Osteoarthritis diagnosed by x-ray x4 years ago.Progressively worsened so need stick to walk, out of house, more than half a mile.Painful.

[isherwoodjon]

Whom should diagnose it further with view to treatment/ replacement ?

Please.John

[Cat33]

Hello isherwoodjon

Your GP should refer you to a knee specialist I was referred to a hip specialist and had a replacement 3 months later a new lease of life

Good luck 😊

[katieoxo60]

Hello there , your Gp should be your first port of call for a referral. Best Wishes

[Slivia]

Ask to be referred to a Rheumatologist. He will then need an MRI before he can

advise on treatment. An X-ray will only show bones. MRI will sho w soft tissue, plus any tissue damage. Movement is important for OA. Once your Rheumatologist knows

what is damaged, he can then probably refer you to a physiotherapist. OR. Other forms of treatment, whatever is appropriate for your condition.

Avoid opiates (codeine) .Insist on seeing a Rheumatologist.

Best wishes.

Slivia

[Hidden in reply to Slivia]

Silvia, I am quite new to all this and wonder why you are saying to avoid opiates. I find them the only way to get pain relief although very careful to use as seldom as possible.

Sandra

[Badbessie]

As others have suggested you need a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. If any rheumatoid involvement as been ruled out then a direct referral is your best option. I am in a similar situation however there is a question about my status with regard to having another type of Arthritis which sadly is confusing matters. If it is your knees that are a problem then there are short term treatments such as steroid injections with may help. See your GP.

[JRHT]

Hi isherwoodjon, I have osteoarthritis in both knees and have found Capsaicin cream (made from chilli peppers ) very helpful. I first read about the cream on the Arthritis Research site and then, as it has to be prescribed, asked my GP who was happy for me to try it.

[Lakewolf]

If your PCP is like mine, & doesn’t listen, self-refer yourself to a physiatrist. They deal with the entire human body, and are more familiar with complications that may arise from your OA.

Next, I would see a rheumatologist to check for any autoimmune problems and/or soft tissue complications.

Having done all that, make copies of the advice they give you & see an orthopedic surgeon. A good one will work with the doctors you’ve already seen.

Remember...keep calm, BUT keep fighting!

Oh... don’t use opiates or opioids until you know what’s wrong. I know that living with it is hell (and you may need to take one or two so the pain doesn’t keep you awake).You need the pain right now to keep from hurting yourself, thereby making your problem worse.