1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Arthritis surrounding knee replacement

Posted by cindymattern @cindymattern, Oct 18, 2023

I am 62 and have osteoarthritis in several areas. Recently had knee replacement a year ago and still experiencing stiffness and swelling. I had significant arthritis in the knee as well that was all cleaned out. I cannot take nsaids (except Naproxen). I have tried Cymbalta which I felt great on however it constipated me for 5 days ( I have issues with this and am on meds). Pain meds also constipate me and I have to be very careful with them and Tylenol only helps some. What treatments are even out there for Osteoarthritis that I can possibly try. I love Ben Gay but I can't walk around 24/7 with this. Thanks for any input.

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ymv | @ymv | Oct 19, 2023

I also had a knee replacement several years ago but not experiencing arthritis in that knee. However I have arthritis in my other knee and both thumb joints. I use CBD ointment followed by Diclofenac gel on those areas twice a day and finding it helpful. Another treatment option is PRP injections but they are not covered by insurance.

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1 reply
cindymattern | @cindymattern | Oct 19, 2023
In reply to @ymv "I also had a knee replacement several years ago but not experiencing arthritis in that knee...." + (show)
@ymv

I also had a knee replacement several years ago but not experiencing arthritis in that knee. However I have arthritis in my other knee and both thumb joints. I use CBD ointment followed by Diclofenac gel on those areas twice a day and finding it helpful. Another treatment option is PRP injections but they are not covered by insurance.

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I have used Diclofenac gel a well and it doesn't seem to help that much and I probably have used more at a time than I should. It's mostly muscular. I have not tried the CBD ointment but I know that and the pills are expensive but I have heard good things. Ben Gay helps for a few hours and wish I could have that feeling all day lol.....I'm so tired of paying for stretching, bike riding etc...You would think by now that my muscles around the knee would be strong but they just aren't getting there.

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Oct 19, 2023
In reply to @cindymattern "I have used Diclofenac gel a well and it doesn't seem to help that much and..." + (show)
@cindymattern

I have used Diclofenac gel a well and it doesn't seem to help that much and I probably have used more at a time than I should. It's mostly muscular. I have not tried the CBD ointment but I know that and the pills are expensive but I have heard good things. Ben Gay helps for a few hours and wish I could have that feeling all day lol.....I'm so tired of paying for stretching, bike riding etc...You would think by now that my muscles around the knee would be strong but they just aren't getting there.

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Hi Cindy - my sister-in-law had issues with recurring stiffness after both her knees were done. She quickly figured out that it was worth every penny to buy a stationery bike to use at home instead of going to the gym. When we are down south together in the winter, she rides a recumbent 3 wheeled bike instead - our tiny one bedroom places don't have space for gym equipment!
Sue

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1 reply
cindymattern | @cindymattern | Oct 19, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "Hi Cindy - my sister-in-law had issues with recurring stiffness after both her knees were done...." + (show)
@sueinmn

Hi Cindy - my sister-in-law had issues with recurring stiffness after both her knees were done. She quickly figured out that it was worth every penny to buy a stationery bike to use at home instead of going to the gym. When we are down south together in the winter, she rides a recumbent 3 wheeled bike instead - our tiny one bedroom places don't have space for gym equipment!
Sue

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Hey Sue...I actually have a recumbent bike but when I ride if for more than 10 minutes my leg gets really sore and stiff. It's loose and I can ride it for almost 30 minutes but when I ride too long I sure feel it when I hop off. Doesn't bother me at all though while riding. Did she start slow and then keep increasing because I would have thought by now I'd be ok. My range of motion is 117-121 and knee flexion is great. just get so sore and stiff.

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Oct 19, 2023
In reply to @cindymattern "Hey Sue...I actually have a recumbent bike but when I ride if for more than 10..." + (show)
@cindymattern

Hey Sue...I actually have a recumbent bike but when I ride if for more than 10 minutes my leg gets really sore and stiff. It's loose and I can ride it for almost 30 minutes but when I ride too long I sure feel it when I hop off. Doesn't bother me at all though while riding. Did she start slow and then keep increasing because I would have thought by now I'd be ok. My range of motion is 117-121 and knee flexion is great. just get so sore and stiff.

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Yes - she started with one mile at a time several times a day. And she slip her seat back as far a possible and still reach the pedal.
Sue

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gravity3 | @gravity3 | Oct 22, 2023

My friend in California swears by the cannabis salve for her arthritis pain.

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