Question:
What can I do about my knee pain

My knee continue to hurt, the ER told me that I have athrists in my left knee, and my doctor told me that I have to wait it out because it's my weight. He took x-rays and told me that he did not see anything, but he gave me some pain pills which does not help, so please someone out there please is there anything out there that I can use or take that will help me. Thank You So Very Much.....    — Lisa L. (posted on August 25, 2000)

August 25, 2000
I have been going thru some of the very same things with knees, ankles and foot. Now I have it in neck and shoulder and that sure is a ... No solutions have been offered to me either. Sometimes I put ice on my knee and foot if it really is bad--like after a lot of walking when it flares up. I hate the way it feels when I first put it on but it does help later. This icing was taught to me in physical therapy for carpal tunnel. I hate it but it does help reduce swelling. Warm moist heat helps after the initial icing. Anti inflammatories can help a little (they are hard on the stomach but the sustained release ones are a bit better). I don't know what pain killer you are on...there are so many but with my hands I did get some relief from Vicodan. Because it has a narcotic many docs won't give it easily. They think it is too strong...I didn't think it was strong at all and was taking it on and off a long time. When you sit down or lie down raise knees higher than heart to also help reduce inflammation and swelling. The thing that gaves most relief both for my knee, neck hand and shoulder that I have had is ultrasound. They give it in physical therapy. They rub that transducer around and the sound waves produce a deep deep heating. It helped alot, after the first few treatments. I am sorry because I really don't think there are many really good answers here. I know it hurts alot and there is not much that will totally help. Best wishes and hugs.
   — JennyLynn A.

August 25, 2000
I have arthritus in my right knee and have to use a crutch to get about. There is no remedy that will help cure the problem but I have found that rubbing in a painkilling gel around the area that is hurting does help. You have the friction of rubbing as well as the pain relief from the gel. I find this better than taking a couple of painkillers every four hours. I hope this helps. Lynn Speight
   — Lynn S.

August 26, 2000
I have also had to deal with a lot of knee pain in the past. I have arthritis in both knees and a considerable amount of cartilage degeneration. I was barely able to walk when I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon. He did Hyalgan injections (an artificial lubricant) into each knee. I also take Vioxx once a day. Even though I haven't had my surgery yet, and I actually weigh more now than I did last year when I had the injections, I rarely have any noticeable pain in either knee. The Vioxx is really wonderful. I tried all the anti-inflammatory drugs, and this one is the best for me. As your doctor about it.
   — jmsalata

August 27, 2000
I recently completed physical therapy for a torn meniscus. I also have arthritis and loss of cartilage. The idea behind the physical therapy is to strengthen the muscles supporting the knee so the knee does less work. One of the best exercise you can do is stationery cycling as it doesn't stress the knees but it works on the muscles above and below it. I got my cycle for $10 at a garage sale. Now if only the seat was a little more comfortable....
   — Allie B.