Day to day pain relief for knee arthritis

[Nitgel]

I was diagnosed with knee arthritis some years ago now and have coped day to day with just ibuprofen and naproxen and gym exercises, however before Christmas it just seem to get worse. The physio has referred me to surgeons as she said it have progressed quite rapidly and the exercises aren't working anymore and I have stopped going to the gym as I thought this just made things worse.

I am on a wait list to see the surgeons and the waitlist is possibly until about August to December. Is there anything else I can do to stop the pain? i walk a lot and although it hurts I can get about ok. It's when i rest it seem to hurt a lot more. Wondering if I am missing something that could help me!

i am mid 50s and going through menopause which is making things worse imo on HRT patches

Have you tried icing it? I used wrap around ones and found they helped calm things down a bit. They really came into their own once I had my knee replacement. Couldn't have managed without them then.

Like an ice pack?

While I was waiting for my hip replacement, I used a TENS machine. It helped reduce the pain and another woman on my ward had used one for her knee.

I was given a cortisone injection during the summer which helped massively, perhaps this is something you might be able to speak to your GP about?
Using ice and elevating the knee at rest also help.

Have you tried ibuprofen gel?

www.boots.com/boots-max-strength-ibuprofen-gel-40g-10172603

You might find that resting it for a few days help, then return to exercise less vigorously than before. Also avoid walking up or down hill if it sets off the pain. Some people find a cold plunge really helpful for bringing down inflammation, and a low-inflammatory diet.

thanks, i did have the injection and it had no effect and I do use the ibuprofen gel too. I haven't heard of the non inflammatory diet so will check that out and the tens machine and will order an ice pack knee thing.

I sympathise OP, sorry this is long. I was in my late 30's when my knee arthritis was diagnosed (ex dancer and athlete) and no actual fall/trauma etc.

I was in agony and even lying absolutely still in bed was painful. I tried strapping on ice packs, hot water bottles, stuck on heat patches and tried any OTC med I could get. I did physio exercises and was at the point of saying I'd have a replacement because it was getting unbearable.

Do you know if your arthritis is worse on one side of your knee? Its often the inner side. There is a brace called a uniloader which was a gamechanger for me. I was seeing the orthopaedic surgeon and asking about treatment options and on hobbling out, I mentioned I'd bought a basic, tube brace from boots which did nothing. It was only then that he mentioned a uniloader brace. It uses straps and opens the side with the worse arthritis and puts your weight down the other side. Yes, this side will also wear, but getting relief from grinding was amazing.

Over the years I had 2 types. I'd recommend getting them on the NHS if possible so they can measure/fit you properly, plus, some are expensive. In saying that though, I'd have paid myself if I'd known the relief I'd get.

https://thuasne-store.co.uk/product/action-reliever/- It fitted under clothes so was discreet, but after a few months, the elastic loosened and didn't feel as supportive. I was given a 2nd one but the exact same happened. I did also lose weight due to being more active, but even so, I wasn't impressed at the cost and how quickly it lost shape.

https://www.mediuk.co.uk/products/m-4-s-oa-comfort/ This was not my exact brand, but to give you an idea of a metal type brace. It didn't fit under trousers and looked far more industrial. Some of the metal rubbed my skin, so I had to use little foam pieces to stop that.

I managed to wean myself off all braces after about 2yrs and weirdly, haven't had the same, debilitating pain since. If I do a longer walk or bend my knee too much, I do feel it the the next day. I still can't squat and do certain poses and will need a replacement in time, but so far, I can cope. I have no idea how/why though.

1 thing to note is that having a cortisone injection 'might' give some relief, but it can also delay surgery. I've heard of 2 people's replacements being delayed due to having the injection done. Wishing you all the best.

Ah yes I think I've read about the uniloader. It sounds great. I've been discharged by physio to wait for the surgeons and I suppose if I go back to gp they will just say the surgeons could advise if I want one on the NHS.

Yes..got ones that wrapped around the knee. Definitely gave some relief.

I have arthritis. Be very careful how much Naproxen and ibuprofen you use. Don’t take them together. Voltarol gel is better than ibuprofen. When I’m desperate I take codeine.

I don't know what exercises you are doing OP but I have recently discovered that the exercises I was taught by NHS physio are not suitable for arthritic knees and actually make things worse. I had a private consult with a rehab expert who explained that I should do isometric, non weight bearing, exercise only. No squats.
Range of movement sitting or lying.
I also went to see a knee surgeon for assessment to consider joint replacement and he said exactly the same thing.
I stopped doing the NHS routine and started the isometric exercises and after 4 weeks my knees are less painful. I get my daily steps in walking on flat surfaces. I have found slow release paracetamol pretty good, along with topical voltarol/ ibuprofen.

Nothing helped with mine until I had the surgery.

Triplegin how is your knee after the surgery? I would happily have the op this afternoon if I could

diclofenac gel (voltarol)

Codiene on prescription (high strength) and get on the list for replacement. Transformed my life.