Hello all.
I am no longer young (58); I am overweight (even though I am losing weight); I walk as much as my single-legged status allows, which is 2 or 3 miles a day.
Lately, both my knees have been complaining a little, and more worryingly, both have been 'knocking' a lot. I don't know the technical term for this, or even if my American friends will understand the phrase. I mean the sensation when it seems that the bones in a joint knock together. You can sense it; if you put your hand on the joint, you can feel it. Sometimes I think other people can hear it, it seems so loud!
I have been taking glucosamine for a couple of years, so maybe the condition would have been worse without it.
But is it the first sign of more serious arthritis to come?
Allen, London.
Dear Allen,
First of all, GOOD for YOU that you walk! Every bit counts and every bit helps. Keep it up! Also, sometimes if you find some sand, grass or dirt to walk on...it lessens the "sidewalk" concrete inpact on the knees. That is of course if you can walk alright on this sort of surface.
I understand the "clicking" "noise" "Popping" sound/feeling in the knees.
My opinion?...I would suspect some osteoarthritis. Basically OA is wear n' tear of the joint from just plain old time!
Losing weight will help the pain and osteoarthtitis IMMENSELY! The weight los will relieve the pressure from the joint as you drop.
Do you have a doctor? Any Xrays done?
The supplements you take certaintly will not hurt. NSAIDs like advil or ibuprofen help OA pain as does simple tylenol, but seek a doc first just to make sure.
Also take note of any swelling of the knee, redness, increased pain after activity, does the pain get better with rest.
Ice packs help the inflammation and pain. As does elevating the leg effected.
Please write back soon & let us know how you are doing & what you think.
Take care,
Erin
Active, Severe RA. Crohns Disease. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. AS. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Meds: Humira 40mg every 4 days; pred; Pentasa; Imuran; dilaudid; diazepam; Avinza 30mg; MiraLax & too many others.
Hi Allen,
Yes, you are still youmng 58 is not old. I am 52 and already need knee replacements both knees. I have had surgery on both knees, 4 on the left and 1 on the right.
You may very well be bone on bone or pretty close to it. Get to the dr and have those knees x-rayed. Also, if you are getting pretty close to bone on bone, there are two different lubricates being used in the states. One is called Synvisc and the other is Supaartz. These 2 meds have really helped many patients w/OA in their knees. If helps give a little cush & a lubricate as well. I did Supaartz injections, five in each knee and they hurt like hell. My knees are not sounding so much like Rice Krispies when I go up stairs. I am not sure about Synvisc, I have heard its 3 injections in each knee. Get to an ortho after having x-rays. If they say you are getting thin, then ask about these medications that are injected directly into the knee.
Good luck, Susie
PS: If you have access to a pool it would be better for your knees than walking.
HI Allen susie gave you some good advice and the one thing i have learned is that arthritis does not just hite the older people it can and does effect every age and every walk of life.
I'am 38 and I'am fixen to have my left knee replaced and I'am got to have surgery on my left ankle and I will have to have hip replacement as well.
I do agree about what susie said that if you have not all ready done so you need to get exray's done on your knee's and then see an otho and see what he has to say.
I get the poping noise as well and at times it feels like bone rubing against bone.My left knee sometimes feel's like it is on firer and I have a throbing like pain that bother's me alot.I wish you luck and please let us know you are doing........
Thanks
I'am 38 and I'am fixen to have my left knee replaced and I'am got to have surgery on my left ankle and I will have to have hip replacement as well.
I do agree about what susie said that if you have not all ready done so you need to get exray's done on your knee's and then see an otho and see what he has to say.
I get the poping noise as well and at times it feels like bone rubing against bone.My left knee sometimes feel's like it is on firer and I have a throbing like pain that bother's me alot.I wish you luck and please let us know you are doing........
Thanks
Curley......
a.k.a.Mela...........
Hello again, and thanks for the thoughts and advice.
Doctor, yes, x-rays, not lately, at least not for joint problems. (I had tests/x-rays for the leg amputation last year, and heart/artery scans for calcification recently). I will see my doc. again and talk to him, as it is still free here, so I have no excuse. Also, I do see an orthopaedist about rehab. from the amputation, so I'll collar him too.
Lately I have found that rubbing Iboprofen ointment onto each knee when pain threatens does help in the longer term, too. And yes, I do look for grass to walk on rather than pavements, but having one leg makes walking on any slippery surface fun and games.
Thanks, and I'll let you know how it all goes.
Allen, London.
Doctor, yes, x-rays, not lately, at least not for joint problems. (I had tests/x-rays for the leg amputation last year, and heart/artery scans for calcification recently). I will see my doc. again and talk to him, as it is still free here, so I have no excuse. Also, I do see an orthopaedist about rehab. from the amputation, so I'll collar him too.
Lately I have found that rubbing Iboprofen ointment onto each knee when pain threatens does help in the longer term, too. And yes, I do look for grass to walk on rather than pavements, but having one leg makes walking on any slippery surface fun and games.
Thanks, and I'll let you know how it all goes.
Allen, London.