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Suggest Treatment For Knee Pain Due To Osteoarthritis

Posted on Wed, 26 Nov 2014

Question: I have been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and a demolished Meniscus. I have had a cortisone injection which helped, but then my knee pain and swelling flared up again when I did more cycling, swimming and power walking. I am not able to run at this time due to the condition of my knee. I was told about the Symvisc One injections and want to see a dr about whether I'm a candidate for that. I'm wondering what the recovery period is like, how long a rest period, and mostly if I will eventually be able to do some running again after?. My goal was to do one more Full Ironman, do you think that's still a possibility? Also, if that doesn't work, the advisability of whether getting a partial knee replacement sooner, would save me from getting a full one in the future? Thank you very much.XXXX

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You may send the xray picture if possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.Injection synvisc has a role in early arthritis and has a time buying procedure before a definite Knee replacement.
I need to see the xray to say further about it's role in your case.It's an OPD procedure and patient is allowed to walk immediately.
I would prefer total knee replacement rather than partial.Arthritis is a progressive condition, so getting partial replacement does not prevent further though it may delay.
Looking forward to your reply.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (12 hours later)

Thank you for your response. IF Symvisc was an option for me, is it ok to run on that and if so, how long after injection? How long after injection could one bike and do weights involving pressure on that knee?
My original Orthopedic Dr who gave me the cortisone injection said I'm looking at "hardware in 10-15 years" even if I didn't run anymore right now. He also said I may just need a Partial. Does one always get KNR with Oasteoarthritis?
Thank you again.
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Knee replacement is the last option in Arthritis

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome and it's good to see you.
After going through the whole discussion carefully, I feel synvisc has a role in your case and you may start running, cycling after 24 hours. I need to see the asked x-ray picture to comment on partial replacement.
Total knee replacement is the last resort to control pain and gain movement in severe osteoarthritis case. Maintenance of Ideal body weight also helps in pain reduction.
You may have Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, a dietary food supplement. This helps in cartilage regeneration.Glucoasamine by nutralite (Amway) is a good combination. This is not a pain killer so you have to add pain killer on as and when required basis.
Hope this suffices.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Thank you again, I really hope Symvisc is an option for me. I am going to see a sports Orthopedic Dr in my area in a couple of weeks, but am anxious to have a few questions answered, so I decided to try this. I have tried and take the supplements you mentioned and pain killers, but am still having pain and inflammation. Also, my Drs don't want my body weight any lower, to give you some idea of that. Unfortunately I don't have access to the x-rays to show you, or I would gladly do so.
Just one more question...if the Symvisc injection worked for me, do you think training for and competing in one more Full Ironman Triathlon would be way too much on that sort of tx? Or it would be a possibility?

Thank you again!

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wishing you good health

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome
I really appreciate your passion for trithalon race,I wish I could say 'yes' but I will not recommend.You may continue with brisk walk and short distance running.
Wishing you best of health
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (8 minutes later)

Thank you for all your answers. I was afraid that might be the case, but wanted to hear your opinion as someone who is familiar with Symvisc tx. Thanks again for all your help.

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It was pleasure talking to you.Because of immense potential of helping people across the globe,I have joined this online service. For any future queries you may reach me directly by logging at http://bit.ly/drmchugh
Regards
Dr.chugh

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar