vice versa. Swollen and sore and using crutches. Limited movement. Have been resting, icing and elevating and doing exercises in the leaflet from A&E. If no improvement by next Monday will have to have an MRI.

Might meet you at physio!!

Speedy

frogmorton

Sounds like a plan to me Del.

The wii fit eh?! We have the yoga one on ours....but when my age came back as 70-something l fell out with it

Love

Toni xx