My Aching Knees

[+ Lucky]

Is it true that the weather can affect your knees? It's threatening to rain in New York City,a nd what with all of the walking and climbing the stairs out of the subway, I feel like I am 100 years old.

 

Inalredy know that I have chondramalacia, and I don't guarantee the spelling on that. It's nickname is Runner's Knee, and I am being punished for all of the jogging I did as a younger man. A few months ago I began a series of injections with Orthovisc, which helps fill in the area beneath the patella where the cartilage became uneven from the running. after the first injection I felt 18 again. The next to didn't seem to have that effect. (it is a series of three injections, a week apart.)

 

But, for awhile, the knees were better. The injections only last about six months, so I recently went for round two. Again, after the first injection I felt good. I went to NYC and had little ttrouble with those annoying climbs from miles underground. I went home and received the next two injections.

 

A month later, I am back in New York with the cloudy weather and again am climbing hundreds of stairs.but I feel like Methuselah. The injections have not lasted six months unless the weather is an aggravating factor.

 

So, should I invest in a Farmer's Almanac to plan my future trips? I would only travel when the weather looks good. Or, should I just stay in the dry desert, which has no subway stairs? I think I know the answer to that one. But who can tell me what else might help ease the aches of Runner's Knee?

[gallahadesquire]

You may be developing osteoarthritis on top of your chondromalacia. My orthopedic surgeon is always amazed that I can walk, as my knees are "Bone on bone." Having had a very complicated hip surgery, I am not interested in having bone surgery again for awhile.

[jjkrkwood]

The ageing process in general is the cause of many of our aches and pains, without compounding that with known ailments we may be diagnosed wiith. Cant be avoided. Damp weather can certainly affect the way you feel, specifically in your joints and muscles. If you've had any surgeries you will likely be VERY sensitive from the wweather in those areas that had been worked on. Grin and bear it, and then pop a vicodin... As for Runners knees, some say ice, some say warmth. I say once you have em you just learn to live with em the best you can. I've been living with a steel rod in my spine for years. After the first 15 yrs or so, I just kinda forgot about it....

[leigh.bess.toad]

Lucky -- certainly the weather can play a part. It does with me anyway. I have been through the Orthovisc as well (the 3 weeks just prior to PS weekend). They provide some relief, and certainly make it easier to move and, at least in my case, minimize the "locking" of the knee for a while. It's tough getting out of bed in the morning and having to hold onto something until it becomes lubricated enough to move more easily without the fear of falling down.

 

However, like Gallahad, I am bone on bone. And my knee seems to be almost collapsing in on itself making me more and more knock-kneed. So Thursday I have my initial consult with the joint replacement guy about getting a new knee. I will postpone it til the fall, but it will be coming sooner rather than later. Having been through bilateral hip replacements, I know what that surgery was like, and recouping from knee replacement is supposed much worse than hips. However, the knee is bad enough it is limiting my daily activities so the replacement is the only option. At least to me it is. And that is the decision you have to make -- at what point is the pain and limitations on your activity make it worth going through a replacement.

[+ Lucky]

Thanks for the comments, guys. I think the weather did have something to do with it. Once it cleared up I felt better. A little rest didn't hurt either. Surgery is hopefully along way off for me. L.b.t., good wishes for your knee future!

[healthguy]

Lucky,

The weather thing is usually different from person to person. I went through the Orthovisc trial as well, with little to no relief for a Rt knee issue. Decided I had enough, and went with a total knee. Best decision EVER. The recovery was really a snap. A couple of weeks of decreasing pain meds, increasing activity, a little rehab, and I was back to my 60 work week at week 4. What worked for me, before the replacement, and better than heavy duty narcs, was the routine use of the NSAIDS. I used 800 Ibuprofen with 2 extra strength acetaminophen, 3 times/day. Poor mans Celebrex. Need to check that out with your doc. Hot baths, and my heating pad became my friends as well. I also have a recommendation: What ever joint a person is looking to replace, work real hard at getting your weight down. If I would not have been at ideal weight or below, I know I would not be as thrilled with the result. When I hear patients, family, friends complain about poor results, I am usually thinking, "If you were lighter, I bet you would be more comfortable." Actually, and this will date me, when they started to do replacements, if patients were overweight, they required them to lose that weight. So, good luck, I've felt your pain!!! Rand

[OneFinger]

Lucky, we've never met so I don't know if weight is an issue. But, dropping a few pounds really helped out with my joint problems and mobility.

 

I've also had 4 friends that have gone through knee replacement surgery. (They previously had injections like you and even went though "normal" knee surgery.) However, the problems didn't go away until they had the joints replaced. Their recovery was surprisingly swift and all wish they had done it sooner.

 

Glad that the change in weather made things better for you. But, perhaps you should consider joint replacement as an option.

[orbital sander]

Thanks for the comments, guys. I think the weather did have something to do with it. Once it cleared up I felt better. A little rest didn't hurt either. Surgery is hopefully along way off for me. L.b.t., good wishes for your knee future!

 

In any case, I hope you continue to feel better. I have been sick while traveling and it is never fun.

[+ Lucky]

Lucky, we've never met so I don't know if weight is an issue. But, dropping a few pounds really helped out with my joint problems and mobility.

