Update: I got the Cortisol injections in both knees, had a severe anxiety attack right before “show time” (overthinking about how it would hurt triggered my anxiety attack, how embarrassing). The actual injections didn’t hurt, just felt a little pressure. However, there’s a downside for me with having “less feeling” in my knees. I also have Vestibular Migraines & PPPD (3PD), Persistent Postural-Perceptive Dizziness; which both exacerbate the Osteoarthritis in both my knees. With V.M & 3PD, my gait is always off, and with the constant symptoms from the V.M & PPPD it makes my walking that much more difficult now. For example: when my knees “lock up” now, I can’t really feel it like I did prior to getting the cortisol injections, which increases the risk of my already really high risk of falling. Hopefully, that makes sense. Unfortunately, that same day, I had an appointment with another Ortho specialist for my hands. I was diagnosed with Bilateral Carpal Tunnel on both hands and early Osteoarthritis in my right thumb. I also have to be fitted for a walker instead of continuing to use the bilateral canes. Fml 😩

https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/4moving-biotech-osteoarthritis/

This drug just completed phase 1 where they inject glp-1 intra-articularly.

So for the last 5 years or so I’ve had a niggly pain in my left hip and walked with a slight limp. I’d get a burning/aching sensation in my thigh and my leg would feel like a dead weight.

I spoke to a doctor 5 years ago and he referred me to a physiotherapist. He told me that he thought it was adhesive capsualitis (frozen) hip. He gave me some stretches to do and sent me on my way. I started doing the stretches for a whack but they seemed to tail off with no sign of it improving.

Over the last 6 months the pain and mobility got excessively worse, my left knee has now started to give way at when walking.

I started seeing the private physio through work who urged me to get an X-ray. I was then called by the doctor and asked to come in to discuss my results. I was devastated to learn that I have osteoarthritis, felt like everything was downhill from here.

I am overweight, so I have started a diet and is going well so far. I’ve ordered an exercise bike which comes tomorrow to try and help with the weight loss and to build up leg muscle. I have also started taking magnesium supplements which are meant to be good for the joints. I am also seeing a MSK physio on Wednesday so hopefully they will have some good advice for me.

Does anyone have any suggestions to help with pain or mobility? I understand there is no magic pill, just suppose I’m looking for a light at the end of the tunnel.

Here are my X-ray results:

XR Pelvis Examination: Pelvis Comparison: None Findings: Moderate bilateral hip degeneration slightly more pronounced on the left with joint space narrowing, acetabular subchondral sclerosis and peripheral remodelling/flattening to the femoral heads at the lateral margins with appearances possibly reflecting cam femoral acetabular impingement Loose body at the superolateral corner of the right hip is suspected to be an accessory ossicle.

TIA

Hey there!

I've been having worsening hand pain for about a year or so. I spent the majority of my 20's and 30's in admin jobs with lots of typing, so arthritis wasn't unexpected. Fast forward 20 years, and within a short period of time, my thumbs would often hurt so much, I could barely move them. A bad flair had me to my PCP around Dec, where she decided my issue was one similar to carpal tunnel. She said she'd send me for steroid shots, and to not bother with the xray requisition she'd given me. Needless to say, she forgot to refer me to the "hand Dr", until I had to make another appt with her (in Ontario now, we're only "allowed" to see a Dr for one issue at a time). By the time I saw the Dr (about two weeks ago), and he took an xray, my hands had progressed to moderate - severe OA in both 1st CMC joints, my left STT (my dominant hand) and both thumb MCP joints.

I was floored. There's no cartilage in my poor thumbs. What I thought was swelling at the base of my thumbs is actually the bones, which have moved. The Dr is sending me to another guy for shots, and in six months we'll see how things are. He won't do surgery without the shots first.

This dx has me freaking right out. I'm quite fond of my opposable thumbs, and the deterioration seems to have happened so fast. I have questions, as I'm completely new to this. Or at least I thought I was.

How bad can the OA get if I don't have surgery?

