osteoarthritis and knee replacement

[Guest Posts]

Hi,
I am a 53 year old woman, with osteoarthritis I need a knee replacement but have suspected arthritis in my feet hands and hips, I am the highest tramadol, gabapentin, naproxen.
I haven't been seen for my arthritis in 8 years I don't know whether to suck it up or see someone. I am throughly fed up and don't know what to do.

Many thanks

Joanne

[Arthritis Action]

Hello,

It sounds as though you are having a really difficult time and as you have discovered, many medicines are not very effective for the pain of arthritis. Self-management, however will allow you to take better control of the things that are contributing to your pain including (commonly) inactivity, low mood, poor sleep and carrying a bit too much weight. There is so much that you can do to help yourself feel better and more positive about the future so please see our website for more advice and support.

Dr Wendy Holden
Consultant Rheumatologist and Medical Advisor to Arthritis Action

https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/

020 3781 7120

[Matthew Rogers]

Don't despair, there are lots of things that you can try to help you manage the symptoms of arthritis.

Research shows that becoming more physically active is extremely beneficial for those with arthritis. For people with leg pain specifically, there is an exercises programme called ‘ESCAPE-Pain’ (http://www.escape-pain.org/) that has 12 years’ worth of high quality research supporting it. This programme has been proven to reduce pain, improve your ability to perform daily activities and help with some of the psychological symptoms of arthritis such as low mood. It also includes self-management education sessions to enable you to understand your condition and take control. If the level of your pain makes this impossible at this stage, perhaps this would be something to try after the replacement.

You can also find information about exercises you could try at https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... exercises/

Some people find pacing their activity and flare-up planning useful. Meditation and relaxation exercises can often help with pain and some of the psychological effects of arthritis. You can find out more here https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... actsheets/

and here https://www.iosteopathy.org/osteopathy- ... arthritis/

If you haven't seen a specialist for your arthritis for 8 years, it might be time that you did. Ask your GP to see a rheumatologist who may be able to review your medication and suggest something that might work better for you.

Lastly, an osteopath may be able to help you to manage your symptoms. You can find an osteopath in your local area here: https://members.iosteopathy.org/find-an-osteopath

[Tracy Corbett]

Dear Joanne
Matthew Rogers has set out some really good resources. I would agree that self-management is the goal. A musculoskeletal physiotherapist would be able to help by performing a detailed assessment of your current condition, prescribing a specifically targeted exercise programme, goal-setting and pacing advice, manual therapy such as joint mobilisations, soft tissue treatment, taping techniques. Even if you do end up having a joint replacement, preparing yourself by doing the right exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee beforehand is very helpful for a quick recovery afterwards.