 

I've also had 4 friends that have gone through knee replacement surgery. (They previously had injections like you and even went though "normal" knee surgery.) However, the problems didn't go away until they had the joints replaced. Their recovery was surprisingly swift and all wish they had done it sooner.

 

Glad that the change in weather made things better for you. But, perhaps you should consider joint replacement as an option.

One finger, I have put on some pounds in recent years. They don't help, I know.

[RockHard]

Lose the weight, man, (or don't complain).

 

dropping a few pounds really helped out with my joint problems and mobility

 

There is no denying it: the lighter your body weight, the softer the pain. Your knees and ankles support most of your body weight. Lighten the load and live the experience.

 

Complaining about aches and pains when you're not doing enough to remedy the life experience is utter self-indulgence. Sort of like complaining of being too fat while you're slopping up a gallon of ice cream. The act screams: "WOULD SOMEONE PAY ATTENTION TO ME!"

 

NYC has been very humid recently. I have a contractor doing plaster work and the stuff is taking unusually long to dry. They've been complaining.

 

Residents of Venice, Italy swear humidity is good for the bones and skin. I look at them and think, "What else could they say about their drowning city?"

 

I had a few sport fractures in my youth, and high humidity in cooler temperatures reminds me of those incidents. Luckily, I don't need medication for the occasional discomfort (yet).

 

I've heard lowering your glycemic index softens the ill-effects of arthritis. Some say sugar is toxic, and a high glycemic diet can wreak havoc on the body's joints. Sugar exists in almost everything we eat, so to make a low glycemic diet work, one has to be seriously committed to good health (which means not being complacent or apathetic about weight gain).

 

I am back in New York...climbing hundreds of stairs.

 

If you take a few minutes to plan your trips with care, you can find the numerous resources for handicapped visitors. Many stations provide escalator service, and wheel-chair accessible ramps and elevators to street level. These are not always the most convenient routes but they are aplenty and help millions of people, who can't take stairs, get around. These resources are also terrific for transferring bulk items on a dolly or taking a bike on the subway, an everyday occurrence in NYC.

[Bosguy]

One finger, I have put on some pounds in recent years. They don't help, I know.

 

I have had the privilege to meet Lucky and he is in very good condition. In his case, I personally do not believe weight is a major issue. Exercise in moderation is necessary, but I do agree that humidity and temperature extremes and rapid changes do have an effect.

 

Answer. Stay in a temperature controlled room with a hot guy followed by a refreshing double shower.

 

Boston Bill

[Holden]

Completely understand your knee problem as I have the same thing. When I get up in the morning I have to hold onto the walls to get to the bathroom. I just am unable to walk any distance without stopping every few yards to rest. It has completely taken over my life and how I get about. When you go to NY I would suggest that you avoid subways and take cabs. That's what I do. I also have some pain medication (tramadol) but I use it very sparingly and it really doesn't do that much....tylenol also comes in handy.

s/s

[Rick Munroe]

As a cocksucker, my knees bothered me until I bought BJ Kneepads. Now, I can be on my knees, deepthroating all night, and still skip all the way home.

 

http://www.forttroff.com/bondage-kneepads_list

 

http://www.forttroff.com/images/products/330/06028_4908.jpg

 

BJ Kneepads

$19.90 Product #: 06028

Any good bottom boi is gonna spend a LOT of time on his knees...suckin', lickin', and bendin' over for a spanking. Finding the right Knee Pad, means the little fucker can stay down longer and do the job better.

 

All of us here at Troff Central believe we've uncovered the best pads around. Don't confuse these with the clunky, weird pads that are designed for carpet installers...ours are SOFT and ULTRA flexible.

 

They SLIDE on and STAY PUT, while offering protection against bumps and bruises. And they are even machine washable!

 

You get the PAIR for under 20 bucks.

[bigvalboy]

Residents of Venice, Italy swear humidity is good for the bones and skin. I look at them and think, "What else could they say about their drowning city?"

 

They could say it is unquestionably one of the greatest cities in the world!!! You got joint problems?...go to Palm Springs, and leave your whining at home!!!

[+ Travis69]

Are BJ Kneepads covered under Medicare???

[Rick Munroe]

Are BJ Kneepads covered under Medicare???

 

I'll let you know in a few more decades!

[+ Lucky]

Again, thanks for the comments. Anton, I have in the past been on an extended use of pomegranate, but do not remember if it helped my pain.

I did feel better after the weather improved, and after rest.

On the flight home, I couldn't help but think that the crowded flights, crowded and tight theater seats, and all of the walking were not helping.

After yesterday's long flights, my knees hurt a lot, but this am are better.

Again, thanks for participating.

[KMEM]

Is there any possibility that you have arthritis? I have gout which is a form of arthritis. I take a daily Rx (allopurinol) but when I have a flare up I take Indomethacin for a couple of days. I have only had to take the acute remedy 4-5 times in 15 years. Both are generic and cheap so it wouldn't cost much to try them.

 

Just FYI.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[+ Lucky]

Yes, I do have some arthritis.

[leigh.bess.toad]

Yes, I do have some arthritis.

 

Well if you only have some and want some more, I've got plenty to share.