Help - knees.
Options
sparkymolly
Posts: 27 Member
I've used MFP for several months and always go on the message boards but don't usually contribute. But I'm now hoping for some advice regarding a knee issue I have.
Last December my right knee began buckling and giving way. The only pain I had was when it did this. The rest of the time it felt ok. I took time off work, visited my GP'S who referred me for physio. After 4 weeks I had a physio appointment and he said I had mild ligament damage and gave me some exercises. I did them and after 11 weeks off work I returned. However after 10 weeks back at work it happened again so my GP sent me for an xray. This showed moderate arthritis at the side of my knee. She referred me back to physio but I'm still waiting. I'm back at work but yesterday my knee had the familiar feeling at the front and began giving way again.
I'm really worried because I darent be off work again but I work in a school which is quite a physical job. I am hoping next week to get an appointment with a physio from a work insurance scheme we now have.
I suppose my question is how much does weight affect my knee and the arthritis. My heaviest weight a couple of years ago was 15stone, which I think is about 200lbs. I'm only 5foot tall so that was extremely heavy to say the least. I now weigh 11stone 10lbs, about 164lbs, so I have lost quite a bit.I thought that would have made a difference to my knee but I seem to be no further forward than I was this time last year.
I'm really sorry fed up about it. Because I'm scared my knee is going to give way I don't go anywhere on my own, which is ridiculous at my age of 50. I take all the supplements that seem to work for joint problems and have just ordered some hyaluronic acid supplements to try because they're meant to help fluid in joints apparently.
I would love to hear from anyone who had knee problems that did improve a lot once they'd lost weight. I still have about 35lbs to lose so can that make a difference to my knee even though I've already lost about the same amount?
I'd be very grateful to anyone who replies with hopefully positive stories of how their joints were after losing weight.
Thank you.
Last December my right knee began buckling and giving way. The only pain I had was when it did this. The rest of the time it felt ok. I took time off work, visited my GP'S who referred me for physio. After 4 weeks I had a physio appointment and he said I had mild ligament damage and gave me some exercises. I did them and after 11 weeks off work I returned. However after 10 weeks back at work it happened again so my GP sent me for an xray. This showed moderate arthritis at the side of my knee. She referred me back to physio but I'm still waiting. I'm back at work but yesterday my knee had the familiar feeling at the front and began giving way again.
I'm really worried because I darent be off work again but I work in a school which is quite a physical job. I am hoping next week to get an appointment with a physio from a work insurance scheme we now have.
I suppose my question is how much does weight affect my knee and the arthritis. My heaviest weight a couple of years ago was 15stone, which I think is about 200lbs. I'm only 5foot tall so that was extremely heavy to say the least. I now weigh 11stone 10lbs, about 164lbs, so I have lost quite a bit.I thought that would have made a difference to my knee but I seem to be no further forward than I was this time last year.
I'm really sorry fed up about it. Because I'm scared my knee is going to give way I don't go anywhere on my own, which is ridiculous at my age of 50. I take all the supplements that seem to work for joint problems and have just ordered some hyaluronic acid supplements to try because they're meant to help fluid in joints apparently.
I would love to hear from anyone who had knee problems that did improve a lot once they'd lost weight. I still have about 35lbs to lose so can that make a difference to my knee even though I've already lost about the same amount?
I'd be very grateful to anyone who replies with hopefully positive stories of how their joints were after losing weight.
Thank you.
0
Replies
-
Yes, losing weight helps with joints. I've lost over 100 lbs and can tell a difference each 20 lbs or so.
However, if you're having injury issues, they need to be addressed regardless of weight. Did your doctor recommend using a knee brace at work while continuing your physical therapy at home? It might help prevent further injury, but you have to be very conscientious about strengthening the muscles when you do that.0 -
Thank you both for replying, I do appreciate it.
kbrad4238 - I'm unsure what Relief is. Is it a supplement or cream? And is it available in the UK? I haven't really done a detox to lose my weight, just cut down calorie wise and tried to eat healthily.
tomteboda - it's reassuring to know that benefits can still be felt with each pound lost so hopefully if I continue to lose weight it'll improve.
