Knee problems....Gel shots???

RSKY · Jun 3, 2015

Had surgery on my left knee back in the early 90's. They had to remove some torn cartilage. Now I have none in my knee and the problem has been slowly getting worse. I started getting steroid shots in my knee about two years ago. The doctor told me that the shots would help for two to seven years, then he would inject a gel into my knee and that would last from two to seven years. The next step would be total knee replacement. He said he would never say that I needed surgery, that I would have to come to him and say I needed it before he would do anything. This doctor is supposed to be one of the best in the business. Everybody I know that has been to him sing his praises. He has replaced both shoulders on my 88-year old father-in-law who was to the point of not being able to feed himself. Father-in-law is now mowing with a zero turn and weedeating. I have been taking the steroid shots every three months for about two years. They worked at first but the last couple have done nothing for the pain. The knee is locking up every now and then and sometimes grinds when I take a step. Things that I enjoy doing now are a little difficult and I am taking several Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) pills every day. I am miserable.

My question is should I get the gel injections or go for the knee replacement?

I know only one person who has the injections and she has ballooned up to 400+ pounds so they didn't do her any good. I lost over ten pounds the first part of this year by walking but have been unable to continue because of the knee. I have gained the weight back and I am afraid this will cause other health problems.

One of my wife's friends had both knees replaced by my doctor last year. I didn't recognize her a few months ago. She is walking four miles every day, has a huge garden, and her husband and her were painting their house. She said she had no trouble climbing ladders.

I am terrified of getting this knee replaced.

If anyone on TBN has had the gel injections please let me know the results and if you would do it again? Or should I go for the replacement?

Thanks in advance.

RSKY

Turbys_1700 · Jun 3, 2015

I am facing the same issues as you with a right hip and left knee. I had my first knee shot in January and had a hip injection this Monday. Will not know how effective it is until Thursday as it takes several days for the steroid to take effect. My surgeon and I talked about the very same issue. In his opinion he did not like surgery for knees and hips until the patient is at least 50 years old. His perfect age is 60. I am 55 and a good candidate. It is about quality of life and mobility. My current outlook is to continue the hip shots and knee shots until they are no longer effective and then look at a total hip replacement and then knee. My specialist stated that they always do the hip before knee if both are needed. The surgery does not bother me as much as the rehab. Lots of pain and time but in the end it is worth it.

As far as gel injections a co-worker just had a partial knee replacement after 3 years of gel injections. They worked initially but their effectiveness gradually diminished. She was 63 when her partial knee was replaced.

HEC · Jun 3, 2015

I feel your pain , as I have been going through the same thing . I had the same surgery you had several years ago and was told it would last 1 to 5 years and it lasted about the 5 years . I went to my doctor a few weeks ago and my knee is not in good shape either as I am having pain and had to use crutches a couple of days last week . I called the surgeon and set an appointment to have mine replaced next month . My uncle has had both knees and both hips replaced over time and is doing fine . The knee surgery does require some extensive therapy . I may need a hip replaced also but that isn't nearly as bad from what I have been told . My surgeon mentioned the alternatives but didn't seem to push them at all in my case at least . My wife's cousin had both her knees replaced at the same time , and never was sorry for doing it . I'm not that brave for sure . I am going to bite the bullet so to speak and have it done knowing there are risks involved . There are risks no matter what you do in life . My surgeon is of the attitude if your life style is suffering due to a problem it's time to fix it if possible , and I can't do the things now I want to do .Good luck with what ever you choose .

jeff9366 · Jun 3, 2015

You should not assume the ONE person you know who had knee injections gained weight because of them. Have you discussed possible weight issue with your doctor?

Find out the exact name of the injection procedure and/or exact name of the injection material and research on the internet.

I like Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins web sites myself.

I have had Cortisone injections in one hip and one shoulder at age 67, which, in combination with Physical Therapy twice per week, alleviated the pain which plagued me. However my problem is strains and incipient arthritis.

If it is time for knee replacement bear in mind you will require twice per week physical therapy for ten weeks after the knee replacement.

DKCDKC · Jun 3, 2015

My knees are great - for a 70 year old overweight man. But my wife's knees essentially gave out in the early 1990s with osteo arthritis. She had a double knee replacement in 1994 and the knees have been perfect since. They now klunk sometimes with the old style replacement knees, but they work without pain. She has since had both hips replaced and those are also great. Her back is another matter - but she has part of it fused and keeps on truckin'.

My experience with her and several friends is that if your knees are beginning to interfere with your life, it's time to get them replaced. Virtually everyone I know who has had it down has told me they wish they had done it earlier.

