I played football and worked construction for 40 years so I earned worn out knees. To avoid surgery I had steroid injections and PT in 1998 that moderately helped but was warned that they erode the joint. Next I had the chicken juice injections called Synvisc in 2004. The doctor injected me 3 times over 15 month and with PT they helped some and allowed me to work and sleep. I retired in 2010 and stayed active and exercised. 2016 I investigated stem cell therapy and in 2017 I chose the Regenex Stem Cell Therapy and RAPS, a Pittsburgh group of doctors to treat me. The Stem Cell Therapy was not covered by my insurance provider so my cost was $7,000 per knee. Rt knee in September, Left knee in December. Some pain for 1 week then the knees were great. 2019 - I needed a plasma platelet injection in both knees - $2,000. 2021 - plasma platelet injections in both knees - $2,000. FYI, the platelet injections really hurt (8) for about 2 hours. Recently at 75 years old, I returned to RAPS and was told that the platelets would cost about $6,000 and probably would not be effective and I should consider the Stem Cell Therapy again which now would cost me about $25,000. I am interviewing doctors and am debating between replacement surgery, arthrosamid injections and platelet injections. I have found a very reputable surgeon who will provide platelet injections for $1,000 per knee, again not covered. This surgeon has 6 years experience with platelets, his procedure and results are good and he has not caused an infection but he cannot guarantee results. I must decide soon so wish me good luck and I hope I didn't bore you with my long story with an inconclusive ending. Keep moving but know your limits and take advice only from respected medical professionals.