Newly Diagnosed Knee Cap Osteoarthritis

cookiechris

Hello

I’m taking Ibrobrufen & Paracetomols but obviously this cannot go on long term .

Whats next? Are the creams good . I’m hoping to not have to take anything daily but this obviously depends on pain?

I’m overweight (13.7 stone) & relatively unfit which I intend to address - What exercise do you recommend?

noddingtonpete

Hello @cookiechris and welcome to the community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that you will find that as well.

I understand that you have arthritis in your knee and taking ibuprofen and paracetamols. Are these prescribed or just over the counter? If not prescribed I would recommend going to see your GP, who can also prescribe

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/capsaicin/

which is a cream to be rubbed on. It does provide some relief from pain, but be careful to thoroughly wash your hands once you've applied it and not get it near your eyes or mouth. It is made of chilli peppers! You might also find the following of interest

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-knee/

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I am sure that others will connect with you to share their thoughts and experiences as well.

With very best wishes

Peter (moderator)

stickywicket

Knee CAP? Or knee? Arthritis of the kneecap is quite rare and most people who have knee replacements still keep their kneecaps, me included.

I suggest you really take in the links given above. Knee exercises are essential and really help. They won't help with weight loss. That's mainly a matter of diet. But they made a massive difference to me both before and after my ops.

Moira

Hi,

I agree with comments above. Do check with your GP. There are pain killers that can help but you must be careful with them and get advice. Creams- could be a chillie cream (didn't help me at all, but can some folks) but there are a number of others such as Voltarol. You can get that on prescription but not the strongest stuff and that is expensive.

I have been on dry-codamol for many years now but only use it when the pain is really bad. Sounds terrible, but over the years, I have become used to a modicum of pain, and take my tablets only when I absolutely have to. Targetted exercise for the different joints also will help with pain management. I have had a complete knee replacement. The other needs doing and I'm awaiting a hand op. But I even have hand exercises.

Exercise is absolutely crucial to help strengthen the muscles so they can support the damaged joint. There are excellent videos on VA, or ask your GP to be referred to a physio. But you must keep up the exercises and start gradually. You will probably need targeted exercises depending on the joint problem.

Weight is a problem with many of us, especially with the wide spread arthritis that I have, because we can't do high burn exercises once arthritis really takes hold. So monitor your diet.

I struggle with weight as I used to teach full time, walk a lot each day and be up and downstairs in school plus my hobby was contemporary and Scottish country dance! Now I just dance in my head!!!! Yes, I do have a problem and monitor what I eat and do my physio every day as well as housework and light gardening. Our house is on 3 floors so I am also up and downstairs a lot - told by my physio it's great exercise.

So do your advised exercises but do so under physio advice; don't overdo it but gradually build up and keep at it. You may not be down to a size 8 but you will be fitter and the muscles will support the knee better.

Good luck. I think we all need a good dose of WD40 intravenously!!!!