By the way, my wife had the osteo surgery and steroid shots before the replacements... And they do help for a time, but are not permenant.

davesl708 · Jun 3, 2015

I know several people (family and friends) that have had the replacement surgery and are doing great. My Mother had one hip replace 10 years ago and at 88 is still going strong. My next door neighbor (400+ lbs.) had both his knees replaced three years ago and doing great.

MXBX · Jun 3, 2015

My wife has been getting the gel shots but will eventually go for the total knee on both sides. The first time she had the Gel shots they lasted (i.e. major pain reduction) for about 6 mos. The second round lasted 3 mos. or so. She just finished her third round and we're waiting for some results. We need to wait another week to know if this round will help. Bottom line the gel shots eventually become ineffective when you're bone on bone and then total knee is the only way to go. She's been told that a total knee is good for 15 to 20 years. Try the shots. They may help significantly for awhile and they're less radical. The total knee is always an option.

RSKY · Jun 3, 2015

First, I want to thank everybody for their input, it will help me make a decision.

The lady I mentioned getting the gel shots and gaining the weight did so because of her lifestyle, not the shots.

I am 61 years old. I am very active but the knee is cutting down somewhat on my activities. Something that I should have added was that I fell a couple weeks ago and the knee has been much worse since then. I tripped over a water hose and did one of those thirty foot stumbling, knocking things over before I went down. It HURT.

Carol, the friend I mentioned who had become more active since her double knee replacement was to the point she could barely walk. The Home Health physical therapy nurse that came out to see my father-in-law after his surgery said that Carol was the poster child for doing exactly what the doctor told you to do when he told you too. She did everything as told, did not push herself, and is more active than she has been in twenty years.

I am leaning toward getting the shots and if they work getting my knee replaced this winter. I have too much going on right now to take the time unless it gets so bad I cannot function.

Keep the remarks coming. It helps to know what experiences others in the same situation have had.

RSKY

Steppenwolfe · Jun 3, 2015

WOW, didn't realize I had so many bum knee buddies out there. Same story here; torn cartilage in college, knee surgery, and now 35 years later of hard core construction work, my left knee is a waste land, ( Doctor's words ). I am also thinking about the gel. I'm 6' 3" and 350, and the doctors says no knee replacement till I hit 240 lbs. Like most of you it is really hard to exercise with a screaming knee. I refuse to take any pain pills, or even Advil, etc. because I'm afraid I'll like the temporary effect. Knee brace helps, but not a cure. Let me know how the gel goes.

doxford jim · Jun 3, 2015

RSKY,

I am in a similar situation to you regarding the knees. One in particular is bothersome. I had a course of cortisone injections in 1970 and for quite a few years things improved. Then in I had orthoscopic surgery to clean up and repair the cartlidge and had some calcium (I think) removed from under the knee cap.
My bad knee is starting to lock up on me and hurt which makes me walk slowly with a stiff leg (can't bend it).
I am currently being treated for leukemia so I cannot get the leg done until they fix the leukemia (hopefully). Until that happens I have to walk around like Chester with a stiff legged gait :mur:
I am interested to learn of the gel - didn't know they did that.
I will make sure I get at least one grease nipple installed if I have the surgery.
Cheers

milkman · Jun 3, 2015

Sure is a lot of worn out folks on here, including myself. I went the shot route and five surgeries on my knees to repair meniscus and more shots including the synvisc, then finally fixed them. Had them replaced in Sept and just in the last month, I've started feeling human again. Right hip was replaced about three years ago, piece of cake compared to the knees. First pic is fuzzy, must have been the pain meds.LOL

zzvyb6 · Jun 3, 2015

I play senior hockey (Over 60) in two leagues with over a hundred guys in each league. Probably 1/3 of them have have knee replacements and some have had BOTH done. Yes, they went through a Sports Medicine specialist doctor and they were in good shape (strong leg muscles, not over weight, good cardiac health). They usually get it done at the end of the season (mid April) and are back skating at start of next season (mid-September). Lots of walking excercise after surgury (some are out on the stree 2 days later). League won't allow you on the ice until you get 90 degree joint rotation, so the pressure is on to get back in shape, asap.

What some have told me is that dealing with a bum knee caused major problems (as in need for replacement) with the opposite side hip. So, at your age and probably good health, "get the knee done". Shots only helped them with pain, not the deterioration and THAT lead to other issues.

My problem is that some of these guys with TWO new knees are still faster than me with OEM knees...

jix · Jun 3, 2015

My Ex fiancé ( a nurse ) is 70 yrs old She had both knees done at once two years ago. Says that they are now as good as new.