The one appointment I had with the NHS physio I was told it was OK to wear a knee brace, which I do. As far as exercise goes I'm just so scared to do much in case it makes my knee worse and it gives way again. I have been doing exercises daily and thought they were helping but since my knee seems worse again I'm wary about doing them. I also did some gentle tai chi but again I'm a bit wary about doing it now. I don't know if I should push through any twinges I get or stop. I'm hoping if I get a few appointments with the work related physio then they can advise me and see me at follow up appointments.
I've never really been sure what started this knee problem, whether I hurt it or whether it's weight related.
Thank you again for your replies.0 -
-
I can't say how much better your knees will feel at x lb lower. I will encourage you to keep doing the exercises you have been given in the past. Keeping mobile is essential with arthritis. The best way is to strengthen the ligaments and muscles involved doing the exercises. Balancing these muscles will help take the pressure from the parts of the joints which cause pain by rubbing, and will help stop the knee giving way. It can take time.
As said above, swimming is a good way to exercise those muscles without weight-bearing.
Sometimes UK doctors can prescribe or they did several years access to some health facility. The doctor I saw then said she'd not do it for me because I already had membership, now lapsed.0 -
Weight is significant in arthritis
So is developing and building the muscle to help support the joints
Congratulations on your loss so far, keep it up ..the loss and the physio exercises
Also speak to your HR and see if they can help with adaptations to your work / occupational health3 -
I want to just add, that you may have more issues with your knee than an X-ray shows. My mother had the SAME problem with her knee. No real pain, but her knee kept buckling. She even started to walk a little funny (although she never noticed it but I did). She went to an orthopedic doctor and it turns out that she had a moderate torn menisicus. She waited a long time to figure that out and that didn't help things. She also had an x-ray and showed arthritis in her knee but her doctor didn't stop there because having your knee buckle or go out on you is NOT NORMAL. Even with arthritis. Unless it is so severe that you are in pain with it.0
-
I also have knee issues. I have been told by my physician that I need to have both knees replaced. The doctor told me that each extra pound of body weight adds an extra 8 pounds of stress on your knees. If you lost 10 pounds, that removed 80 pounds of stress from your knees. I hope this information helps you and that your doctors are able to determine how best to help you.2
-
Thank you all for your replies, it's much appreciated. As far as swimming goes it's not really an option. A combination of cost, travel and I'm too self conscious means it's not something I'd do. I did have one of those mini exercise cycles and used it quite a bit but it ended up giving me a bad back! Something to do with the way I was sitting i think. I would like to get an exercise bike or recumbent bike but bikes I've had in the past are usually no good for me because I'm short. I can never reach the pedals, which is annoying because I'm about 5ft so not exceptionally short I don't think. I did think of an aeropilates machine because theyre not stressful on joints but they're really expensive.
CMNVA - it's so interesting what you say about your mother. It does sound very similar to me. I'll definitely mention it when I see a physio to get their thoughts on it. My walk was 'funny' too because I was trying so hard to put my foot down gently in case it gave out. Plus I always thought the main symptoms of arthritis were pain and swelling, which I don't get. Can I ask, what treatment did your mother receive and is she ok now? I'm just trying to envisage a time when most of my time isn't spent worrying about my knee. Thank you for your post, definitely worth me pushing things with my gp or physio.0 -
sparkymolly wrote: »CMNVA - it's so interesting what you say about your mother. It does sound very similar to me. I'll definitely mention it when I see a physio to get their thoughts on it. My walk was 'funny' too because I was trying so hard to put my foot down gently in case it gave out. Plus I always thought the main symptoms of arthritis were pain and swelling, which I don't get. Can I ask, what treatment did your mother receive and is she ok now? I'm just trying to envisage a time when most of my time isn't spent worrying about my knee. Thank you for your post, definitely worth me pushing things with my gp or physio.
