Osteoarthritis of the knee

Pools

Hi I am new to this site I have had osteoarthritis of the knee for about 5years the last year has been extremely painful having steroid injections does not seem to be working. Over the last two weeks the pain seems to be fluctuating the pain goes for a couple of days then returns is this part of the symptoms. My GP was discussing knee replacement. Just really confused as to why lately the pain comes and goes. I would be grateful for any advice.

Take care

Tom

helpline_team

Hi Tom,

It sounds as if you’re going through an especially tough time with your arthritis at the moment.

Often it isn’t possible to know why the pain from osteoarthritis (OA) gets better or worse. Sometimes people find that their condition flares up for periods of time for no clear reason. At other times people can pinpoint a trigger, such as illness, unusual exercise or a change in the weather.

If your GP is discussing knee replacement, that suggests your arthritis is at an advanced stage. It may be that a knee replacement would be the right treatment for you at this stage – your GP can refer you to an Orthopaedic specialist would assess you further and explore whether or not surgery could help. In the meantime, your GP may be able to prescribe different pain relieving drugs, especially as the steroid injections don’t seem to be working.

Alongside the medical treatment, healthy eating and exercise (the right kind of exercise for you) are always important in managing osteoarthritis. Exercise in particular can be more difficult when you’re having a flare up, so taking it more gently can be the best plan. The Arthritis

If it should help to talk over anything you’re going through with arthritis, you would be very welcome to call the Arthritis Care Helplines (Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5pm).

With best wishes,

Rachael, Helplines Worker