Arthritic Knee

[Pete in Idaho]

Thought I would post this and see if I can get some input.

Me. 75yrs, arthritis in right knee. Two winters in a row got Synvisc shot in knee. First year really help and last year didn't work.
Ski day AM at home massage Australian Dream into knee, take two Aleve, wear non-metal brace. Use hot tub (knee jet) when wears out.

Disappointing as not being able to ski more tdhan 2 days in a row is really going to limit my travel etc.

Anyone have any other suggestions ?

 

[François Pugh]

I've found Sunrider's JOI to be hepfull when my knee acts up on canoe trips, but my knee isn't that bad. (random web site from google : http://www.diana2.com/sunrider-joi.html). It bother's me greatly that the price has quadrupled in the last umpteen years, but I'm too lazy to go pick my own ingredients and vary the proportions until I get it right.

Sounds like you should bite the bullet and get a new knee.

 

[Jim Kenney]

I have arthritis in one knee and I swear riding a bike is like medicine for it. If your doc doesn't object maybe try riding a real or stationary bike this summer on a regular basis for a few weeks and see what it does?? Disregard if you've already tried something like this. Best of luck.

 

[Blue Streak]

I think I have an arthritic brain.

 

[Pete in Idaho]

Thanks folks, one of my powder partners is an orthopedic surgeon and he says no way on new knee, not with my mobility. Will try more bike spinning.

 

[neonorchid]

Try inline skating, straight line speed on a paved trail with a "marathon" type fitness skate. Movements and muscle groups used are like skiing and it's low impact - until you fall:\

Also cross-country skiing is a great "closed-circuit" exercise. Fluid movement, low impact whole body workout.

Swimmimg if you can handle the boredom and becoming water logged. I personally only care to swim in the ocean.

Hiking is also good. I like going off the beaten path, much more dynamic movement wise.

Spinnoing, bicycling is a very repetitious "locked in" movement which can gradually wear away at cartilage. It doesn't work for me, causes pain.

And don't forget to stretch and Ice afterwards.

Oh and throw away the oral NSAID's. Get a Rx for topical Diclofenac Sodium Gell 1% or 3%. It's much easier on your system!

 

[Jilly]

Severe in the right knee. Cortisone and Euflexxa shots. Brace also. I find biking...stationary or not and Elliptical are good. I just take time to get moving in the morning, then I'm good. But that is now, next month, next year...who knows.

 

[Monique]

I'm not older, but I've had arthritis in my knees for years, so I feel a bit qualified

Spinnoing, bicycling is a very repetitious "locked in" movement which can gradually wear away at cartilage. It doesn't work for me, causes pain.

I also had this issue! My knees hurt on a road bike. Feel great mountain biking, ie, on terrain that shifts and requires dynamic movement. Not sure if there's also a geometry component where maybe the body position on a mountain bike could also be more favorable ...

Oh and throw away the oral NSAID's. Get a Rx for topical Diclofenac Sodium Gell 1% or 3%. It's much easier on your system!

I got this stuff for my knee recovery because I can't use oral NSAIDs. It burns my skin, and they say not to use it if that happens. So, just pay attention if you use it - I wish it worked for me!

 

[neonorchid]

-
I got this stuff for my knee recovery because I can't use oral NSAIDs. It burns my skin, and they say not to use it if that happens. So, just pay attention if you use it - I wish it worked for me!

@Monique, See if you can get a compounding pharmacy to make it for you without the Menthol.
Get back to me If they think you are nuts and I'll get you the specifics. It is how a professor of pharmacology neighbor of mine who's older and still runs distance marathons has it made for himself. He told me that he didn't like the burning sensation and that it's added because it helps open the pores for better dilivery (penetration). I personally haven't had trouble with it. Btw, he gave me the 3%, good stuff! My insurance company would never approve 3% for me, I'm lucky they allow the 1%!

 

[Monique]

@Monique, See if you can get a compounding pharmacy to make it for you without the Menthol.
Get back to me If they think you are nuts and I'll get you the specifics. It is how a professor of pharmacology neighbor of mine who's older and still runs distance marathons has it made for himself. He told me that he didn't like the burning sensation and that it's added because it helps open the pores for better dilivery (penetration). I personally haven't had trouble with it. Btw, he gave me the 3%, good stuff! My insurance company would never approve 3% for me, I'm lucky they allow the 1%!

Hrrm. This is not a menthol-y burn. It's like a rash.

 

[Monique]

Ooh BUT I just remembered that I have Penetrex. That will feel nice.

 

[Rod9301]

Thanks folks, one of my powder partners is an orthopedic surgeon and he says no way on new knee, not with my mobility. Will try more bike spinning.