What kind of long-term prognosis am I looking at? Obv people here aren't Drs, but I'll take your experiences and advice.

Should I expect OA in other areas? I was told (by the same Dr who misdx'd my hands) a few years ago that I had "some osteoarthritis in (my) neck". I have incredible neck pain, and now I'm wondering if that needs an xray as well. My grandmother had it in her neck and she had a big hump in her last couple of years.

How 'disabling' can hand OA be?

Will my hands continue to change shape?

Did your OA come on quickly, and deteriorate in a short time?

I'll take any info, really. Thank you in advance!

https://preview.redd.it/jwtpgvzfxcge1.jpg?width=1030&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14685ae10513664377c91ea51836cc553e5e3eeb

During last Christmas I developed a pain in my left hip. Nothing unusual at my age (75 yrs), however it got progressively worse over the following week to the point where I couldn't walk. A subsequent CT scan showed significant osteoarthritis in my lumbar spine and sacroiliac and a compressed nerve. My doctor referred me to a physiotherapist for some stretching exercises. I was not confident. However the exercises took place in the local swimming pool and its been a revelation. The exercises in chest deep water help open the joints and decompress the nerve. I can now walk without pain. It's definitely worth a try.

Painful and growing bump on my right middle finger. I got injured on my left hand and have been using my right more than usual. I’ve noticed the inflammation increased and my bump started growing. I need to set up an appointment because it unbearable, hurts to bend and struggle with daily activities. Short medical history: family history of arthritis, I’m hyper mobile and am vitamin D deficient.

Hello - I'm a 34 year old male. Was diagnosed with early stage osteoarthritis a year ago. I was an avid runner (50 miles per week for about 4 years) until it suddenly got painful. The running probably didn't help, but I think the knee OA is from an old high school injury.

I took some time off and have resumed light running (20 miles per week, sometimes a little more if I'm feeling OK).

Pain is minimal, but my knee feels "off." Part of me wonders if it's more mental than physical. My brain seems to subliminally not want me to put weight on that knee.

Main symptoms are crepitus and quad atrophy.

When I do strength training (lunges, squats, leg extensions, etc.) it helps to get my quad firing, which feels a lot better.

Two questions:

1. Why does my quad forget to fire on days when I don't actively strengthen it? Will this ever get better if I keep exercising it?

2. Should I exercise through minor pain, plus a decent amount of crepitus? Again, it feels better after I do my exercises, however it's not exactly comfortable during the exercises.

Any advice or success stories would be appreciated!

Hi all, after years of complaining of pain and a semester from hell I finally was diagnosed. I think I’m just looking for advice and support right now. I feel a little robbed of my life, I had to drop out of culinary school and have been fired from two jobs because I am unable to do the workload. Just two years ago I would hike for two miles everyday! I would work 8 hour shifts and attend school. Lately I really struggle getting out of bed in the morning and moving around to the point I’m debating using a cane for extra support but I don’t want to draw attention to myself as it’s not the serious and I’m young. It hurts to walk, run or stand too long. I rapidly got worse over 2024. I’ve always had pain but not to the point it’s been this debilitating. I feel so inhibited already and my life barely just begun.

I'm a son in my 20s, trying to find a way for my mother to navigate her OA pain.

My dad left us early, and right now I'm the only one staying with her. I work in an office so there is no one looking after her if I am not at home. The worse thing is she still has to work due to our financials.

She always had pain in her left knee for maybe 5 years or so, but being the typical Asian boomer she kind of just 'lived with it' until recently when it got too painful. She can barely walk normally, and has to limp around.

She basically went for an X-ray and the doctor told her she had no cartilage left on her left knee. She takes painkillers but they don't really work and don't address the root problem as well.

She has also tried (in separate occasions):

Supplement A (Greenlife):

Vegetable Glucosamine Sulphate - 1500mg
MSM - 300mg
Turmeric - Curcuminoids 100mg (No Bioperine)

Supplement B (Move-Free):

Glucosamine Hydrochloride - 1500mg
Chondroitin Sulfate - 200mg
Hyaluronic Acid - 3.3mg
MSM - 1500mg

They don't really work even though she's been taking them for a month.

