Lizzyq

Lizzyq

Hi my name is Lizzyq and I have osteoarthritis in both my knees, my left knee being the worst. More recently I have been experiencing a new kind of pain in the left side and behind my left knee and have been prescribed capsaicin cream for relief. I am considering total knee replacement surgery as I have bouts of pain and stiffness when I'm walking and sometimes am unable to do everyday tasks.

Shell_H

Hi @Lizzyq - welcome to the online community!

I see you've got pain in your knees due to Osteoarthritis, and you're considering having knee replacement surgery. Your left knee has been getting worse, and you've been given Capsaicin cream to help.

I understand where you're coming from, I too have Osteoarthritis in my knees which affects my walking and being able to do normal things. It's always worse for me on slopes and stairs.

People who have had total knee replacement surgery have said it's made a huge difference to them, but you must be aware that the waiting list for surgery at the moment is very long, so you'll have to look at other things you can do in the meantime even if you choose to go for that.

Have a look at our information here - I'd particularly look at the Managing Symptoms section, as it's got some useful ideas:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/knee-pain/

One of the better (but more difficult) things we can do for our joints is to exercise them specifically. Versus Arthritis have some exercises specifically for knees which help strengthen the muscles around your joints. This improves long term mobility for you, and it helps to take some of the strain off your bones and reduce your pain. One of the things to be aware of with arthritis and exercise is you should not exercise to the point of pain. If it hurts then you need to stop and take it easier, work your way slowly up to the harder exercises and be aware of how your body is feeling.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-knees/

Do take a look around our community and see what other people have said. A lot of us have knee issues, so there are a few conversations which may be of interest you. We also always welcome new voices, so please do feel like you can join in any conversations which interest you.

It's lovely to meet you!

Shell

MaryThornton

Hi

I have had 1 partial knee replacement two years ago and am going for the other knee replacement on Tuesday. The waiting lists are terribly long so expect to wait years. I use the let's move videos and stretching videos. They really help.

Poppyjane

Hi @MaryThornton

I am pleased to hear that you found the Let's Move videos and new stretching video helpful.

We all wish you well for Tuesday and a good recovery. Let us know how you get on.

Thinking of you next week.

Poppyjane

suelema

I have exactly the same issues with my knee, ask for referral to discuss with a specialist. I had painkillers, when the pain and stiffness was still bad I tried steroid injections and when they didn't help I was finally referred. The MRI showed I had bone on bone to the knee so was put down for a full knee replacement subject to some weight loss. I achieved the loss and am on the waiting list which under the nhs choose and book scheme is at a private hospital and with my specialist the waiting time is only 3-4 months! Good luck.