Unfortunately, my mother had to have surgery. It's not major surgery (knee replacement). She was in and out in a few areas, but they go in and repair the torn meniscus and then she had 6 weeks of physio after that. She is perfectly fine now and exercises every day. Her knee *never* buckles anymore but she does say that it's weaker.
This is a very common tear/injury and I can sit here and think of about 5 people I know who have had it done. The hallmark is buckling and favoring the knee which causes a funny walk.
1 -
I've got pretty awful knees (3 major and 3 minor injuries) and losing weight (30lbs) did help.
Moderate knee arthritis in our 50's isn't unusual. Would be surprised if that is the cause of your knee buckling.
But more significant than weight loss was working really hard on getting and keeping my leg muscles strong.
Quad muscles in particular are really important for knee stability which in turn gives you confidence to do more - a beneficial circle if you like.
I had appalling knee stability after 3 months non-weight bearing and major muscle loss.
Rehab was first in a gym (straight leg lifts, resistance bands, pulleys, then progressed to stairs then to cycling.
If a brace gives you confidence your knee won't collapse then wearing one during exercise may help.
Would advise doing as much as you can (carefully!) to avoid losing more strength. Avoiding exercise may make things worse.
Hope your Physio appointment gives you the answer to your problem.
By the way I progressed from having to relearn to walk to playing 10 years of competitive squash and am now a 100 mile + cyclist. Keep on pushing, where you are now doesn't mean you can't improve. (Pushing sensibly & progressively of course!)1 -
Both of my knees do this. They did it much more often at 225 pounds than they do at 162. It still happens though. I still have arthritis, ligament damage and a partially torn meniscus and sometime after 60 both of my knees will need replacing. I am 47.
Did your physio give you or recommend a knee brace? I use a basic neoprene one when I know I am going to be on my feet a lot and it helps tremendously with stability.
Best of luck with the knee and the weight loss.1 -
sparkymolly wrote: »CMNVA - it's so interesting what you say about your mother. It does sound very similar to me. I'll definitely mention it when I see a physio to get their thoughts on it. My walk was 'funny' too because I was trying so hard to put my foot down gently in case it gave out. Plus I always thought the main symptoms of arthritis were pain and swelling, which I don't get. Can I ask, what treatment did your mother receive and is she ok now? I'm just trying to envisage a time when most of my time isn't spent worrying about my knee. Thank you for your post, definitely worth me pushing things with my gp or physio.
Unfortunately, my mother had to have surgery. It's not major surgery (knee replacement). She was in and out in a few areas, but they go in and repair the torn meniscus and then she had 6 weeks of physio after that. She is perfectly fine now and exercises every day. Her knee *never* buckles anymore but she does say that it's weaker.
This is a very common tear/injury and I can sit here and think of about 5 people I know who have had it done. The hallmark is buckling and favoring the knee which causes a funny walk.
It is sounding more and more what this could be. Hopefully when i see the physio he'll be able to advise me more about what I should do. Obviously I'd prefer not to have surgery but maybe that's what it's going to take.
Thanks so much for all your help. It's really put my mind at rest knowing your mother is fine now after her treatment.0 -
I've got pretty awful knees (3 major and 3 minor injuries) and losing weight (30lbs) did help.
Moderate knee arthritis in our 50's isn't unusual. Would be surprised if that is the cause of your knee buckling.
But more significant than weight loss was working really hard on getting and keeping my leg muscles strong.
Quad muscles in particular are really important for knee stability which in turn gives you confidence to do more - a beneficial circle if you like.
I had appalling knee stability after 3 months non-weight bearing and major muscle loss.
Rehab was first in a gym (straight leg lifts, resistance bands, pulleys, then progressed to stairs then to cycling.
If a brace gives you confidence your knee won't collapse then wearing one during exercise may help.
Would advise doing as much as you can (carefully!) to avoid losing more strength. Avoiding exercise may make things worse.
Hope your Physio appointment gives you the answer to your problem.
By the way I progressed from having to relearn to walk to playing 10 years of competitive squash and am now a 100 mile + cyclist. Keep on pushing, where you are now doesn't mean you can't improve. (Pushing sensibly & progressively of course!)
