Physio appointment

PKA60s
PKA60s Member Posts: 3
edited 13. Mar 2025, 06:44 in Living with arthritis

I was diagnosed with OA in one knee last October and as the pain got worse and unable to drive, I got a steroid injection quite quickly, and understood I would be able to rebook as easily if needed.

Just After the 3 months the steroid is supposed to last, I have started my second flare. I contacted local doctors to arrange another injection but they said I can't have an appointment with the physio until early April, and still not necessarily for the injection. They mentioned a clinic for the physiotherapists but have not given me a direct number to see if I can get an earlier appointment.

Wondering if I will have to go for X-ray before can get anything done.

Was really happy got quick appointments last year, now a little frustrated and praying I can keep my knee going to get to work, help my Mum, etc.

Can anyone help me understood the procedure please

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Comments

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,332

    Hello @PKA60s and welcome to the Online Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

    Might be a good idea to ask your GP for the clinic number and confirm that they have made a referral.

    In the meantime have a look at the following - might help keep your knee going, but only do the exercises if you feel able.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMkxh1Alz2A

    and also

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

    Hope you get an appointment soon, let us know how you get on.

    Best wishes

    Peter

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • PKA60s
    PKA60s Member Posts: 3

    Thanks Peter

    I did ask the 'receptionist' for the clinic phone number when she mentioned there was one but refused to give me it.

    Think I'll actually pop into the surgery, see if I can get further. At least I know I have an appointment.

    I've been doing some of the exercises recommended by my physio, which do help, will take a look at the video you shared and see if there's anything new to try.

    Thanks again, great to know there is this community to ask questions, and share experiences.

  • Bryony
    Bryony Member Posts: 76

    The NHS seems quite chaotic, in my experience, and long waits for anything.

    As you've now been dealing with the OA for a few months, had a steroid injection which worked for a while but have now got a flare, and have been doing physiotherapy, I think it would be quite reasonable to ask for an X-ray, which will establish the degree of osteoarthritis you have. If it is end-stage, then anything you do now, will be about trying to not let it get worse, will be to retain range of motion and muscle and ligament health and strength. Exercise can work wonders for mild OA though.

    Given it can take years to get knee replacement on the NHS the sooner you get onto a waiting list the better, if it is end-stage. (I'm currently 3 years since it being shown bone on bone in both knees by X-ray, and still waiting for surgery, which will now be another 6 months at least for the first).

  • PKA60s
    PKA60s Member Posts: 3

    Hi Bryony

    Thanks for this extra information.

    I've had aches in the other leg for years and just got used to the occasional twinge, 'joking' I may need joint replacement in my later years. Didn't expect it to be just yet or poss for the other leg!!

    Will ask for xrays to find out what stage I'm at

    Hope you get your op soon

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