6 Alternatives to Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery

Had the surgery about 8 weeks ago and still is very sore, was just wondering how long it takes the soreness to go away or if it will.......get sharp pains also.....it also aches up my thigh.

sandra

KNEE TEAR

I AM A POLICE OFFICER AND I FELL OFF A BIKE WHILE ON BIKE PATROL. THE MRI DETERMINED THAT I MIGHT A TEAR ON MY KNEE. THE KNEE SPECIALIST TOLD ME THAT I ONLY HAVE 2 OPTIONS: 1) ARTHOSCOPIC SURGERY, 2) LEAVE IT ALONE. HE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT AFTER SURGERY MY KNEE WILL BE "NORMAL" AND THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO COME BACK TO ALL OF MY SPORTS ACTIVITIES! MANY OF MY FRIENDS TELL ME NOT TO DO THE SURGERY SINCE IT DOES NOT GURANTEE ANYTHING! THERE ARE MANY OTHER OFFICERS THAT HAVE THE SAME INJURIES AND TELL ME TO WORK MY KNEE OUT, BUT I AM AFRAID TO WORK OUT AND WORSEN MY KNEE! I DONT' KNOW WHAT TO DO! I AM ON LIGHT DUTY AND CANNOT BE REALSED TO WORK UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PLEASE SUBMIT COMMENTS! I NEED ADVICE!

Arthritic knee pain & subluxating patellas

Knee problems are genetic in my family so I have not done too much medically to correct the problem. I took NSAIDs for years but worry about gastric bleeding. I worked for a well known knee surgeon for years, and frankly saw no difference between those who had surgery to alleviate pain or did physical therapy, took meds or did nothing.

I do aquajogging at a local rec center and this has done the most to alleviate my pain, as well as a Cortisone injection I received a couple of weeks ago.

I normally walk my dogs for a mile or so daily, but it became problematic with my knee problems. I have now lost 11 pounds, and am working on losing more weight so I can alleviate as much stress as I can on my knees.

Just as a warning, I took Glucosamine/Chondroitin for a couple of years and it did work for me. But it also (for me) caused severe heartburn, burping and other gastrointestinal problems. I was taking Prilosec twice daily not inowing what was causing the problem. I discovered it was the supplements when I tried Glucosamine/Chondroitin with Hyaluronic acid and almost ended up in the emergency room. for anyone with sensitive stomachs, be very careful. I also tried Joint Juice thinking that might be more easily digested, but I had the same problems.

Good luck to everyone. Do what works best for you, and don't assume "natural" supplements won't cause problems.

Synvisc

After years of working out and a trainer that simply told me to "work through the pain", my knees are a mess!

I was referred to a sport medicine clinic at my local hospital and was informed of the Synvisc treatments. I proceded to have the weekly treatments through to the end of my five weeks. NO DIFFERENCE AT ALL!

My doctor had told me before-hand that this procedure didn't work on everyone, but there was about an 80% chance of relief. Well, leave it to me to be in that 20% of those not effected. It has been 7 weeks since my last injections. I have been told that it can sometimes take up to 12 weeks from the date of the last injection to notice the pain reducing and eventually going away (hopefully!). My doctor told me he had seen this occur in 3 patients.

I have now been refered to another doctor that specializes in arthitic knees. The appointment is in a few weeks (after the full 12 week period from the last injection) to see if I qualify for arthroscopic knee surgery. After reading this article I wonder if I should have it!

athroscopic sugery on both knees by 2 doctors

I had athroscopic surgery on both knees by 2 docrots. Recovery on the first was very painful and I'm still in pain as I write. The second knee surgery was much better than the first and recovery was surprisingly painless. But, I have pain now on both but less so on the second knee. The pain has stopped all of the things I enjoyed doing like running, body workouts and an active life style for 25 years. I'm 59 but feel and act 30 and people think I'm in my early 40's. But now, the pain on my knees is beginning to make me feel down and grumpy. The doctor that operated on my second knee is recommendating the shot but I'm so sure it will give me a long term relief. Knee replacement for me now is not an option unless somebody tells me that I can go back to the things I enjoyed doing after the surgery. Please advise.

knee tratment

I wish to take my mother to the USA to recieve this treatment (hyaluronic acid) we live in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, or can I have it done here in Mexico???? She is 83 yrs. and in very good health, except for her knees, which hurt all the time and are always swollen and medication is not of any good anymore, but she refuses surgery, and the knee pain is seriously affecting her daily lifestyle. If I travel to the USA for the treatment, it would have to be to McAllen; Texas...but, I don't know anybody there... can you please recommend a Dr. or knee clinic to go to? thanks, Catherine

arthritic knee pain

My orthopedic surgeon said that cortizone injections have too many side effects, but that a new medications given as an injection has no side effects. I got my first one on Thursday in each knee. I must get one in each knee every week for 5 weeks. If they work as we hope they will, I will avoid the two knee replacements. The medication is Zutrist. Ed

Alternatives to Knee Surgery

As to Adam Voiland's article in U.S. News & World Report of September 11, 2008, and more specifically on "Viscosupplementation" I sincerely wish Adam had done more study on Synvisc, a product of Genzyme Corporation, which would have demonstrated that Synvisc is highly successful (65% to 70%) for those who otherwise would have had total knee replacement; further, it is not "expensive" ($100 to $200) for an injection compared to the cost of knee replacement. The number of injections is three, not five at the present time and is approved by FDA and covered by Medicare. At present, Genzyme is seeking FDA approval for one injection.

Synvisc is a visco supplement that lubricates and cushions the knee joint and relieves pain and is effective for 6 months or more. (More can be learned on the Synvisc.com webvsite.) A healthy knee has a joint fluid that cushions our knee bones and ligaments; an artrhtic knee has little such fluid and so we have bone against bone and therefore pain. Synvisc supplements the knee fluid and relieves the pain allowing one to move more freely and be active. Synvisc is made from a natural substance. It is injected directly into the knee over the course of three doctor visits, one week apart; a simple in-office procedure that takes a few minutes.

I know. I November, 2008 I had tremendous pain in my right knee; x-rays and other proceudres revealed a knee 3/4 arthritic; I am 80 years of age, play golf three times and week and am in the pool swimming each day; my pain prevented a good back swing on my right knee while golfing. The first orthopeidic surgeon recommended immediate total knee replacement. A second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon (in a clinic) recommended Synvisc which I received three times in January, 2008; within two to three weeks, I was pain free and able to function normally including a good back swing in golf. My knee (September 2008) is still pain free and if pain returns, I can obtain another three injections. I sincerely wish that those with knee pain (whether 30 years of age or 80) would be provided the facts as to this great alternative to knee replacement.

hyaluronic acid

I had these injections in my knee more than 4 years ago, after physical therapy failed and I was reluctant to have knee replacement surgery. i stopped using a cane after the 3rd shot, and in 6 months was back to playing tennis and dancing.

If nobody knows whether they work Gor not, it may be that is because our system doesn't keep track! The orthopedic practice that did the shots never made any attempt to track the results. They told me the results from the early trials: 80% got some relief, which might only last a few months. No stats on how long they might last -- my knee might start rubbing bone on bone again any day, or the shots may have prompted my own cartilage to regenerate. But medicine isn't interested in statistical outcomes-- clearly, since they've been doing hundreds of thousands of ineffectual knee surgeries! So, the state of my repaired knee is only of interest to me. I'd have to pay a doctor and for imaging to find out and communicate the efficacy of hyaluronic acid treatment on myself.