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Knee injections long term?
Hello Everyone,
I'm returning to my exercise routine after an 8 month bout with gout and tendonitis and walked 2.5 miles last week and twice this week. Yesterday after my walk, I began experiencing pain again in my R knee. I'm hoping it subsides after a few days of taking it easy but would appreciate some perspective given my recent treatment:
4-6 weeks ago, I was given a steroid injection in my R knee (worn cartilage/arthritis) and it was successful in providing pain relief until now. My Dr told me we cold repeat the steroid injections but at some point, the gel injections that might be necessary. I wanted to learn more about the gel injections so I met with (another) Dr who specializes in knee injections/replacement to learn more and was told that I should stay with steroid injections as long as they work, then move to the gel. He indicated I could have more steroid injections (due to cost and what insurance would pay for) and only have the gel injections about once every 6 months. Ultimately, he seemed to indicate that total knee replacement was probable. I've read some of the posts on this site about knee replacements and the pain they cause and really want to avoid knee replacements if possible.
Has anyone had long-term relief from knee pain with injections (either steroid or the gel), or some other treatment to avoid knee replacement?
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.
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Hi, Joe
I was about to reply using Private Message since we've been talking more about running and not so much about PN,. Then I thought, Wait a minute, there IS a connection, at least for me there is, a powerful connection between my years of running and my PN: identity. PN has damaged my sense of identity. And not just because it has taken away from me the joy I used to associate with all sorts of vigorous physical activity. (My TKR was what took away the running, and that pre-dated my PN by several years.) What PN most certainly stole from me was my career on-stage. Since my mid-20's, I've earned my living as an actor. In the summer of 2019 (pre-Covid days) I was performing in what was to turn out to be my last play. My balance had grown so bad I actually had to ask the actress with whom I shared most of my scenes if she would "keep an eye on me," should I show signs of being about to loss my balance. I'd never asked anyone anything like that before. It shook me to the quick. I decided then and there to quit the stage (hopefully, temporarily, but at this point––2025–– who knows?). I mention this because PN, like that TKR (admittedly, I was much responsible for the bone-on-bone … ), each in its own way stripped me of my identity. When asked, among certain people, I used to be able to say I'm a runner. Equally, when asked, among other people, I was once able to say I'm an actor. These days … well, I don't mean to sound so glum, because I'm not, but have had to rebuild a sense of who I am, something at which I believe I've been fairly successful. (I have often thought of creating a new Connect topic: What PN Has Done To My Sense of Identity.)
I'm rambling, Joe. 🙂 I'd better quit while I'm ahead (or at least not too far behind 🙂 ).
Cheers!
Ray
Hyaluronic acid injections are easy peasy. Go to a Dr. that uses the 5 injection protocol instead of one. The knee actually gets more of the med. . My surgeon usually piggy backs it with a cortisone injection. For me it usually works better to get the cortisone first than one shot every week for 5 weeks of the hyaluronic acid. I wait 6 months to repeat. I’m now looking into platelet rich plasma(PRP) and stem cell injections for the near future. Unfortunately neither is covered by insurance.
America, best healthcare in the world if you’re wealthy.
It’s gonna get worse with all the federal cuts for healthcare research.
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2 ReactionsI’m curious what supplements you have found helpful?
I have found Joint Saver made by Figueroa to be extremely effective. This company makes horse supplements but has a human line too. I take 2 in the morning and two at night. After a month of using my knees felt a lot better. I tried many supplements prior to trying this one.
I have had a Course of 3 CELLUAR MATRIX Injections (GOOGLE IT) here in Australia.at $515 an injection. This July 2025 will make 2years and do far I am pain free for my knee for which I was advised to have a TKR..as my X-rays showed bone on bone.
In saying that, I started taking fish oil and collagen daily plus i do daily knee strengthening exercises.
I was fortinate to be advised at the outset by a Great Sports physician Doctor. She said there are 2 ways you can handle this..the traditional way (TKR) or the Alternative Way.. that they use for Sports injuries...which is..CELLUAR MATRIX injections and or Stem Cell transfers. I chose the CM first...n till date i am 90% pain free in that knee.
It does not work for everyone..It did not work for my friend. but so far, as i outlined above, it is working for me.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck & God Bless
I have had a Course of 3 CELLUAR MATRIX Injections (GOOGLE IT) here in Australia.at $515 an injection. This July 2025 will make 2years and do far I am pain free for my knee for which I was advised to have a TKR..as my X-rays showed bone on bone.
In saying that, I started taking fish oil and collagen daily plus i do daily knee strengthening exercises.
I was fortinate to be advised at the outset by a Great Sports physician Doctor. She said there are 2 ways you can handle this..the traditional way (TKR) or the Alternative Way.. that they use for Sports injuries...which is..CELLUAR MATRIX injections and or Stem Cell transfers. I chose the CM first...n till date i am 90% pain free in that knee.
It does not work for everyone..It did not work for my friend. but so far, as i outlined above, it is working for me.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck & God Bless
P.S. I forgot to also mention that I take Ayurvedic Arthohills tablets for knee health everyday
Thank you so much, I will order some. I’ve been searching for something that actually helps my grade 3-4 osteoarthritis knees!
Be sure to follow directions on bottle to the letter!
I looked at the "Joint Saver" recommended by @denisejones00 and it sounded promising, but then I read ALL of the ingredients and found some that I am allergic to - whenever companies try to boost the effectiveness of the supplement using botanicals, I know I need to read the label. In this case, it contains turmeric (I am on a blood thinner), and basil, boswellia, rosemary and barberry (give me rashes.)
If I could tolerate all of those ingredients, I would try it.