@beachy
I use a brace with good results.
Also the monovisc/orthovisc shots help me.
I use cortisone shots for "special" occasions, such as....the mom/groom dance at my son's wedding and maybe this year for an upcoming trip to Yellowstone. This will be so I can hike in every day to Trout Lake (an annual trip for us).
Cortisone shots: I find that there are two main impact periods for the cortisone shots..... a big impact and then a lesser impact. The big impact on the knee only lasts about a week, so I have learned to plan the shot to go with the "special" event. I then will notice a milder impact for weeks after.
I talked with a neighbor who has had 2 knee replacements. She said that she was able to forestall the second knee replacement for about 6 years using a combo of gel injections, cortisone and a brace. I am hoping for a similar result.
I do use a product called cartigenix hp....not to sure about it yet, but it seemed worth a try. It is supposed to reduce inflammation. AI thinks I can get the same effect cheaper, but I am using the cartigenix as of now. The xrays shown in the study seem to be from different aspects which lessens the impact of any change being shown....so ....still wondering.
https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/2025/10/03/osteoarthritis-joint-relief/.
xrays and research:
https://dynamicchiropractic.com/sponsored/102733-calroy-health-2025-06