I am aware that MSM + Glucosamine + Chondroitin supplements have worked for some. I just wonder if she's not taking enough of them, or if the quality is bad. I am also aware of things like 95% curcuminoids turmeric + bioperine for enhanced absorption, which her supplements don't contain.

Should we still go for the natural supplement route? I am thinking of buying some supplements that I have more certainty regarding the quality.

Apart from that, does anyone have any other ways to deal with it? We are going to see a specialist in a week's time.

Hopefully some people here can help me navigate this with my mother.

Does anyone else get a shooting pain up into their thigh during HA injections? This happened to me about 1 out of 3 times the first round of injections and the soreness in my quad lasted about 5 days. It felt like a pulled muscle. The last round of HA injections it happened for all 3 shots! I am getting HA injections in both knees, but I have to stagger them a month apart because of the quad pain. If I did both knees at the same I would barely be able to walk for 5 days. Does anyone else experience this? Mt doctor is doing it guided by ultrasound.

Hey everyone, I have a complete tear of the posterior root horn of the meniscus. Because I am 63 and it is the result of degeneration, I am being told that a repair would be of no benefit and I would most likely need a replacement down the road. I have been unable to get relief from pain and have not slept without waking up in pain for seven weeks. When the doc (ortho) said he couldn't recommend surgery (over the phone) he did not offer me any solutions or treatment. Am I wrong to think this was dismissive? Who treats long term arthritis pain?

I got diagnosed with mild elbow osteoarthritis. I used to do pretty heavy weight training. Doctor suggests not to load it with too much weight pass 90 degrees. My physical therapist disagrees and advises to load it with reasonable weight. My concern is overall longevity. My physical therapist doesn't think the mild arthritis is a big deal and most middle age folks will show some degree of it via xrays. Thoughts on this?

I get a stabbity pain where the highlight is. I thought that osteoarthritis hurt further down, on the base of the thumb, where it meets the wrist. Did anyone else get this?

I have had X-rays and have been diagnosed with arthritis in my thumb joint. I guess I am just curious if it’s possible that I have other things going on.

Thanks!

A few years ago I had a labral reconstruction as a torn labrum had pretty much ossified. There was also some mild OA present. Along with the reconstruction, they shaved off a bone spur and smoothed the joint.

My hip flexors and groin muscles were extremely tight before surgery and that tightness has never really gone away - likely also surgical scarring in the hip capsule has also contributed to the tightness.

I tried quite a bit of rehab with physiotherapy, exercising, stretching, etc but minimal change.

I had an x-ray in December that showed the labrum rebuild has failed and there’s moderate OA and bone spurs. Two orthopaedic surgeons have said there’s nothing further that can be done to save the hip and a replacement will be the next step.

At present, there’s no pain, just an extreme tightness. I’ve tried pain relief over the years just in case that helps but it makes no difference to the tightness. I can sleep ok, I can walk for ages with no issues, I go to the gym and can do exercises with little to no issues. I don’t think I feel any pain in the joint at all - when I read and hear about joint OA pain, I don’t think I have any.

I want to preserve the natural hip for as long as possible so I’m losing weight and focusing on core and glute exercises to strengthen and refocus muscles.

There’s some good advice I’ve found already on this sub using the search function, but I was just wondering if there’s anyone in a similar situation and what techniques you’re using to minimise the OA progression?

Also keen to hear from anyone with moderate hip OA who has no pain but lots of tightness.

Thanks!

I have osteoarthritis in my neck. My back isn't that great, either. Also, I've been told to improve my posture in general.

Coincidentally, all of this has come about as I was getting ready to replace old, worn-out furniture. Can anyone recommend a source for living room furniture that will provide support to help me sit in a good position to aid my neck, back, and general posture? Thanks.

