Apparently I'm getting old-all of a sudden-
severe arthritis, both knees, multiple Meniscal tears.
I'm on the path to new knees, eventually. I got steroid injections yesterday, let's see how they do.

Anyone have good/bad experiences with the other treatments-regenerative stuff, PRP, the incessantly advertised QC kinetics, etc

Thanks
Ken

I'd recommend finding a second opinion; perhaps a sports medicine clinic that doesn't default to steroid injections.

I was at Houston Methodist Sports Medicine.

What do you do for exercise currently?

Since July, when first flared up not doing much.

Previously---I'm a start and stop kind of guy. Go to the gym for an hour, use some machines for a few months then quit for a while.
Bike has been most consistent exercise over the years but also had some periods where I stop for a while, lot of excuses-weather, travel, etc. Anywhere from 12 to 30 miles per ride, few times a week.

I've had good luck with Durolane injections in both knees every 6 months. It's covered by my insurance and has helped quite a bit. I've also worked on strengthening the knees which has also helped a lot. I was told over 10 years ago by Bramhall that I have one or two knee replacements in my future. Well, the way they feel now, I'm hoping to make it another 10 years or so before that happens. And I'm 60 years old and make it to the gym for HIIT training 3 days a week and mountain bike a couple of times a week. The knees are doing well. Now my back is another issue.

Thanks.
this helps when considering another opinion as I travel the road to TKR.
I'm 75 and was a little smug with my good, functional knees when younger friends are getting replacements. My knees were Great, until they weren't.

Quote:

---

I've had good luck with Durolane injections

---

The generic name for this procedure is gel injections. Your insurance will dictate which brand of gel injections they will approve. They all work in a similar manner.

Remember that gel injections actually lubricate the joint to minimize the pair whereas steroids mask the pain.

You can do gel injections and steroids concurrently as they both assist in difference ways and do not inhibit each other in any way.

I've been on the gel/steroid injection rotation getting each one 6 months apart. 10+ years ago, an orthopedic doctor was urging me to get a knee replacement. Now I'm doing 3-4 boot camps per week.

I actually had PRP as well but that did absolutely nothing for me. After hearing all the miracle commercials, I figured it was worth the $750 for both knees.

There are OTC supplements such as Glucosamine Chondroitin that may help but they won't do anything like gel/steroid injections.

There's also a daily prescription pill (Meloxicam) that you may talk to your doctor about.

Fortunately, there's a lot of options out there You have to see what works for you.

How much do you weigh? Losing weight always helps the knees.

Weight is a constant fight.
About 235 but I'm 6'4" but still more adipose tissue than I should have or want

Bike is great for the knees. I think adding in consistently body weight exercises would be wise to help build strength to help support the joints. Do you have access to a gym right now?

Google "knees over toes guy" or check the socials.

Thank me later.

My dad's knee was way too far gone. Biking helped a surprising amount, I'm talking just cruising the street on an Academy bike. But was still always in pain.

He had it replaced and his only regret was not doing it sooner.

6'4 235 doesn't seem obsessive. You are just a big dude.

I have the same issues as you. Was same height and heavier.

Got the shot and it worked for a year. But I also lost 30lbs over the last year.

My doc explained that every pound you lose is something like four pounds of less stress in your knees.

So lose weight is you #1 goal.

Thanks all for the input..... Helped a lot

Ken