It sounds like you've had a fairly awful time with your knees. I do think I need to work at strengthening my leg but I'm just so fearful about hurting myself or making it worse. But I know I have to do something. I'm hoping when I see the physio they'll give me exercises I can do. When I had my one appointment with the NHS physio he only gave me a couple of exercises, including reverse lunges as he said I had mild ligament damage. But lunges make me very nervous with bad knees so I'm reluctant to do any more til I see another physio.
I'm thinking maybe an exercise bike will be my best option so I'll have to try and find one suitable for short people.
Thank you so much for your reply, it really has helped.0 -
It sounds like my knee problem. The ligament running over (I think) your kneecap is too loose. You may be at rest, not thinking too much about it, and suddenly the kneecap slips. Magic collapsing leg.
Yes, the exercises will help over time.
I need stronger muscles all around my kneecap.
Sometimes it helps out to stand firmly and tense my muscles, both legs, before I set out. Kind of reminding my muscles what their job is.1 -
MelissaPhippsFeagins wrote: »Both of my knees do this. They did it much more often at 225 pounds than they do at 162. It still happens though. I still have arthritis, ligament damage and a partially torn meniscus and sometime after 60 both of my knees will need replacing. I am 47.
Did your physio give you or recommend a knee brace? I use a basic neoprene one when I know I am going to be on my feet a lot and it helps tremendously with stability.
Best of luck with the knee and the weight loss.
Thanks for your reply. I never knew that what seemed a simple knee strain/sprain would last this long or cause me so many problems. The physio I did see asked me which knee brace I'd been using and I did tell him I'd tried every type I think. He recommended the one that has the hole where the knee cap is, if that makes sense! I did buy a compression type sleeve which felt very snug and I became worried in case it was doing damage and squashing my knee cap. ( I bought this after the physio appointment just to try it so I don't know if the physio would have recommended it) I just seem to try everything and anything to sort this out, to be honest.
Is the knee support you use a sleeve type one? It seems like that type would protect my knee more but I think I need to check it out with the physio.
Thanks so much for your reply, it's much appreciated .0 -
It sounds like my knee problem. The ligament running over (I think) your kneecap is too loose. You may be at rest, not thinking too much about it, and suddenly the kneecap slips. Magic collapsing leg.
Yes, the exercises will help over time.
I need stronger muscles all around my kneecap.
Sometimes it helps out to stand firmly and tense my muscles, both legs, before I set out. Kind of reminding my muscles what their job is.
What I forgot to mention in my original post was that my knee clicks a lot. Sometimes it's a gentle click but other times it seems like a real clunk, just at the inside of my kneecap. No pain though. Is that something you experienced?
Thanks for replying, really appreciate it.0 -
You probably should see a orthopedic doctor for your knee who will do x-rays and a MRI to see what is really going on. Maybe more than just arthritis. I have osteoarthritis quite badly in my knees and often my knee will buckle (though not to often) however they hurt all the time and the motion (bending them) is not good. I am trying to lose weight to help plus I am going to physical therapy right now. They have me doing some resistance exercise on them and I must ice them daily to keep inflammation and swelling down. I just started so the jury is out. I am also taking meloxicam which is a anti-inflammatory, it helps a little. For me if I had to get up in the middle of the night I could not straiten or stand on my leg for several minutes. Once I have it moving I m ok to walk around thought I still have discomfort. I recently joined a gym but now am told I can only do recumbent cycling as I could damage more in my knees, hips and back. I go back to physical therapy (PT) 2x a week starting Monday. You can friend me if you want and I can keep you informed as to how well it is working.1
-
I agree with Ming, a specialist would be a good idea and can probably suggest exercises to strengthen the muscles to help support the joint. Also as Ming mentioned, cycling without a lot of tension on the bike is very knee friendly - it's usually part of the therapy for person recovering form knee surgeries.1
-
Hi there.
Long post alert lol...
I have had knee problems for what seems forever. Doing the same as yours. Giving way, buckling, clicking, swollen, fluid retention etc etc.