I have Osteoarthritis in both knees, stage two in the left knee and stage three in the right knee. Tomorrow I’m supposed to receive cortisol shots and I am terrified, mainly because of the needles and also, after reading so many reviews learning that it’s hit or miss. Any of you guys had it? and what was your experience? Did the shots actually work? Is it worth going through the pain to get the shots? I appreciate any feedback that you may provide. Thank you.

I've found this sub today, not really sure what I'm looking for...

I was in a car accident when I was 19 (44 now), talar neck fracture and dislocation, I think also a fracture of the tarsometatarsal joint. Tbh, they weren't very clear with me at the time what the situation actually was. The talus was fixated with two screws. (This was in NZ.)

The bone healed fine at the time, but I've had reduced range of movement (I can't get to 90 degrees most of the time) and been limping to one extent or another since. While my ability to walk has varied over the years, it's never been great, and I've got constant pain in it on movement. If I'm not trying to do anything and just sitting still, it doesn't hurt.

I had two steroid injections in my ankle around 2 years ago. One worked pretty well and gave me relief and better mobility. But when it wore off the pain was worse than ever. The second injection barely worked and, only lasted a few weeks. The pain was worse again when it wore off.

I had surgery about 18 months ago to remove the metalware and clean up someone of the "extensive advanced osteoarthritis" in the ankle, which was meant to improve pain and range of movement, and it's been .... well shit, if I'm being frank! I've also had some lower back/SIJ issues and it all seems to be feeding into and aggravating each other, like a positive feedback loop of pain.

Since the most recent surgery I'm still not really able to walk very far unaided (I use one crutch most times, especially if there are hills/uneven surfaces/unpredictable distances). The pain in the ankle feels like it's getting worse and I've got a lot of pain in my calf as well. The ankle feels like it's grinding and popping, and it's excruciating to walk on, even a few steps. I think I was better off before the recent surgery. I'm eating piles of ibuprofen and paracetamol, sometimes cocodamol, several times a day with virtually no pain relief. I had an appointment with a GP yesterday and they've prescribed some naproxen, which I hold very little hope for. And a referral back to ortho. Under my insurance, I've been given the names of 3 consultants, one of whom did my recent surgery. It seems like the best option to see him, but I found him to be so rude and dismissive last time, I'm dreading seeing him, potentially.

I've always been really against a fusion because I thought that it would reduce my mobility even more, but I'm starting to come around to the idea after reading your stories. I have very limited mobility now. I'm really concerned that I won't be able to wear a shoe with a heel if I were to have a fusion, and I love to dance. Having said that, right now I can't really dance at all. I can't walk in bare feet at all. I have to walk to the ball of my foot, if I try bare feet.

Like I said before I don't know what I'm asking/looking for here, I just know something has to change. About 2 years ago when I had a review with ortho (I hadn't been seen by anyone like that for around 15 years - when I was told nothing could be done for it), I'm pretty sure they said I was too young for a fusion or a replacement, but I feel like my life is going down the drain now and I hate that I have to miss out on so much while waiting to be old enough.

I'm in the UK, if it makes a difference.

Thanks for reading, if you're still here. ❤️

I've (64F) had OA in my knees and ankles for about 14 years and the stiffness can be pretty painful on some days. I get Visco shots now and then to try to keep things moving.

I recently began taking a GLP-1 (Wegovy) to lose a few pounds and take some weight off my joints.

To my surprise, it had a nearly immediate anti-inflammatory affect on my joints! No more stiffness! I'm completely stunned. It's been three months since I started on this drug and my knees and ankles are feeling nearly back to normal.

If you have the opportunity to use a GLP-1, I encourage you to consider it. There are GI side effects that some people cannot tolerate, but I've lost 24 pounds and haven't felt my OA act up AT ALL for months. This drug is a game changer. (Plus, as a bonus, I'm at a beach resort this week in a two piece swimsuit, feeling pretty fit!)

