osteoarthritis in the knee

[mimster68]

I am 41 years old and have osteoarthritis in both knees. I have had the right knee cleaned out about 3 years ago. I just recently started doing a circuit trainging workout which made both knees hurt. I had been in to my ortho doctor before this because I am not able to do a lot of cardio without having knee pain. So they told me I should get the orthovisc knee injections to help with the pain, and to prolong knee replacement. I got my first injections yesterday and they told me not to do any cardio for 1 month. They said to let the gel get into place. I am pretty sore and have been icing and elevating. If these injections help and I can do more exercise, am doing more damage. I am trying to get into better shape to help train some girls over the summer and I wanted to be able to do it along with them. Is that accurate about the 1 month off of exercise and do these injections seem to help?

[CM Scottie]

My Father has osteoarthritis in his right knee and I am a 49 year old runner with patellofemoral syndrome pain. My Dad's x-rays show bone on bone. He was in constant pain and avoided stairs because of the pain. If my Father had to take the stairs he would go down backwards because it was to painful to go down the normal way. His movements were limited and by the end of the day he was in so much pain all he could do is sit. I quit running for awhile because of the pain in my knees.

My Dad in now going up and down stairs, squatting and most important is no longer in pain. I am now running over 3 miles a day pain free. The reason for the change in my father’s life and why I am running again is a new orthosis/brace on the market created by a company in Michigan call In the Groove.

The orthosis/brace was designed based on a physical therapy exercise called the modified Mulligan mobilization with movement glide. It is easy to do on yourself and if it works the orthosis/brace will work for you.

Try to do the Mulligan mobilization with movement glide on yourself. There are two types of the orthosis/brace; an "A" and "B". The movement will let you know if the orthosis/brace works for you and which type you need. Sit down and do the following:

Place one hand about 2-3 inches above your knee on the side.

Place the other hand about 2-3 inches below your knee.

Press both hands toward the center of the knee.

Bend your knee up and down.

Get up and walk around and you should notice a difference. (The best test is to go up and downstairs.)

If this helps then the orthosis brace will work for you. If not try doing the same thing again placing your hands in the opposite positions. If this works then the orthosis/brace is for you.

The best way to make sure you are ordering the correct type is if you right hand is on your thigh during the Mulligan maneuver then you need an "A". If your left hand is on your thigh then you need a "B".

If you would like more information on the orthosis/brace go to the website: http://www,inthegroovebrace.com. The website is very informative and there is a sizing and fitting video.

I hope the In the Groove orthosis/brace will help with your pain like it has for my Dad and myself.