KNEE ARTHRITIS - General principles of managing Osteoarthritis of the knee :

Help! Early-stage arthritis --what to do? - - Posted by pomo2000 (pomo2000), 9 October 2004

Hi, I was diagnosed with early stage arthrosis in one knee due to Osteochonritis Dissecans. My doctors are not very helpful in giving me advice about lifestyle changes.

I am in my 30s and was wondering how to proceed. Since it is a wear and tear condition, does that mean the less I use my knee, the longer it will last? Does exercise like swimming contribute to wear and tear, or is it weight-bearing that is the problem? I'm not quite sure how and why the cartilage wears down-- is it just flexing or is it weight that grinds it down? Some people recommend non-impact exercise, but I am worried it will just make it worse. And are orthopedic shoes or special braces advised for taking strain off the knee?

What is the best thing I can do to keep my knee going  as long as possible? The arthosis is not symptomatic at this time (only the OCD causes pain).  I was very active, but now am not sure what to do, and how to avoid knee replacement or becoming crippled.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Posted by dm (dm), 9 October 2004

You could consult with a physical therapist to help set you up with an exercise routine that wont aggravate your knee.

Non impact exercise is the least wearing - biking, swimming, etc.

Getting a consult with a therapist is going to give you the best answers, I think, given that they'll be actually working with you and you can explain what does and does not cause pain, etc.
Posted by tsanford07 (tsanford07), 19 November 2004

Yes I would recommend seeing a therapist but I also find out about your local chapter of the american arthritis foundation...they have a lot of resources available to about diet, exercise, life with arthritis, support groups etc. also you can go to the national web site they have that available to you also.  Its hard but being well informed and having good support will make things alot better for you.

Tara
Posted by brattkids2 (brattkids2), 19 November 2004

I also have osteochondritis dissecans and  OS says no impact exercises and they will worsen the consition. I have had two OATS Proceedures to try and correct the condition (last one on Nov 11th)

This way I should be able to resume most activities except running escessive jumping (impact type things).

As far as arthritis if it starts causing problems as your OS for some arthritis relief medication

Hope this helps
Paulette

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