Wellness

[gloriajean]

Nothing seems to help, had PT, but this morning I started using BioFreeze, never tried that before, I notice something, it says I should use it 4 times a day. Just wondering any anyone here ever used it and did get relief?

I can still walk without assistance and for that I'm thankful for.

[Sunshine Kate]

I have Osteoarthritis in my knees.  One knee is worse than the other.  I get gel injections and it helps a lot. 

Haven't tried BioFreeze.

[teganslaw]

I use BioFreeze on my arthritic knee. It relieves pain quite well. I didn't know to use it four times a day; I have applied it a couple times in one day. I don't feel the need all the time, only when my knee acts up. 

[Carmie]

I know from personal experience, if you have osteoarthritis in your knees and your cartlidge has been worn down, you are going to have pain.

Eventually, you will be bone on bone and that is really painful.  Injections, medications and the like don't work for long.  The injections actually do more harm in the long run.

The only med that helped me was Meloxicam, and it worked, but I had digestive issues with it and had to stop.  See your doctor for an RX. Not recommended if you have heart issues.

Once you get to the point where PT doesn't help, a knee replacement might be necessary.

I waited too long to do anything about my knees, by the time I got a replacement, I couldn't bend my right knee or walk. It was bad. I was in a wheel chair.  The replacement has been wonderful.

Now my left knee is screaming at me.  I know it's bad already and I am putting off doing anything about it...for now.  When I reach the point where the pain impacts my life and I can't get around, I will get another replacement. 

[Kachina624]

@Carmie.  Don't wait too. Long to fix the inevitable or you may not be able to fix it.  As you age, the risks involved in surgery and recovery time are increased until you get to the point where it's so risky, it's not recommended at all.  You may find yourself back in the wheelchair.

Also Medicare payments may be decreased in the future. 

[Luvitorleaveit1]

I've used Biofreeze for years only when needed.  I had no idea you need to apply it 4x a day.  I suffer from inflammation and started back to acupuncture for my lower back arthritis and stiffness.  What a relief so far I can stand for more than 5 minutes and walk better and for longer periods of time.

[Carmie]

@Kachina624   I understand what you're saying and I 100% agree with you.  I have thought about what you said many times.

I had my left knee replaced two and a half years ago in December.  I was fortunate and I had a wonderful and experienced surgeon.  I had very little pain after surgery, only used a walker for three days and was driving at the three week mark.  

I never even needed most of my pain pills.  I had a few PT sessions before surgery and nine after.

I worry about my surgeon retiring, but he said he will work until he can't get out of bed or can't do his work 100%.  He's in his mid to late 60's now.

I am planning on waiting until next winter.  I would hate to give up my summertime with surgery woes.

Thanks for thinking about me. Right now, my left knee is acting up a little, but I know it's not gonna get better.  The surgeon told me it was in worse shape than the right was, but it didn't hurt at all at the time. My luck is running out. 

[Estellee]

Biofreeze is helpful but I also like Voltaren a little better. Recommended by Ortho Dr.

[Shelbelle]

Been dealing with it in my right knee for 5 years, I have one small area that is bone on bone. I get by with gel shots every 6 months and use Voltaren gel, no comparison to what Voltaren can do for you vs something like Bio Freeze. Voltaren is a strong NSAID so cant take any Ibu or Aleve or Meloxicam when using it or if you are on a blood thinner. I use a small amount ever few days and get much relief. You can buy generic Amazon brand or others, called Diclofenac Gel 1%. 

My doc recently told me they are now using very low dose radiation about 6 treatments and it is working wonders for knee arthritis, only certain docs do it, used in Europe for years, new in the US.  I also tried cortisone shots, did not help me, nor did pt. 

[We rescue cats]

My husband is dealing with this right now, we just went to a orthopedist this week about his knee. The doc recommended a brace and a salve TIDL. Heath Therapy with Lidocaine+ and it is helping. Next step is to think about surgery, he has already had gel injections.