My shoulders started hurting a couple weeks ago. First my left one which I always sleep on so I switched sides and now they both hurt and pop all the time. My range of motion is limited. Putting on clothes hurts. Today all other joints started popping when I move. Knees, elbows, wrists and ankles. My knees and elbows are hurting a tiny bit. I took tylonel and shoulders feel alot better. I'm 37 and I was on the depo shot for 5 years. I'm worried this is beginning of osteoarthritis or RA. My uncle had RA very badly. I have pancreatitis, fatty liver and gerd so taking pain killers and steroids basically won't be an option for me. Did anyone else just get hit with it all of the sudden? Also my neck is stiff. Thank you.

Is anyone or has anyone been unable to sit up in the chair without excruciating pain in my lower back and hips? I have tried tens machines, pillows, spending money on an ergonomic chair, and exercise but I am at a point where all I can do is lay and work. My boss has been understanding but we have an audit coming up that I need to be able to prepare for. I can’t afford PT as my insurance doesn’t cover it and work as a social worker so my job isn’t super physically demanding but I do go out in the field often. Just looking for advice on how to get to a place where I can sit up. I have been given a steroid pack by my rheumatologist and am waiting on my physical medicine appointment.

I'm 31 and I've been suffering horrible pain for a couple months associated with my lockjaw, finally had a CT scan with contrast and I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in the jaw. I've lost 18lbs, I can't eat and my quality of life has plummeted lately

I am waiting to be referred to a specialist, but in the mean time, what has brought any kind of temporary relief for you? I'm constantly cycling through advil and Tylenol with minimum relief at this point, along with doing facial massages. Any advice for this would help me so much. Thank you kindly in advance.

My dad was diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. He recently had a PRP injection (plasma) for it, and his doctor said we needed to wait about 3 months to see if it would work or not. For a few months he hasn’t been able to do much because if he walks more than 2000-3000 steps his knee starts hurting really bad, especially if it’s downhill.

Obviously at this point we’re all really hoping for the PRP injection to work but since there’s a good chance that it might not, I was looking for some solutions that could possibly help his condition so that he could at least go on longer walks (he’s a very avid hiker).

I saw a lot of positive feedback online about certain supplements for osteoarthritis, unfortunately my dad is also taking blood thinning medications (Xarelto), and from my understanding this limits the kind of supplements he can take, most of them being contraindicated with blood thinners (turmeric, glucosamine, msm, chondrotin, fish oil, vitamin k and even Type 2 collagen).

My dad is in his early 60s, lives pretty healthily (good quality food, no cigarettes, little alcohol), he’s very tall but has a healthy weight for his height. He regularly uses a stationery bike to slowly work his knee and he feels like it’s been pretty helpful. He also started doing green clay poultices.

Is there anything more he can do that would help with the pain and inflammation, without being contraindicated with blood thinners ?

Thank you!

Just curious if anyone here has gone this route and if so would they please share their experience!

I was recently diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Running is a huge part of my life, physically and spiritually. I am 61 years old and I know this condition is chronic. I will be going to Sports Clinic next week. My thinking takes me right to knee replacement surgery. My primary doc is skeptical but I know I will keep pressing for it.

Anyone have any suggestions how to unlock the lumbar spine by yourself? I can't flex backwards at all and it's creating stiffness in lower spine, stomach and hips. Any diy methods? Thank you

I live in London, my GP spoke to an Orthopaedic specialist who said they are not aware of such services in my area. Which I suspect refers to my local area.

Does anyone here know of any trusts in England, the closer to London the better, also in London, they know offer such treatments.

I am also open to learn about other treatments I might not be aware of. I am taking supplementation, exercise, I am not obese or overweight, and have all in all a healthy lifestyle.

I am aware of the state of the NHS and I cannot pay privately. I still like to establish where it is available.

My GP wrote me a message telling me this and suggested I do some research. Since I as a patient do not have access to a database or means to run an effective search and having to access each and every link online that mentions these treatments is very cumbersome.

I hope this community can help me make this search a bit easier.

I am of course super frustrated, that treatments that would help immensely with my my still moderately manageable OA might not be available to me and that I instead need to push for a surgery instead.