Constant Knee Pain

[dj4tune]

Background Info:Right Knee:3 ACL Reconstructions,1 Meniscus replacement(ie graph),1 Bone Graph, & 4 meniscus repairs (3 since meniscus replacement);1 ACL on L-Knee.34 yr male, 215lb.I have bad arthritis in my right knee, and am starting to have pain in my left.  I have been told I am too young for a knee replacement.    My doc & I have tried numerous arthritis medications that upset my stomach, ie diarrhea. glucosamine and chondroitin supplements>can’t tell any difference.  Latest treatment has been three shots of Supartz, with no difference.  I am a civil engineer who does a lot of testing in the field.  I like my job, but love (and depend upon) the pay that comes with being an academic who gets his hands dirty.  I also love to work around the house (I am remodeling the basement at this time), and only hire out the jobs where I have no choice.  Most of my injuries are sport/work related.  I have been going to my orthopedic surgeon for more than ten years.  And have tried everything he has asked me too.  The only thing that has worked for my knee pain that allows me to be pain free ,is pain pills, but I am afraid to ask him for them because of the immediate labeling(which even you are having as you read this) that comes from someone asking for a strong pain medication. Stay off the knee!  I can’t,  I have no desire to be stationary until I am dead.Limit your activities> I already do, no running, jumping, or hard impact sports.What causes all the pain?  Standing for long periods, uneven terrain (which is frequent in my area), walking down stairs, hills, ladders, etc..  carrying heavy loads (or kids).   Weather.  Sitting for long periods, and sometimes it hurts just because.Do I absolutely need strong pain medication, no.  Lived without it so far.
1)  Are there any more treatments for pain relief that you can think of.
2) If not, how can I breach the subject to my doctor without the stereotypical reaction.

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[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend,
Many thanks for giving me an opportunity to answer you. Well if you are only 34 and have already done so many surgeries on your knee, then it's really difficult to get away with it now (frank opinion).
Each time we do ACL reconstruction, the chances of arthritis increases as there is a lot of drilling involved in the procedure.
I would advice you to use some external supports (Mobile Knee Brace), to counter the knee instability, if you are facing presently.

The cause of your pain is joint arthritis and cartilage damage. So options at present are-

1) Inj hyaluronidase, etc like stuffs, which are supposed to aid in cartilage growth.
2) Cartilage regeneration.

Beside these you don't have much options left.I am strictly against joint replacement as you are too young to undergo this procedure.

But till that time, you need to be on pain medications, as and when required basis.

Please discuss if you need more clarifications.
Regards...

[sherrie090110]

You've really had a lot of work done for your age.  I had my first arthro surgery when I was about 43.  Since then, I've had the other knee scoped, in 2008. After the 2008 surgery, I had pain all the time. both legs.  Even at night when I wasn't doing anything.  Both knees hurt all the time.  We tried all the things you have tried; shots for cartilage; cortisone shot; pain meds for a short time(he didn't want me to continue);otc pain meds, glucosamine complex, etc.  I still had severe pain.  Standing, walking, sitting and doing nothing, I still had pain.  After standing and walking for long periods I could barely get my legs back in the car to drive home.  Uneven ground and hot, humid weather are also problems, as well as stairs.  My doctor recommended knee replacement for both knees.  I am 61, so I'm old enough, but not ready to take this drastic step yet.  I'm not afraid of surgery, I've had several in my life.  I just don't feel ready to replace a body part.

Lately I have been doing better.  I still take a glucosamine plus, and also drink one 'Elations' a day.  I also take several other vitamins and minerals everyday, including magnesium.  When I know I'm going to be on my feet a lot, I take 3 Advil before pain starts.  If I wait until I'm having severe pain, nothing will help, it helps with the swelling, too.  I also try to exercise my legs, just by bending and straightening.  Nothing weight bearing.  It seems to help some.  I'm thinking about getting an exerciser for my legs that you can sit and use.  Sort of like cycling.  I'm even trying the raisin/gin recipe!  I'm not willing to give in or give up yet.  I've had less pain lately, but I'm not sure what exactly is helping, so I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing and try anything new I can find, or come up with myself.

I don't know if any of this will help but I thought it might at least give you some encouragement.  I'm not willing to sit around and let my life pass me by any longer.  As I'm sure you are not, either.

Good luck.

[Sportstar546]

Hey, Sorry but I didn't know where else to put this where a orthopedic docotr would see this. So I was hoping that the Doctor that already replied would help me with this issue. My doctors first thought that I had a Lactic Acid Problem. I have been doing his High intensity program for a few weeks now and it hasn't gotten better. My Physical Therapist thinks that I have compartment syndrome in both legs. I am a active soccer player and it hurts a lot when I play. And also goes numb and tingles. He said he wants me to get the test done. Can someone tell me about this testing process and how much it hurts?. Also how the surgey went if you got it. How long of a recovery was it for you, and do you still have pain? I really want to play the fall season of soccer and probably not get surgery untill the end of November. Can someone tell me how you managed the pain so you can still play? You input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!