TLDR - I'm old. My knees hurt. Can't climb stairs. Can't take NSAIDS. What are my options?

I'm an active 71 year old male. I own a Peloton cycle and complete 4 rides per week. I walk 5 miles 3 days a week. I don't do enough strength training. 6'3" and 230lbs. Could lose some weight.

Diagnosed with herniated disc at T12 and L1 several years ago. Creates pain in right leg from ankle up to lower back when stepping up.

Two hip replacements. Knees hurt but not to a point for knee replacement per my Ortho doc.

Unprovoked DVT 3 years ago. Two physicians suggest it was the Covid vaccine. Can't take NSAIDS for arthritis because I'm taking Xarelto for potential blood clots.

All this to say during the last year it is becoming painful to climb anything. If there isn't a handrail I really can't climb stairs. If hiking I have to use hiking poles. Neither knee wants to take the pressure. Just returned from a trip in Grand Canyon NP and Zion NP. Hiked 7-10 miles every day with a day pack that weighed about 8 pounds.

It just hurts to walk now. From my hips to just below my knees ache all the time.

Riding the Peloton is painless.

Probably need to do see my doctor but any of you other old guys experiencing this? If so, do you have any recommendations?

Sorry for the dissertation.

Might look into PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections. Several "joint pain" clinics are offering those. They take your blood, spin it down, extract a specific fraction, and inject it into the affected site. We have done it in horses for about 20 years and it's now becoming more mainstream in people.

Oh, and physical therapy. PT fixed my wife's runner's knee after years of pain and no diagnosis despite MRI's and several orthopedic evaluations. Her treatment was all body weight strength.

I started going to my PT when I hurt my back 4 years ago and now go once every 3-4 weeks as a preventative. We have worked through back pain, ankle issues, plantar fasciitis.

I have one new one and one old knee. Both feel better if I somewhat regularly do some exercises. Especially sit to stand, toned muscles help stabilize the joints.
biking certainly helps

If you are in the Austin area I would be glad to help. I am a physical therapist who treats this all the time.

You should look into the link below. I have patients with good success with their knees. Simple outpatient procedure that can really help.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/genicular-artery-embolization-gae


Axiompt.com

Thanks! I'm in Georgetown or I'd be happy to work with you.

You can shoot me an email at ben@axiompt.com and we can go from there.

aggiederelict said:

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If you are in the Austin area I would be glad to help. I am a physical therapist who treats this all the time.

You should look into the link below. I have patients with good success with their knees. Simple outpatient procedure that can really help.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/genicular-artery-embolization-gae


Axiompt.com

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This was who I was going to suggest, so now I don't need to.

Ben is good people and will shoot you straight.

Gotta get your knees fixed so I can rope you into supporting me attempting something stupid again.

Ha! That was a good time my friend. Well, not so much for you.

Quote:

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Knees hurt but not to a point for knee replacement per my Ortho doc.

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If your knees hurt, it might be time for this. Your knees are not supposed to hurt.