Wellness

[frenchie]

I saw my PC yesterday and discussed my mildly painful knees. I have arthritis in my fjngers also but at what point do I need to see an orthopedist? I am able to put up with discomfort and not a doctor person. I am 80 at home with hubby and mobile. I have kidney problems but all is stable.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

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@frenchie wrote:

I saw my PC yesterday and discussed my mildly painful knees. I have arthritis in my fjngers also but at what point do I need to see an orthopedist? I am able to put up with discomfort and not a doctor person. I am 80 at home with hubby and mobile. I have kidney problems but all is stable.

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Only you can answer that question for yourself.  But in the meantime, you might evaluate some diet and lifestyle changes that could be helpful. 

Are you carrying extra weight?

Do you use the sweetener called Equal (aka. aspartame)?  It's very hard on the joints.

Are you eating too many carbs?

Would you consider adding some supplements? 

[SeaMaiden]

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@frenchie wrote:

I saw my PC yesterday and discussed my mildly painful knees. I have arthritis in my fjngers also but at what point do I need to see an orthopedist? I am able to put up with discomfort and not a doctor person. I am 80 at home with hubby and mobile. I have kidney problems but all is stable.

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@frenchie      I think I waited too long...   I started having knee pain in my 30's.....at age 47 I went to see an orthopedic surgeon due to swollen knees and pain... and he said he MIGHT  do my left knee  at that time....

I had a lot of pain in both knees... but ,  I waited another 10 years to age 57 and at that time I was using crutches to get around as my knees were both so bad... and my hips also were bad...

Went to see the same Doctor and he recommended that I  have double knee replacement  and I did  in 2013...

2014 I had  my left hip replaced... in 2015  my right hip replaced... same doctor

It has been 10 years come this June 4th that I had my knees replaced... almost 10 years for my hip replacements.... MIRACLE SURGERY as I can do EVERYTHING  I want to now with absolutely NO PAIN.  I did suffer for those 10 years between visits, and I would say do not wait until you are using crutches or in a wheel chair... I suffered needlessly for many years thinking I could deal with the pain and suffering... today I do not even take one asprin!

At age 80... you say it is mildly painful knees..... I would probably not have replacement unless it was terribly painful.. My Mother had a knee replacement at age 84  many years ago.... she had complications and passed away  from the surgery. Age and other health issues complicated the procedure.  I think with joint replacement age is a consideration....  if you can deal with the pain without having to rely on pain medication daily... and it is only mildly discomfort... I would say hang in there... 

I am now going on age 68 and like you have arthritic fingers... and some arthritis in my back... but fixing my hips and knees at a younger age really has I believe lengthened my  quality of life by many years. 

[Carmie]

I just had a knee replacement.  I was in so much pain before that I couldn't walk without hanging on to something.  I let it get too bad.

Before I got this far, I relied on injections.  They worked for a few years, but after that nothing worked.

I would suggest that you get your PCP doctor to test you for low vitamins D levels.  Vitamin D  made a BIG difference in my pain.  I was very deficient in this important vitamin.

You will know when the pain is no longer mild.  When pain disrupts your quality of life, you need to do something.

Call an Osteo Doctor and have him/her take some X-rays.  Then you will know how bad your joints are.  Your doctor might prescribe physical therapy, pain meds or injections.

I am not a doctor person either, but sometimes you need to do what's necessary.

[IMW]

An orthopedist can give sine visc shots in knees- non invasive--one shot can months, sometimes years of relief. Especially if arthritis isn't too bad. It's only one shot in each knee, I've been going since 1995.

Good luck, btw what do you have to lose going to an orthopedist and exploring options.

Good luck.

[ThinkingOutLoud]

'itis' means there's inflamation. Eating low-inflamatory foods might help. Also turmeric (food or supplements) if I remember right (google to be sure).

[sann]

I go every 6 months to an Orthopedic physician for Hyaluronic Acid injections both knees  ( once each week for four weeks ).  Non steroid injections .....haven't had knee pain since starting these... 

[Reilley]

@frenchie   There are different types of arthritis and there may be specific medicine that can help you depending on what type of arthritis you have.  You need to get a blood test to determine if you need to see a specialist.  Seems like your physician should also be able to request an X-ray (bone scan, etc) which will determine if you need to see a orthopedic physician. I do hope you feel better!

[chrystaltree]

Of you are on pain or if your fingers are disabled, it's time to see a a rheumatologist.  Those are the doctors who specialize in arthritis.  If he thinks you need an orthopedics visit, he'll refer you.  My 76 year old friend has arthritis in her hands.  Over the years her rheumatologist has managed the pain in different ways.  

[RedTop]

@frenchie 

I would ask your PC to order the knee X-rays and let him see if you're moving towards an orthopedic referral.  

My local area has 2 of the busiest orthopedic surgeons on this end of the state.  A trip to their office is a guaranteed 2-3 hr wait and 15 minutes with the doctor.  I have known new patients who have waited 4+ hours to see the doctors.  

The routine here is that post-op knee and hip patients are seen first each morning, from 8:30-11:30, then the broken bone rechecks, ER referrals and new patient appts are in the afternoon.  After both knee surgeries I was in and out in 2 hrs.  Any other visit, I have a drink and snack with me!  

I highly suggest your PC order the X-rays and avoid the ortho office until it's a have to situation!