Arthritic knee and injections

[Satyricon]

Hi - I'm new here. I was wondering about alternative solutions for arthritic knees, such as injections. What is available in 2021? And how effective are they? Has anyone here successfully managed a partially arthritic knee with rehab excercises?

[DorsetLady]

This booklet might be useful - as is versusarthritis website - versusarthritis.org/media/1...

I had steroid injections a few times when my knee arthritis was still manageable and before replacement ....and the did work okay....

...but it’s not a “forever” remedy....only 3 per year recommended - speak to doctor and maybe ask for referral to physio - or go privately - referrals take time - even before Covid!

My experience in UK, protocols may be different in the States, this link might help as well - healthline.com/health/osteo...

[Skylane2 in reply to DorsetLady]

I live in California ( US) and had Ortho Visc ( series of 3 ) injections every 6 months for 5 years before I finally gave in, and had my first knee replaced. It’s was difficult to walk afterward because I still had one bad knee, and I couldn’t get enough of a bend afterward so I needed a manipulation. ( you don’t want that). Then, I got the injections in the “non operated knee” for 2 more years until the Orthopedic surgeon told me about a new less invasive surgery. I was able to get a ceramic knee and the knee cap smoothed off. A very quick recovery, and I only took Tylenol for the pain. It was amazing but,...I did physical therapy in a salt water pool for 6 weeks BEFORE the surgery. That is something I didn’t know about before the first knee replacement. It made a big difference. Everybody is offered some PT after their knee replacements , but if you do some PT before you will get through the procedure much better

[nicholasberesic Partner]

Here is a link to our new "Manage Pain" webpage which discusses injections and a host of other treatment options. I hope this helps! oaaction.unc.edu/healthy-li...

[Bcol]

Good morning. Ditto the comments from DorsetLady. I would also add that before having replacement surgery I worked in the gym to strengthen the surrounding muscles as much as possible. That work made recovery quicker and very successful.

[Satyricon in reply to Bcol]

Thank you. I’ve been doing strengthening exercises for years, and will be especially vigilant before surgery. Which is now until September. I hope to be having a partial in three and half months. How long did it take to get back to completely normal?

[Bcol in reply to Satyricon]

I was back walking happily in a couple of months, but I didn't really feel "normal" for about 12 months. Fab operation though, changed my life from years of pain and incapacity to normality. This was 21 years ago and still going strong.