What does he mean by mobility?

 

[Mendieta]

Ooh BUT I just remembered that I have Penetrex. That will feel nice.

Penetrex has worked well for me (in joint and muscular recovery, including tendonitis). Compression sleeves also come to mind. Besy luck, Pete!

 

[Crank]

I have arthritis in my knees. 15 years younger than you though. I use the hinged braces while skiing and for hiking. No pain from biking. Without the braces I am only good for 2 days of skiing in a row. With the braces I have skied 10 days in a row. I also take vitamin I, usually with lunch, sometimes in the morning, and usually more than 2 at a time.

There are tons of options for braces... I just got what they had at a defunct chains store called Sports Authority. Orthopedist showed me some she said were the best... they cost $800! I don't have those - mine were around $70 each.

Anyway the metal braces with hinges work better than the plain old neoprene one I used to use. Do you wear your braces while skiing? From the OP it sounded like you may wear them at home and not on the hill.

 

[Varmintmist]

GNC triflex 2x day and a soft neoprene brace to keep it warm when skiing.

 

[Jilly]

I wear my brace after skiing. That's when things hurt. We can get Voltren at 1.16% OTC. But I don't use it much as I worry about the burning. It was Chiro that told me to be careful.

 

[Pete in Idaho]

Thanks for input. I will look up and try some of the recommended vitamins etc.

Penetrex has worked well for me (in joint and muscular recovery, including tendonitis). Compression sleeves also come to mind. Besy luck, Pete!

Never heard of penetrex will try, thanks.

I have arthritis in my knees. 15 years younger than you though. I use the hinged braces while skiing and for hiking. No pain from biking. Without the braces I am only good for 2 days of skiing in a row. With the braces I have skied 10 days in a row. I also take vitamin I, usually with lunch, sometimes in the morning, and usually more than 2 at a time.

There are tons of options for braces... I just got what they had at a defunct chains store called Sports Authority. Orthopedist showed me some she said were the best... they cost $800! I don't have those - mine were around $70 each.

Anyway the metal braces with hinges work better than the plain old neoprene one I used to use. Do you wear your braces while skiing? From the OP it sounded like you may wear them at home and not on the hill.

Actually only wear brace when skiing.

GNC triflex 2x day and a soft neoprene brace to keep it warm when skiing.

OK will try too, thanks.

 

[Living Proof]

I have same issue with my right knee, pain is on the lateral (outside). Doc states on a scale on 1 -10, I'm about 8. I have great range of motion, can bike, walk, stand, sleep with no issues, but, skiing has been the worst case scenario. I experience pain mostly when the outside ski is pressured on the little toe edge. It's been 18 months since my last shot of cortisone that got me out of intensive pain. I've read, and my Doc agrees, that bracing is most beneficial for those with medial (inside) knee issues, and, not generally effective for lateral. He is of the opinion that replacement sooner than later is better, due to aging issues and faster recovery, but, does not operate unless I tell him I can't live with what I have. I'm thinking that as soon as I begin to limp, I'll get it done. So present thinking is to train my left leg thigh more aggressively than the problem one, loose some weight, and see if skiing with more weight on left foot works. I plan on being at this year's Utah Gathering, unless early season skiing just becomes too much of an issue. May not ski with the big boy roomates (and ladies like Susan, Trish, SkiNurse), but, greens and blues still have great scenery..

 

[Scotty I.]

Before I had my knee replacement (life changing btw), I found that vibration was what caused my knee to hurt more than anything. Braces did absolutely nothing to help and, believe me, I tried them all. I agree that a neoprene sleeve that provides warmth helped a little. Knowing what I know now, not having the replacement cost me 5-7 years of quality skiing.

 

[Living Proof]

Pete,
I don't know your thinking about medical interventions that impact your lifestyle. I'm guessing going to a doctor is not that high on your priority list. But, seriously, if there is technique that changes your life for the better, then for your own good, start becoming open to considering knee replacement. At 75, it is not going to improve. For me, at 71,to the question is when it will occur, not if. One issue is your medical insurance and if you costs are manageable, that is a big plus. You are on Medicare and can research options for supplemental insurance if your present plans are inadequate.

One benefit to living in a large eastern city, Philly, is that there are many highly qualified surgeons who do this procedure on a regular basis. It is probably different in more rural Idaho. Is your doctor a specialist in knee replacement? If not, find one even if it involves travel, and get an evaluation. I remember Jackson Hole native Bob Peters had his done at the Steadman clinics in Vail.

Again, if you can't live the life you what to have, then, then pursue modern medical technology.