Terminalcoffee discussion

My knee has been a pain for the past 3 months. I've been waiting for it to get better - walked, lost weight, used the heating pad, taken over-the-counter pain pills - nothing is working. I don't want to go to the doc yet. Any suggestions, or am I headed for a knee replacement?

You may have arthritis. Your GP can prescibe anti -inflammatory medications which will provide you with pain relief and end the flare. If it is arthritis you will find that applying heat will only increase the symptoms. Apply an ice pack for ten minute periods evey couple of hours to reduce swelling, reduce inflammation and increase mobility. I had multiple flares of arthritis as a younger woman. Sometimes I was unable to walk or attend work for at least a week. The attacks would target just about all my major joints and travel around my body. It was mega painful . Another means of relief when my knee joints were affected was to run a deep bath of warm water and then float myself in it. I was able to stretch my legs while I was in the water. Such a relief. Ice packs and the floating saved me on some bad days.

In those days I made a food diary and discovered that certain foods triggered an attack for me. Also humid weather seemed to kick off an attack. Every summer for a few years I could count on a nasty flare up of symptoms. I trust you will get a professional diagnosis.

Thanks, Evie. I'm pretty sure it's arthritis, as my mom suffers from it. I'm wondering why hot baths work if heat exacerbates it. I know taking a hot shower helps my back. It's interesting that you say it travels around the body. When my knee is at its worst, the back pain subsides. There's a new clinic in town offering free consultations, so I'll try that. Thanks again.

Scout wrote: "Thanks, Evie. I'm pretty sure it's arthritis, as my mom suffers from it. I'm wondering why hot baths work if heat exacerbates it. I know taking a hot shower helps my back. It's interesting that you..."

I think the tepid bath was bearable as opposed to a cold bath. It's not the same as applying a hot pack to an already inflamed joint. The floating relaxed me which seemed to help. Keep moving but when your knee is really sore take it easy by doing frequent short walks . Up and down the hall for example.

Thanks. When I go for the consultation, I'll let you know what I find out.