I have been hurting for 10 months and there is no end in sight.

Posted by laelh @laelh, Jan 7, 2023

I had leg ablation surgery in March 2022 for veinous insufficiency. The inside of my leg was badly burned causing nerve damage. Then I had a torn meniscus in my left knee likely from walking incorrectly. The knee is fixed and now I have pain in my right leg and right knee. I had an MRI and determined I have mild stenosis in L3 and L4 in my back. I can't walk well, stand long and I was told I have arthritis in my left knee. What would be my next steps to try to get well? I do physical therapy exercises to strengthen my back.

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tedjones77494 | @tedjones77494 | Jul 26, 2023

In reply to @rjmtwit "Knee to the chest is a great movement to reallign my SI Joint. Worth a try" + (show)

It helps me deal with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Hope it gets you some relief!

maxine50 | @maxine50 | Jul 26, 2023

In reply to @rjmtwit "You could also look into prolotherapy which tightens 'lax' ligaments, which hold the spine in place...." + (show)

Thanks for the suggestion. Could you please explain prolotherapy a bit more. What is done and how.

maxine50 | @maxine50 | Jul 26, 2023

In reply to @rjmtwit "You could also look into prolotherapy which tightens 'lax' ligaments, which hold the spine in place...." + (show)

Please explain prolotherapy. Can do solo or a PT needed.

rjmtwit | @rjmtwit | Jul 26, 2023

I usually refer people to the website of Dr.Mark Johnson ... He has good explanations ... http://www.prolotherapynashville.com. I found a paper he wrote and it can be found at ...
https://journalofprolotherapy.com/prolotherapy-connective-tissue-damage-syndrome-why-am-i-hurting-and-no-one-seems-to-know-what-is-wrong/#:~:text=The%20results%20of%20Prolotherapy%20treatment%20in%20patients%20with,underlying%20cause%20%28ligament%20damage%29%2C%20and%20secondary%20degenerative%20effects.
The idea is that the ligaments that are stretched and not able to do their job. The treatment provokes them into healing themselves by being poked with a needle filled with a solution ... like sugar water. The poking is done with a machine view of the ligament. My treatments poked the length of the ligament, and my fix took 10 days. I awoke in the middle of the night to feel the ligament actually snap back like a rubber band. My Dr. did say that was an unusual experience. Others have had their 'fix' without the 'snap back' experience.

Do check it out. I do not understand why the process is still considered 'alternative', except that ligaments have gotten lost with the increased ability of surgeries and replacements .... as Dr. Johnson's article says.

rjmtwit | @rjmtwit | Jul 26, 2023

In reply to @rjmtwit "I usually refer people to the website of Dr.Mark Johnson ... He has good explanations ......" + (show)

I overlooked the last part of your reply .... Prolotherapy is done by doctors and most are called Regenerative Medicine doctors. They focus on treatments that help the body heal itself.

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Jul 26, 2023

In reply to @maxine50 "I found your comments very interesting. I recently had MRI and it showed my spine is..." + (show)

@maxine50 It sounds like you may be describing scoliosis. I understand not wanting spine surgery and that may be very difficult at your age. Physical therapy can help a lot of conditions. What happens when the spine is off balance, is the muscles can hurt that support the spine. I do get muscle spasms, and I do some work with my physical therapist called myofascial release which stretches out overly tight tissue. Would a back brace help you? What has your doctor suggested? It also sounds like back massages make you feel better, and that probably loosens up some tight muscle.

riddle | @riddle | Jul 27, 2023

In reply to @maxine50 "I found your comments very interesting. I recently had MRI and it showed my spine is..." + (show)

You won’t know for sure with the physical therapy unless you try. I am a personal trainer who has worked with older people my whole career (40 years). The right exercises can slow the progression, strengthen supporting musculature, and help manage pain with proper stretching techniques. Definitely worth a try and if it helps continue with the exercises. They only work as long as you do them. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.
Good luck!!

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 27, 2023

In reply to @riddle "You won’t know for sure with the physical therapy unless you try. I am a personal..." + (show)

Hello @riddle, Welcome to Connect. You are so right about exercises for us older folks. They are so important to keep us mobile and they only work as long as we continue to do them. I have neuropathy and balance issues and just learned a few new ones from my Mayo PT last week. Now I just have to continue to work on them daily.

Do you mind sharing what brought you to Connect? Were you trying to get some answers for questions you have?

jwkelly72 | @jwkelly72 | Jul 27, 2023

God gives us challenges we can handle, it's if we choose to and how. Best wishes

maxine50 | @maxine50 | Jul 27, 2023

In reply to @jenniferhunter "@maxine50 It sounds like you may be describing scoliosis. I understand not wanting spine surgery and..." + (show)

Yes, Jennifer, it is Scoliosis. The spine tilts towards my right mid waist and it lets me know it's there. I ran into my ex PT and he said that he could help. I don't know how, but I will try as soon as I have the money to find out. I did have a massage and felt much better for a couple of days. I really think I should do both, but will have to wait until I have more available cash. Living on SS is not an easy thing. Thanks for your advice.