Osteoarthritis

I have extensive history with knee issues. Not the same as yours, but I will offer this advice... when seeking an orthopedist, find one who is a sports specialist and one who specializes in knees and possibly one other joint. There are orthos out there who do nothing but knee replacements and the overall goal of their average patient is to be able to walk comfortably, and their general patient population has no ambition to do anything else physically.

Your sports medicine orthos are geared to working with professional and amateur athletes who have a much higher bar to "normal" and as a result tend to know more about the variety of treatment options available, they work with physical therapy groups (or have their own in-house) that work to get you back to a higher level of performance than just being able to walk.

The in-house PT folk weren't particularly kind to the 270# chick I was when I had to have my knee essentially reconstructed, but by George they got me back to darned near full flexion and complete extension, with strength levels and range-of-motion that was very near the non-surgical leg. It was worth the twice weekly lecture on my diet and exercise choices to have top-notch sports people working with me.

So even if you don't think you "qualify" for a sports ortho practice, go to one anyway.

I'm only 35 and have dealt with osteoarthritis in my left knee for a couple years now. I did cortisone injections and still do when the pain gets bad. I also get Eflexxa ( I think that's the injection you are referring too) to help cushion the joint, but that only goes for 6 months. My knee got worse after surgery because I was walking and working out more than I ever did. I'm hoping after another 100 pounds lost that I won't have to get the objects as often. I can't say that I had a snapping feeling, but mine would pop a lot or give out on me. I did do a round of physical therapy which did help strength my knee and took some of the popping away.

I am sorry I misunderstood. I never had the popping I only had constant pain. Hope you get relief

If we can't take NSAIDS, then what to take?

An overdue update for anyone that stumbles upon this thread...

I had Orthovisc injections done in each knee just before a trip to Italy 7 months ago. They've worked wonders. I'm able to do things I haven't been able to do in years with no pain, and am making great progress with my personal trainer.

I know the injections will ultimately wear off but am hoping they'll hold out for another 6 months. So far I'm not seeing any signs of wear.