Have had physio over the years but nothing worked and in some cases it made it worse and aggravated the issue.
In February this year I was referred to a knee surgeon who examined, x rayed, and scanned. Turns out my knee was worn away inside and had lots of debris from bone splinters etc. I was apparently walking into the inside of my knee. Oeateoarthiritis is to blame.
I'm just about to turn 50 so am similar age to you.
I was a hefty weight several years ago and always thought that the weight was causing my problems , it probably didn't help but it's not the cause I now know
After seeing the surgeon I was booked in for an arthroscopy. Keyhole surgery performed as a day patient under general anaesthetic.
I was told that I would walk in and walk out, and I did just that. There really wasn't any recovery time apart from a little ache and small bruising around the two small incision sites. it was nothing.
I am now about to have my other knee done in the same procedure as that has now worsened.
I would encourage you to go to your GP and ask to be referred to a knee surgeon/consultant. Physio will not correct this problem if it is the same as mine.
The severity of the knee is graded on a scale of 0 - 5 with 5 being the most severe. Mine is at a 4. Due to my age a knee replacement is not an option. The surgery has completely transformed my left knee and I no longer have problems with that one. I've been told it should be good for around 5 years, possibly more. I will worry about what happens after that at a mug later time.
Also cycling is the best form of exercise for your knees, my surgeon tells me, as it strengthens without putting pressure on.
Running is an absolute no no (even after the surgery). I also found swimming difficult as the kicking of the legs aggravated the knees.
I was also advised to avoid lunges and squats and weight bearing exercises.
Hope his helps.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Arthroscopy/Pages/Introduction.aspx
0 -
sparkymolly wrote: »I've got pretty awful knees (3 major and 3 minor injuries) and losing weight (30lbs) did help.
Moderate knee arthritis in our 50's isn't unusual. Would be surprised if that is the cause of your knee buckling.
But more significant than weight loss was working really hard on getting and keeping my leg muscles strong.
Quad muscles in particular are really important for knee stability which in turn gives you confidence to do more - a beneficial circle if you like.
I had appalling knee stability after 3 months non-weight bearing and major muscle loss.
Rehab was first in a gym (straight leg lifts, resistance bands, pulleys, then progressed to stairs then to cycling.
If a brace gives you confidence your knee won't collapse then wearing one during exercise may help.
Would advise doing as much as you can (carefully!) to avoid losing more strength. Avoiding exercise may make things worse.
Hope your Physio appointment gives you the answer to your problem.
By the way I progressed from having to relearn to walk to playing 10 years of competitive squash and am now a 100 mile + cyclist. Keep on pushing, where you are now doesn't mean you can't improve. (Pushing sensibly & progressively of course!)
It sounds like you've had a fairly awful time with your knees. I do think I need to work at strengthening my leg but I'm just so fearful about hurting myself or making it worse. But I know I have to do something. I'm hoping when I see the physio they'll give me exercises I can do. When I had my one appointment with the NHS physio he only gave me a couple of exercises, including reverse lunges as he said I had mild ligament damage. But lunges make me very nervous with bad knees so I'm reluctant to do any more til I see another physio.
I'm thinking maybe an exercise bike will be my best option so I'll have to try and find one suitable for short people.
Thank you so much for your reply, it really has helped.
Any time you bend your knees when weight bearing you work your quads. If you are nervous about lunges then just a very slow motion stair climb or bodyweight squats (don't go for advanced range of movement unless your Physio clears you to do so) will help.
If it turns out to be meniscus / cartilage repair (from the clicking and buckling that might be my non-medical guess) then it can be a breeze.
One of my knee ops was a trim up of a torn meniscus - both the operation and the recovery were a walk in the park.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 391.7K Introduce Yourself
- 43.5K Getting Started
- 259.7K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.6K Food and Nutrition
- 47.3K Recipes
- 232.3K Fitness and Exercise
- 394 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.7K Motivation and Support
- 7.8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.3K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 949 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.3K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions