<p>A little background - I had a series of Orthovisc injections in my right knee three years ago for some problems with degenerative cartilage. I still can’t kneel on that knee, but it’s so much better than it was … probably at 90%. Several years ago, I had a portion of my right clavicle removed for the same reason … degenerative cartilage so I was bone-on-bone. A couple of weeks ago, my left knee started bothering me so I naturally assumed it was time for some Orthovisc injections for that knee, too. I saw my PCP and she put me on some Mobic (anti-inflammatory) and said to check back in a month. A week later, I couldn’t take it any more, so I saw an orthopedic doctor who took x-rays of both knees and said he was surprised I was complaining about my left knee and not my right one because I’m almost bone-on-bone on the right knee. I told him if my left knee could feel half as good as my right one, I would be in good shape. He gave me a cortisone injection in my left knee, said to continue the Mobic and check back at the end of December. A couple of days after the injection, my knee started feeling better but things went south quickly on Sunday when I was leaning into the car to get something and my knee popped really loudly and felt like something exploded. It hurt so much it took my breath away. I kept thinking it would get better after a while, but it didn’t so my husband took me to the E.R. I explained the chain of events to the E.R. doctor and he said he felt I probably had torn something but wanted to confirm that x-rays were clear so even though I’d just been x-rayed a few days before, he x-rayed again and the results were again negative. He put me in a leg immobilizer, gave me some crutches and sent me home with pain medication and told me to continue the Mobic and see my orthopedic doctor the next day. I had an MRI the next day which showed a tear in my cartilage and “a great deal” of arthritis behind my knee cap. He said if it was just the cartilage tear, he would go in and scope the knee to make the repair, but since there is so much arthritis, he’s not sure which one is causing me the most trouble. He said scoping would not take care of the arthritis since so much is there and suggested I come home, keep my knee elevated and iced as much as possible for two weeks and then back to see what, if any, difference there was. </p>
<p>So, after that long story, I’m interested to know if others have had problems with degenerative cartilage and/or torn cartilage with arthritis and what treatments you’ve had that have helped. Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Hi Splashmom, I’m not sure if you are describing osteo or rheumatoid arthritis - the medication you take and multiple joints sound like rheumatoid, and the torn and worn cartilage is more of a description of osteoarthritis, which I have in a knee. I fell on the ice a couple of years ago, and about a year later I had an overnight appearance of pain and huge swelling like you are describing. After months of PT and pain treated mostly with Advil, I had the series of injections you described and am about to have another. Arthroscopy was also recommended and I passed. I still do a lot of icing, massage and heat almost daily.</p>
<p>Exercise (after the acute phase) is supposed to help the most because it keeps the synovial fluid in the joints being produced and circulated - however, movement is painful and results in increased pain - so it is a process of balancing the exercise and pain which is a delicate process. Biking, swimming, yoga and weight lifting work best for me. I also take a liquid glucosamine mixture and large amounts of omega-3 (fish oil) and Ativan. My knee has also been described as bone on bone and the arthritis is in all three areas of the knee, though largely in one. Incidentally, Ativan which is frowned upon because of some of its side effects, will usually only be prescribed long term by a psychiatrist. I have found that to be the most helpful in controlling the pain. </p>
<p>The pain, stiffness and swelling vary GREATLY. And, they don’t always come in huge blocks of days, so it is hard to plan trips and anything that requires a lot of walking. I definitely have decreased mobility, though I can walk now without a cane, just not long distances. Sitting is also painful for long periods of time. Keep your WEIGHT as low as possible, and there are various diets you can explore - I haven’t found any helpful. </p>
<p>I’m 57, and I have met many people in their 70’s who still haven’t had knee replacement surgery and they have been managing their symptoms for many years through exercise. That is another reason to keep the affected leg in good shape. If you get to the point where you need knee replacement surgery, a successful and speedy outcome depends on the condition of your muscles.</p>
<p>Let me know how things progress with you and I’ll keep you informed of any new therapies. I’m just starting a specialized, alternative area of care that may or may not be successful.</p>
<p>Thank you for your reply, parent1986. I am sorry that you are suffering from knee pain, too. It’s very frustrating. Fortunately, my blood work was negative for rheumatoid arthritis; for that, I am very thankful. I did ask the orthopedist about glucosamine/chondroitin combo and he said it certainly wouldn’t hurt to try it for a month to see if it’s helpful. It’s on the list of items for DH to pick up at the store.</p>
<p>My knees get really stiff after sitting for long periods of time, too, especially at the movie theater. I feel like an old woman when I have to stand and work the stiffness out before I can leave when the movie is over. I can guarantee that my weight has exacerbated my knee problem. In 2008-2009, I worked really hard to lose weight and lost 50+ pounds. I am sad to say I have gained back all of it. I will see the doctor again on the 29th, which just happnes to be my 50th birthday. I have decided that as a gift to myself, I will take back my health! I plan to start in the pool and swim some laps and then get back in the gym where I spent so much time a couple of years ago. </p>
<p>I hope your next series of injections gives you some relief and makes it easier for you to get around. Please do keep me updated on your progress and any helpful therapies and I will do the same. </p>
<p>HAPPY HOLIDAYS!</p>
<p>Thanks, SplashMom. Marijuana is supposed to help some people with arthritis. I live in a state where it is legal, though I haven’t tried it. There is another poster on these boards in another legal state who has spoken about her success with it.</p>
<p>Happy Holidays to you, too!</p>