Knee problems are probably the (older) hikers greatest enemy. My own left knee has had pain for five eight years (arthritis) but has suddenly given out this week. The MRI says ‘severe arthritis’, ‘macerated meniscus’ and ‘burst Baker’s Cyst’. My GP says there is probably no alternative except a knee replacement. But now (2021) there is . See: Knee Cure News
He has made an appointment for me with a knee specialist, but I have no way to know whether the specialist will be ‘the best’ – he is very old for a surgeon I would have thought (over 60 anyway). And, I will have to wait several weeks and be ‘out of action’ for at least another six! There goes my winter – and my three weeks in the Wonnangatta!
Dr Google is suggesting all sorts of courses of action for me. For example the Israelis have developed a cartilage ‘transplant’ Agili-C which sounds promising, but is probably not available yet. Other sites recommend stem cell therapy. I am wondering whether an arthroscopy and meniscal repair is possible. I have a copy of my MRI. This artificial cartilage, the Nusurface Meniscus Implant is probably a better choice. Here are the initial study results:
I am continuing with as much activity as I can, so lots of fencing work at the moment, gym mornings and a shorter walk of an evening. Still 8,000 fairly painful steps today.
If there is anyone out there who can tell from my MRI whether there is a better option for me than complete replacement – and something which will keep these old bones still functioning a little longer I would appreciate the contact. I can email the MRI. My email address is stevendella@finnsheep,com
I imagine these old knees have taken me about to the moon and back, so that if they were any car other than a Land Rover I might need a new one. A pity I wasn’t a Land Rover myself as their parts seem to be a lot cheaper than people parts, which are not so affordable even when you have paid your taxes and your private health for 55 years!
PS: Thank you to the people who have been making suggestions and offering advice about this (and to those who have shared it so that others might). I have received some valuable advice. I see a younger and closer Orthopaedic specialist on Monday, so maybe I am somewhat forewarned, and perhaps i can defer or prevent a knee replacement with alternative therapy. I will keep you posted.
PPS: And as it turns out he thinks I can and should defer any surgery. The current episode will resolve itself with supplements etc (the sooner the better – I am taking them by the handful; everything anyone suggested!) and that there will be better artificial knees and treatments in ten years time…Perhaps it will be settled down after all enough for my Wonnagatta trip maybe in Aug/Sept? PS: August as it turned out. See: https://www.theultralighthiker.com/2019/07/30/the-seventieth-birthday-platypus/
Update 28/12/2019: I have had two treatments with LLLT. The results are astonishing. I have now ordered one of these: https://www.pulselaserrelief.com.au/shop/Pulsed-Low-Level-Laser-Therapy Frequencies and power are important so don’t just go and buy any device. Here is (some of) my evidence:
‘LLLT reduces pain and disability in KOA at 4–8 J with 785–860 nm wavelength and at 1–3 J with 904 nm wavelength per treatment spot’: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6830679/
I will probably accompany the laser treatment with Synvisc injections. The steroid injections have also helped. There is some evidence of cartilage regrowth using both.
NB. The laser ‘dose’ is anomalous. You can use too much or to little. If in doubt use very little. ‘Less is more’ eg the lowest ‘dose’ every three days.Try that first. (Update) I have settled on the highest setting every second day giving the knee time to heal. Synvysc injection tomorrow. Expect an update soon. I am still dreaming of the Dusky. Maybe April.
See Also: https://activeimplants.com/products/nusurface-meniscus-implant/
Initial study results: https://online.boneandjoint.org.uk/doi/abs/10.1302/1358-992X.98BSUPP_4.ISTA2014-091
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: https://www.synviscone.com/what-is-synvisc-one
I think I have a last found the cure.
Read this post: A Cure for Knee Pain
And Now I really Have Found the Cure. See Knee Cure News
See Also:
I had my right knee replaced at Resurgeons about 30 months ago. I’m 71 and the knee is great! I have full range of motion (I worked very hard at rehab) and I’m in no pain in that knee. I was going to have my left knee replaced 10 months ago but we all know why that didn’t happen. I plan to have it done in a couple of months. I won’t lie, I call it 4 weeks of hell but it is worth it! They have made great strides in technology and my new knee is considered a 30 year knee! Good luck to anyone planning to do it but the keys are hard work! Number one is RANGE OF MOTION! Get your range of motion back as fast as possible! Then work hard on getting your leg strength back. If I can do it at 70 years old, you can do it with hard work.
Hi Steve, Thanks for this feedback. I realise I am going to have to bite the bullet on the new knee. I don’t like the sound of ‘four weeks of hell’ I must admit, but I have had worse with my back. I would like to discuss this with you some more. Could you email me at stevendella@finnsheep.com please? Cheers Steve.
I have problem in my left knee if you don’t mind please send me the address of the hospital so I can’t visit the doctor
Very funny Ali. Best of luck with your knee. Cheers, Steve.
I had mine done 11 months ago. I am 54 and I like it. I cannot bend my leg all the way. That is from not enough therapy.
I am on disability, Could not afford therapy. Its very hard to do it on your own. I suggest you make sure you
get 6 months of on hand therapy, at-least.
Its better than the pain I was before, my leg certainly is a lot stronger.
It depends on each individuals injuries. I was in bad car accident in 1985. I had spinal lower lumbar fusion 5 yrs ago. Yup 30 yrs after my accident.
I received a ruptured Aorta and flat lined 3 times that I remember.
I did it With my bad injuries. You can Do it Also.
My Golf game is better. 🙂 Good Luck.
Thanks for that Jeffrey. This is working well for me at the moment: https://www.theultralighthiker.com/2020/06/10/a-cure-for-knee-pain/Cheers, Steve.
I have just completed a double knee replacement at the same time in December,2019. My knees were as bad as yours sound. My surgeon has done 5000 knees and is a young doctor. He is in Hawaii and name is Cass Nakasone, at Straub Hospital. Highly recommended. I looked at all then other options including stem cell but as you get older your body doesn’t have a rich stem cell mix that is needed. I am pleased with the progress but still a ways to go with PT.
Mike
Thanks for that Mike. Let me know when you are back hiking and hunting. I feel mine are making progress with the treatment I am giving them, but I may have to bite the bullet on replacement in the future. Good luck. Cheers, Steve.
missed the post on The DHA#2 just read it, Awesome!!
Thanks Trevor.
Give acupuncture a go mate! Make sure to see a licensed acupuncturist rather than a dry needler.
I have had great results with knee recon candidates. It is definitely worth a shot before the surgery.
-Hugh
Thank you for your suggestion Hugh. I wouldn’t have thought of that. Cheers, Steve.
Hey Steve sorry to hear about your ol’ knees. I’m up for 2x replacements but been advised to wait till I can’t handle anymore pain cause the end result isn’t that great and angled at people in their 80’s plus,But for active people like us the best I can suggest is to contact an leading AFL club and see who their surgeon is”? or some other professional sports club, other than that shed some belly weight and carry lighter loads… it worked for me!,
Cheers Trev P.S I suppose the lay up would give you time to finish The Deer Hunters Apprentice. L.O.L
Thank you Trevor. I’m not sure whether the knee hasn’t suddenly gone too far and that some king of intervention is necessary. The suggestion to try sporting clubs is a good one, and also suggested to me by a friend who has already had knee replacement. I am hoping for someone who can recommend some innovative therapy which works. I think we are on the cusp of much less invasive surgery. Do you mean I have to do a Deer Hunter’s Apprentice #3 – you have caught up with #2 I hope?