Help - both knees now in trouble

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GemLou84
GemLou84 Member Posts: 4
in Chat to our Helpline Team

Hi everyone. I have osteoarthritis in my right kneecap - following many years of repeated dislocations. I've had an MRI recently to determine the damage and the next steps, I already walk with a stick because of the pain and weakness in this knee. My left knee was obviously feeling left out and decided to dislocate over the weekend, it's done it before but it has been about 4 years since the last time. So now I am unable to walk properly at all because I can't weight bear on the dislocated one and the other is too weak and painful to take all of my weight. I'm concerned that I am trying to overcompensate when I am moving and doing more damage to the arthritic knee.

Does anyone have any advice on how to manage when an injury on the opposite side is forcing the arthritic joint to take more stress?

Thank you

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  • jonr
    jonr Member Posts: 398
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    Hi GemLou,

    I was told by my physio that in the event I should ever need a walking aid to avoid a single stick because it can cause the exact issue you outlined in your post. He advise to either use 2 sticks or walking poles to help distribute weight evenly and double up as a confidence booster.

    Hope this helps,

    Jon

  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,497
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    Hi @GemLou84

    Thank you for posting on the Online Community. I am sorry to hear about the osteoarthritis (OA) in your right knee and the pain and muscle weakness you are now experiencing in both knees due to arthritis and recurrent dislocations. It sounds as if you have been going through a rough time with the pain and other symptoms affecting daily activities and making walking difficult. I hope you find Jon’s post helpful.

    It is true that overcompensating can cause more damage. In some circumstances, using 2 sticks instead of one may help. Pacing yourself and balancing activity with rest is important too.

    It sounds as if it would be good to go back to your GP to explore treatment options and review your pain medication. Referral to a physiotherapist for advice about walking aids, mobility and exercise may be worth considering as well as referral to an orthopaedic specialist. Eating a healthy balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight will help to put less strain on your joints.

    I hope the information given below will be of some help. 

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/knee-pain/
    https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/april/top-tips-to-help-knee-pain/

    If you would like to have more replies to your post, you are welcome to repost on our Living with Arthritis forum which is another source of support to ask questions and share experiences with others facing similar challenges.

    Best wishes,

    Fiona, Helpline Advisor 

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