Knee problems...

[Saw-sick Steve]

Been struggling with a knee problem for a while now, it first flared up about 6 years ago resulting in an enormous swelling above the knee and total inflexibility. I tried a private sports injury specialist and chiropractor before eventually seeing the Quack and getting referred to an NHS physio who spoke far more sense than anyone else I saw.

Anyways, after an X-Ray, it turned out the cartilage was almost worn away on my right knee and not much better on the left along with signs of osteoarthritis. He cheerfully informed me that the human body was only designed to last 40 years, and that with my work it would either be my back or my knees that went. Followed his exercise instructions and things slowly improved and have been OK up until just before last Xmas when it returned with a vengeance.

I realise that I can't replace worn cartilage -and a knee replacement is out of the question - but does anyone have any good tips to negate the effects of arthritis? Tried Glucosamine and fish oil but to no affect. Anybody tried those magnetic strap things? Copper band? Something must work, it's getting a real pain in all senses of the word. Can't be crippled at 50, surely?

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Bromelain (from pineapples - now isolated for counter-arthritis affect). Eating pineapple long before "they" cottoned on helped my Grandfathers hip loads.

[Steve999]

Also suffer with OA in the knees, I've been taking liquid glucosamine for years and it does help. Copper bracelets sounds like a load of cod's wallop, but not tried it. But diclofenac available on prescription reduces swelling when required.

In evolutionary terms we're living we'll beyond our sell by date. Once we're spread our seeds, as it were, and raised our off spring, job's done and there's no further purpose for us I'm afraid.

What's wrong with replacement parts! if we're to live into our 90's or longer (they say that 100+ should be achievable for many who have just ben born with the advancement of medical science), replacement body parts will be the norm.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Steve....owwww, sounds bad (says he sat here with swelling below the knee...you've no idea hwo hard sitting aorund is?...joking apart I do too much and hence 'the blance' is out of kilter.)

 

I'm a Cod Liver Oil advocate, but mine not as severe as yours. Have read muhc about the positive effects of copper braclets etc. but maybe it just makes a good story...worth a try tho?

 

Take care...oh yeah, rest n recuperation with legs elevated also helps...if you can find time

 

Cheers..

Paul

[Coletti]

I'm 24 and suffer from a nackered right knee due to an accident I had several years ago, silly me didn't give it any chance to heal and now it haunts me. I find that if I don't keep it excersized it flares up so I have to make sure I work it every day regardless as to weather I actually have work or not, also I find a knee support provides some relief on the occasion it does flare up. Another thing to maybe try is calcium fluoride and calcium phosphate tablets, just makes it a little easier for your body to maintain your bones/joints

[Yeti]

I like to buse fish oils in higher than average doses.around 1500mg it takes time to build up an effect.Glucosamine tends to do very little for some people.

Serrapeptase extract is fantastic stuff, also regular massage with emu oil and liquid glucosamine should help.Ice packs of an evening after work alternated with hrat packs should also help temporarily calm the inflammation.Also try to eliminate all inflammatory food from your diet its suprising what effect that will have for general health.A good dose of blueberries may also aid in the anti inflam side.Be careful of the diclofenac sodium as it can cause bad stomach ulcers.

[gingertreeninja]

i dislocated my knee quite badly a few years ago and am still having problems! a day on spikes is torture! tried everything and got no where. a friend of mine is a power lifter and he suggested i try magnesium oil as its what he uses. i have to admit its great stuff! its not a cure but it eases the swelling in my knee and takes that horrible ache away. worth a look

[HCR]

Ice - 10 minutes on 10 minutes off. Obviously this doesn't have a long term physiological effect but it helps with inflammation. Be wary of Ibuprofen as extended use (especially in the over 40s) slows kidney function which can lead to pitting oedema (i.e. fluid retention and swelling in the lower legs).

 

See a qulaified sports massage therapist (LSSM Level 5 Sports and Remedial Massage Therapist is what you should be looking for) who will test for correct muscle balance and show you how to correct it if needed. Again, this won't cure the root problem but it may alleviate some of the symptoms.

 

Diet - oily fish, tomatoes, beetroot should all feature regularly. Really try to get your 5 a day.

[Stubby]

I got a right knee problem ..it got smashed to bits by a Renault Megan together with my left shoulder . Ibuprofen I'm afraid . Oily fish and beetroot are like pissing at the moon !

[matthawh1966]

Not quite the same, i had à hip replacement after i fractured my pelvice, after the accident i had damaged the cartalidge, and the arthritous soon set in, i took an anti imflamatry called diclafenic it worked great it made it possible for me to get back to work for a year ,but eventualy it got so bad i had the hip opp done. I dont regret having the opp as Im back up the tree now and it feels great, just Hope it lasts.

If your knee gets that bad an opp might be your only way to go.