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Anyone have osteoarthritis in the knees?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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RollTideFan
Regular Member
Joined : Jan 2011
Posts : 72
Posted 10/24/2019 12:31 PM (GMT -7)
Hi, just wondering if anyone here has osteoarthritis in their knees? My elderly mom (she's 87) has severe osteoarthritis. She has been getting steroid shots in her knees for years and they are now useless. She also had a gel shot about a month ago and she didn't get much relief from that for very long. Her dr. is going to try another shot next week. The one he wants her to have is thousands of dollars and not covered by her medicare. I really don't want her to have surgery but we may be out of options. Just wondering if anyone has any advice or suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
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straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 18319
Posted 10/24/2019 1:07 PM (GMT -7)
Hi RoolTideFan, sorry to read about your mom. You really need to find out what this injection is the dr has recommended. Medicare is usually pretty good about covering things, I would certainly want to know what this shot is.

I am 66 years old & have it in both knees. I've had a 5 scopes on both knees combined. Each time they always tried to clean things up. I had the Supartz injections done, but what helped me the most was getting into the pool doing exercises. I was told the next surgery would be replacements, which I am not interested in because of my age.

I would really be skeptical at your mom's age having any surgery. What does your mom do on her own to get a little relief?
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RollTideFan
Regular Member
Joined : Jan 2011
Posts : 72
Posted 10/24/2019 6:17 PM (GMT -7)
Hi there and thanks for your reply. The nurse called me after she read to the doctor the list of shots Medicare would pay for and said the one he wanted wasn’t on the list. She’s been getting corticosteroid shots for years in both knees. I understand the next one will be a steroid but a different dosage. I really need to call the dr. Office and ask more questions! Mom has been doing as much walking as she can to help. She knows the more she moves the better but her pain is preventing her from doing too much right now. She is getting home health with PT and doctor is ordering ultrasound too.
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msOuchie
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2011
Posts : 594
Posted 10/25/2019 12:19 AM (GMT -7)
Hello RollTideFan:

How long has your Mom's knees been in pain? I'm sorry that she is suffering so much.
That's a shame that the new injections are not covered by Medicare since they are also
steroids. Just a higher dose. I wonder what the name of it is also. Susie is right about
exercising in water. It doesn't hurt much and it 's gentler on the joints. If your Mom
doesn't mind the water. I'm sure someone could help her. I don't suppose the warm or
cold packs help her at this point.

I have severe RA in most of my joints and Osteoarthritis in both of my knees. I remember
in 2009, my left knee was in so much pain that I wished someone would cut it off. I was
given the steroid shots but only 3. The warm bean bags, warm bath helped. I was on other meds though. It settled down until late 2016, I got an exray done and it was bone on bone. So, a TKR in early 2017. Another exray on my right knee recently revealed most of the cartilage is gone. My Orthopedic Surgeon asked if I wanted a TKR and I said not yet
since it only hurts before the rain and if I use it too much.

I was told that with RA, I needed to exercise more but gently. With my Osteoarthritis, I was to rest my joints more and do easy exercises. Too much exercise wears the cartilage down faster.

Anyways, I wish your Mom, the Best.

Susie, 66 is not that old. smile

Post Edited (msOuchie) : 10/25/2019 1:27:53 AM (GMT-6)

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straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 18319
Posted 10/26/2019 7:56 AM (GMT -7)
Do you know by chance if any of your mom's drs has ever prescribed Voltaren gel for her knees? It's available by prescription only & it's for arthritis. When I find my usual things don't help, I use the gel. I cannot use NSAIDS, I have crohns disease, however, I am allowed to use the gel. It's a different delivery method versus oral.

I would have concerns about her walking a lot out of fear of her possibly falling. I would hope home health is doing exercises she can do in a sitting position.

Once you find out what this shot is the dr is recommending, please let us know.
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