CanuckPT · Jun 3, 2015

I'm a Physical Therapist & I see a lot of people with degenerative knee issues.

The injection you're referring to is Synvisc & it can buy you some significant time before you have to pull the trigger a Total Knee Replacement.

What Is Synvisc-One & How Does the Knee Injection Work?

My $0.02 is to try the Synvisc & see what happens. - chances are it'll help. Keep yourself as mobile & strong as possible but when the pain starts to affect your quality of life go for the surgery - before you start to self- limit your activity & lose range of motion & strength.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

Budweiser John · Jun 3, 2015

OK, do not pass go, go directly to total replacement. My first side was done Nov. 1,2011 and the second side 13 days ago so I now have a pair of matched hinges.
Today, this is almost lunch hour surgery. I was admitted to the hospital at 0800 and discharged at 0900 the following morning. Six post surgery PT sessions of about an hour each and four more scheduled in the next two weeks. As of today, I can walk with out any mechanical aids and have logged about four hours of New Holland seat time mowing. The surgical dressings are shower proof and came off about seven days after surgery.
Just for the record, ya got to grin and bear it. Immediately after the procedure your leg is cradled in a continues motion machine (which makes peeing a bit of a challenge) but the following morning it's feet on the floor and otta there. The second night (at home) was the worst pain wise so skip the beer and chow down on the heavy duty happy pills. By day three things start looking up and OTC pain killers work pretty well.
For the record, I'm 72' two years retired from the finish carpentry trade and love my mid Michigan farm. Been here forty two years and now with new body parts expect another twenty years of good living. I told my wife that given the average age of all my parts that should make me some where around twenty five. Said she: Prove it....

Turbys_1700 · Jun 3, 2015

zzvyb6 said:
I play senior hockey (Over 60) in two leagues with over a hundred guys in each league. Probably 1/3 of them have have knee replacements and some have had BOTH done. Yes, they went through a Sports Medicine specialist doctor and they were in good shape (strong leg muscles, not over weight, good cardiac health). They usually get it done at the end of the season (mid April) and are back skating at start of next season (mid-September). Lots of walking excercise after surgury (some are out on the stree 2 days later). League won't allow you on the ice until you get 90 degree joint rotation, so the pressure is on to get back in shape, asap.

What some have told me is that dealing with a bum knee caused major problems (as in need for replacement) with the opposite side hip. So, at your age and probably good health, "get the knee done". Shots only helped them with pain, not the deterioration and THAT lead to other issues.

My problem is that some of these guys with TWO new knees are still faster than me with OEM knees...

My left knee was injured in 75 playing a high school football scrimmage game. Was on crutches for two weeks and kept playing. It took 40 years and gradual wear to screw up the right hip. So I can attest to the left knee right hip conundrum.

QRTRHRS · Jun 3, 2015

Has anyone had stem cell therapy on their knees? My wife's knees are in worse shape than mine and she also has been having steroid shots with mixed results. A waitress/friend at one of our breakfast haunts told us about another customer's good results with stemcell then got the brochure for us to peruse. However, my wife's heart issues have been taken precident over her other malidies for the last few months so the stem cell thing is on the back burner.

RSKY · Jun 3, 2015

Well the left knee right hip thing had not come up in any conversations that I have had. My wife says that I have been walking funny (not funny to me) for a while. When I mentioned some of the comments made here she said that was one of the things worrying her. She is afraid I am going to mess something else up favoring that knee.

Gonna think about this a lot. Can't help but think about it when my knee is aching as bad as it is right now. But right now I plan to go ahead and get the gel injections on June 23rd and unless that works a miracle, I will get my knee replaced sometime this winter. With this doctor you gotta schedule three months ahead.

Keep up the comments. I am learning a lot here. You have all given me a lot to think about.

RSKY

jeff9366 · Jun 4, 2015

RSKY said:
Well the left knee right hip thing had not come up in any conversations that I have had. My wife says that I have been walking funny for a while. She is afraid I am going to mess something else favoring that knee.

Absolutely true.

Bird · Jun 4, 2015

I, too, had the gel injections for awhile, but had the total right knee replacement on 8/30/2010 when I was 70 years old. Before the surgery I asked the doctor how many of these he had done and he said, "Over a thousand." I forgot to ask how many were successful.:laughing: But anyway, mine was. I went in the hospital Monday morning and went home Thursday right after lunch. The whole leg looked bruised for awhile, physical therapist came to the house each day for a week or so, then I went to the physical therapist's place for a few weeks.