Arthritis in the Knee

[Maisie]

I have severe arthritis in my right knee, which has been severly affecting my quality of life. I first reported a problem to my doctor 20 years ago , following a sports injury and the knee has gradually got worse and worse.
Finally, the GP sent me for an x-ray and then decided that I probably need a total knee replacement. I have an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon on the 1st November - I could have chosen a much earlier appointment, and five different hospitals, but I knew in my heart that the surgeon would probably tell me to lose some weight and I wanted some time in which to do this before I saw him.

I have now lost over a stone and, together with other measures, this has made a huge difference.

If you have similar problems you might be interested in my blogs on  http://www.supplementforarthritis.blogspot.com and on http://www.dietforhealthmaisie.blogspot.com

I welcome comments and any tips that you can offer.

[Hugh]

Every winter I use to get alot of pain in my right knee but since I started taking Omega 3 pure fish oil capsules 1000mg one a day I have had no problems, and swear by them. Get them over the counter in tesco and other stores.

[Maisie]

I took these for a while, though not for arthritis. Aren't they supposed to be good for the brain too?But now I make sure that I eat fish at least twice a week and hope that I get enough Omega oils from that. If I take any more pills I might start to rattle when I move!

[Hugh]

The fish oil may just  stop the rest of your pills rattling  as for brains not sure about that one 

[Dottie1943]

Hi Maisie,

Just back from my holidays in Spain where all the aches and pains disappeared for six days but back home and they have also returned!

I have had both knees replaced over the years and was so glad when it happened, prior to having it done though I swore by Glucosamine and Sulphite which definitely helped.

I had both knees done over 15 years ago now and one I think needs a little bit of further attention, I am putting it off for a little longer though.

Welcoe to the forum by the way.

Dottie 

[Maisie]

Hi Dottie

Nice to hear from you. It sounds as if warm sunshine is just the ticket! Sorry to hear you knees need some attention - I thought that they lasted a bit longer than 15 years. It's made me even more reluctant to have a knee replacement, as I'm only 63 and most of my family seems to have lived into their late 80s.

Take care.

[Deetta]

So many people have mentioned the Omega 3 fish oil capsules to me recently, and said how they really work if you are a bit (or a lot) arthritic, so I'm going to try them, as I have arthritis in my wrists and hands, and its getting worse as I age, so I'll give them a go.     

[Maisie]

I have now done a bit of online research into omega-3 supplements for arthritis, before deciding whether or not to try them for myself. Here is an extract from a report by the University of Maryland Medical Centre

Most clinical studies examining omega-3 fatty acid supplements for arthritis have focused on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A number of small studies have found that fish oil helps reduce symptoms of RA, including joint pain and morning stiffness. One study suggests that people with RA who take fish oil may be able to lower their dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, unlike prescription medications, fish oil does not appear to slow progression of RA, only to treat the symptoms. Joint damage still occurs.
Laboratory studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (and low in the inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids) may help people with osteoarthritis, although more study is needed.

The article goes on to provide a list of medications that may be contra -indications for omega-3 dietary supplements and cautions that if you are taking any of these medications you should talk to your GP before starting a course of omega-3.

Did you know that you can check if your prescribed medications are compatible with omega-3 on the Mediguard website. For further information you might like to have a look at my blog

 http://.www.supplementsforarthritis.blogspot.com

[bromers]

So many people have mentioned the Omega 3 fish oil capsules to me recently, and said how they really work if you are a bit (or a lot) arthritic, so I'm going to try them, as I have arthritis in my wrists and hands, and its getting worse as I age, so I'll give them a go.     

           Deeta, I take glucosamine 750g twice a day for my arthritis, wrist and knees mostly. But the doctor put me on concentrated omega 3 one a day for my heart,but it seem's to do some good for arthritis as well. It's been five years since i started taking these tablets and if anything my arthritis has not got any worse. In fact it has eased. bromers     

[Maisie]

Losing over a stone in weight, stretching my hamstrings, strengthening my quads, and taking supplements seems to have worked wonders for my knees, though I am still nervous about walking more than a few hundred yards. I want to lose another 2 stone. I'm going to the senior citizens session in my Council run gym later today to try to speed up the process!

Maisie 

http://www.dietforhealthmaisie.blogspot.com

[Maisie]

Recent joint research by Nottingham Uni and University of Munich suggests that turmeric (long used in Ayurvedic medicines) might relieve inflammation. More info -

http:www.supplementsforarthritis.blogspot.com

[Maisie]

Once you start to delve into the various compounds etc that are being clinically tested as helpful to arthritis it begins to seem like a bottomless pit. Every Uni postgrad centre in the known universe seems to be testing something or other! I've written a bit about some of the reports on my blog and will continue to update as the new info is released. I'm on a mission to try the ones that get good reports - especially the red wine. In fact, I bought a bottle today! It might not do much for the arthritis but it will stop me from thinking about the appointment with my surgeon, scheduled for next Tuesday.

If you are interested in the latest info, check out my blog -

http://www.supplementsforarthritis.blogspot.com

[Maisie]

I saw my orthopaedic surgeon for the first time today and, oh joy, he is deferring the knee op. He has given me a cortisone injection in the joint and I have to go back in four months time for a further x-ray and to discuss treatment. In case, like me, you are worried about the prospect of an injection in the knee - don't - it's even less painful than a flu jab. The surgeon said that I did the best thing possible for my knee in managing to lose 19lb and he endorsed the supplements that I am taking.

For more info see

www.supplementsforarthritis.blogspot.com

or

www.pensionersdietandfitness.blogspot.com

[Dottie1943]

Well done and congratulations what did he say about the supplements by the way?

[Rita Postlethwaite]

So pleased for you Maisie.