Help with my knees!!

jaja

Hi everyone,not been posting for a while..but have tried to keep reading all your posts.

I know lots of you out there have knee problems and have had replacements..i just want your advice please.

I have had sero neg arthritis for 26 years and fybro for many years...physio has just told me i have hypo-mobility....

the biggest problem i have at the moment is my right knee...it started months back giving way at odd moments...just now and again..but now its progressed...seems like every time i walk bang it goes sideways and so do i!!!....and if it wasnt for stratigically placed lamposts and other things i'd be on the floor!!

Today has been the worst..6 times in space of an hour...so im confined to the comfy chair with ice and power-gel...

Any advise...please!!!

is it just arther or ligaments or what?

does everyone get this on the way to repacement??

All advise gratefully accepted..

JAJA

stickywicket

The only decent advice I can give you, jaja, is to get it checked out. I don't know if you've seen an orthopaedic surgeon but, if not, I'd go to the GP and explain.

For what it's worth, I did get that before my first TKRs but I'd had years of RA and my ligaments had gone anyway so whether it was that that caused it with me, or the OA, who knows? You need an expert opinion on this.

Temporarily, you could get a knee support from any decent pharmacy or disability aid shop and use it in situations where you're likely to fall over - eg outside - but not all the time or else your muscles will stop working. Physio might help but you really need the medics for this.

valval

hi was getting this went to doc she gave me once over then told me some exercises to strenthen muscles and tendens also using exercise bike when knee will allow. so sorry but it time for doc to see what causing it for you val

jaja

thankyou both for your replies

i did speak to my rhuemy about it ..had x-rays and physio...do do exercise bike and swimming and the stuff physio said......there was something on x-ray...hence physio...that was more than a year ago....so obviously getting worse i suppose...thanks for brace idea.

jaja

dreamdaisy

I think a knee support is your best starting point. I used them quite a bit after my knee surgeries (not replacements alas) and they are not good for long-term use. Over the years I have strengthened my muscles by doing the exercises I was set after my synovectomies but my knee joints are not happy bunnies thanks to OA. Hey-ho. I think further investigation is required - knees are not supposed to give way, are they? Do you use a stick for extra support? I am ashamed to say I cannot remember your situation. :oops: DD

jaja

Thanks dreamdaisy

yes i use a stick or OH arm....my knee a little better today...swelling down a little...and no giving way (though i havnt been on it much)..but everything else suffering from the gymnastics of trying to stay upright!!

suppose i will go to GP next week...you just know where its all leading though...and try to put it off..

JAJA

lindalegs

Before my TKRs I used one of these purchased from my local chemist. They're velcro fastened so they allow for swelling. I'm not saying it'll stop it giving way it might help a bit.



As the others have said it's best to have it checked out too.

Luv,

frogmorton

Jaja

I have to say I am totally with the others.

A stick - maybe the brace Legs recommends :? they will both help to restore your confidence a bit.

Then back to the docs to get checked out

Sorry

Love

Toni xx

jaja

Hi...thanx lindalegs and toni

I will do what you say...it looks like im heading for surgery then eventually............how long from this stage to having replacement?...............Iv had pain, swelling for 15 years and this 'givin way' for the past year...x-ray showed narrowing (of something???) that was 18 months ago before physio...I must admit Iv tried to ignore stuff..drs and consultants never seem to do much...other knee the same but not 'giving' way often....consultant wanted to replace my elbow cos there was a hole in the joint..( from an abcess,) but i couldnt face it even though the pain was v bad...they injected coirtizone in and 'watched and waited' that healed after about 6mths....im a born coward!!!

jaja

lindalegs

jaja wrote:

Hi...thanx lindalegs and toni

I will do what you say...it looks like im heading for surgery then eventually............how long from this stage to having replacement?...............

jaja

How long before replacement, you ask, well it depends how much damage there is and if it can be delayed by strengthening your muscles to help support the joint. Your surgeon will help you decide and offer you the options.

I think we all dread an operation Jaja but sometimes it's the only answer if we want to lead a near normal life.

Luv,

bubbadog

Since my knee's have been bad I find I'm safer using a wheelchair if I'm going out for long days, I know it's more extreme for me because of having Osteo-porosis but I feel so much safer. I hope you will get on better with some of the other suggestions.

jaja

Hi>>>thank you all sooo much for all your helpful advise.....

Im resting at moment it seems to be getting a little better...

thanx again

jaja