Severe Osteoarthritis in knee

isabelxtec

Hi, I am new with this stiff and painful knee. I am 56 years old woman I have osteoarthritis after I had an arthroscopic to remove my external meniscus 32 years ago. The GP didn’t see me he directed me to the physio and the physio said I have to choose between group sessions in hospital or surgery. I am a teacher I can not manage to work with this painful knee and I can’t go to hospital for group sessions at school time.

I am starting next week with a private physio but I don’t trust that only exercise will be enough for severe OA.

Any suggestions?

Ellen

Hi @isabelxtec

Welcome to the online community. You had accidentally posted your message to your 'wall' (easily done) so I have copied and pasted it over here for you so that people see it and you'll hopefully get some responses.

I see you have Osteoarthritis in your knee following on from a meniscus tear repair many years ago.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a very common issue here as you'll see by this quick search I did for you on teh subject. You might find out some useful posts if you read them:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/search?domain=all_content&query=osteoarthritis%20knee&scope=site&source=community

Exercise yes can be very, very effective for osteoarthritis, but obviously it does depend just how bad your knee is. Have you read the Versus Arthritis information on the subject? Just in case it might be of interest I have popped a link in here for you:

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

My best wishes

Ellen.

frogmorton

Hi @isabelxtec nice to meet you.

I do not have osteoarthritis in my knee, (mine is inflammatory), and sometimes my knees do flare with it so I can imagine how hard it would be to work as a teacher. You must need to be on your feet a lot with that pain.

There are quite a few regulars here who will be able to relate (have knee issues not all OA some other types) and probably offer you some advice I'm thinking of people like @jonr @DODGYKNEES or is it @Dodgyknees99 (probably both of them really) @jamieA and @Dutch50. There are loads more, but i know these people post reasonably regularly and they may be able to share their own tips with you.

Sending my best wishes

Toni x

jamieA

Hi @isabelxtec

Like you I had a meniscus removal 30+ years ago on my left knee - in my case due to a football injury. In my case it was a full surgical procedure - a knife and fork job as one of the nurses wryly put it. I didn't have any real issues with my knee until 2020 when it swelled significantly and then, when my hands swelled as well I was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis - in my case psoriatic arthritis. Since 2021 my PsA has been controlled by drugs - sulfasalazine, methotrexate and adalimumab but by that time the knee damage was done and rheumatology passed me to orthopaedics as the knee was now a 'mechanical issue'. I'm on a 2+ year waiting list for knee replacement. In the meantime my rheumatology clinic referred me to physio for a problem with my right arm but the physio looked at the muscle wastage on my left leg - I now walk with a limp - and decided to concentrate on that. I've been given a print out of a set of 7 exercises to do daily to rebuild the muscles. I don't know how much a change in my muscle mass there is but it has certainly helped with my knee pain. They are static exercises so no running around - with a yoga mat you could do them anywhere. I'm only due to see the physio at 3-4 week intervals. Maybe that could be an option you could ask the physio about. I'd also think that your employer would have a duty of care to allow you time off to attend physio appointments when required.

DODGYKNEES

Hi @isabelxtec I also have severe knee osteoarthritis in both knees. I have had many physio appointments, sessions, group sessions. I found most of the group exercises too painful to perform. There are basic exercises they give you, towel under the knee, straighten the leg etc. while I find certain exercises beneficial to maintain strength and mobility, they are not enough to deal with severe osteoarthritis. I was fitted with an unloader brace by the NHS which is very beneficial, especially when you are on your feet a lot. I am also on strong medication to help mask the pain. Portable tens machines can help also. On bad days I use either a walking stick or crutch, and I have to take regular rest breaks. Access to work are a good organisation for helping people with work situations, they can supply equipment in your work environment to help you cope. I hope you're physio appointment goes well. Hope this helps