Knee Arthritis

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by egj13

and wear nothing else on or off the court

Ewww.

[Scuba_ref]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Ewww.

I agree with Bob...and he is always right, probably never more so than on this post!!

[ref3808]

I live with moderate OA in my left knee medial side. Little to no cartilage in there. Doctor doesn't want to do a replacement until I'm a bit older. This isn't just a basketball/officiating issue for me.

I keep it under control with ice as soon as possible after the game and anytime I feel some swelling in the knee. I just finished 8 weeks of PT twice a week with daily exercises at home designed to strengthen surrounding muscles. I use Ibuprofen as needed and I find Icy Hot on the joint applied before a game can help a bit.

I also have an "unloader" brace. It looks a bit like an ACL brace but it's designed to push the load to the good side of the knee during activity. Here's a link to one of the manufacturers though there are many with essentially the same technology and brace. It is sometimes helpful when the knee is acute. The cost of mine, I think it was about $600 was covered by my medical insurance.


Freestyle OA Knee Brace | Breg Inc.

[Mrcrash3]

Thank you Ref3808
I just called the company to get product info to show my orthopedic guy for
my next post op visit.

[caliref]

Consider looking into hydrolized collagen.

[TimTaylor]

I agree with those who suggested discussing options with a good orthopod.Talk to your doc & get their recommendation.

One thing mine pointed out to me several years ago is that anti-inflammatory drugs like Aleve and other NSAIDS, work better if you have them on board before you undertake activity that stresses the joint. At his suggestion I take a dose of ibuprofen about 2 hours before game time, wear elastic knee braces to provide support and warmth during the game, then ice afterwards if needed. It works pretty well for me.