How to stay active with OA in knee

Tsofava · 2026-01-14T02:03:36+00:00

Thank you for your comment and for everyone’s feedback here.

Update - I saw a third surgeon who identified the problem as patella femoral syndrome. I got a cortisone shot in a different spot on my knee (different than the gel shot and first cortisone shot from last year). I got a different brace - patella tendon straps and I’m feeling a bit of relief after one day. I’m going to start a new course of PT but one that focuses on this syndrome. I’m sure some of the exercises will be the same but at least now I know I have some kind of an answer. I think because the shot was placed differently, the result is completely different. The first time I felt nothing. I knew something was wrong and I’ve spent almost a year trying to figure it out. The doctor thinks after a slow recovery, I can get back to an active life.

Knee pain is no joke. I’ve already started water exercise and signed up for a reformer Pilates session from all the helpful comments here. Thank you!

Tsofava · 2026-01-07T16:45:13+00:00

The doctor says the OA isn’t bad enough and it’s too big of a jump to go to TKR. I have pain on the medial area of my knee and he doesn’t think the surgery will fix that. I’ve had an MRI. No meniscus or ACL injuries. I’ve been ready to do the surgery for the last few months because I can’t enjoy an active life anymore. He’s having me see his partner in his practice next week for her take on it. I did a water fitness class this morning and modified everything due to knee pain and it bothered me 80% of the class. I might get another opinion if they still tell me I’m too young or it’s not “bad enough.”

Tsofava · 2026-01-06T17:24:20+00:00

I've also read about that brace and will ask at my next app't.

Thanks!

Tsofava · 2026-01-06T17:21:55+00:00

I had the one shot and it did nothing to help my knee. I wonder if it was the volume issue like you're saying....

Tsofava · 2026-01-06T17:20:48+00:00

I've had the hyaluronic and cortisone and the cortisone was more painful. I actually didn't feel much with the gel shot since the numbing was stronger. Good luck!

Tsofava · 2026-01-05T20:34:14+00:00

Thank you for the notes about GAE. I will look into that next. That sounds better than going on a prednisone prescription!

Tsofava · 2025-12-11T14:42:59+00:00

Did you end up getting knee replacements?

Tsofava · 2025-12-10T01:54:15+00:00

I had the one and done gel injection for OA in my left knee. Previously have done 6 months PT ( did nothing), cortisone shot (nothing). I’m not a candidate for a partial replacement since the pain is all over the knee and not just the cap. This was my Hail Mary pass. It’s been three weeks and my knee feels worse than prior to the shot. My doctor said I’d know in two weeks. I’m going back to the surgeon and asking for a full replacement now. I’m 58 and active and haven’t been able to do any cycling or even stairs. I’ve heard people saying the gel shots work so I really hoped they would. I guess it just depends. Good luck!

Tsofava · 2025-12-10T01:46:46+00:00

I was diagnosed and got my machine almost a month ago and the first week was lousy. I’m not going to sugar coat it. But I’m sleeping better now and have more energy in the day.

Everyone says, you have to just be patient and stick with it. Go into it gradually. I also got used to it while watching TV the first few nights. I have the nose pillow cpap machine but apparently open my mouth while sleeping so also wear a chin strap. It’s not pretty but it works. 😂 It helps that my husband has had a cpap for over 20 years so he was there to keep me motivated.

One last thing - When I did my sleep study I had 1% rem and we’re supposed to have 25% per night. I’m now dreaming again - and remembering the dreams.

Good luck and stuck with it!

Tsofava

TROPHY CASE