Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Overweight,tonsil Removal,high Bp,cholesterol,heart Burn,x-ray,knee Surgery
Question: I am a female, 68 years old, 5'2", weighing 235 lbs. and have always been overweight. No other surgeries except removal of tonsils. I am taking high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart burn medicines. I have been measured on both of my bad knees. One is a 10 and the other is 13. Bone on Bone with bad spurs and my Doctor was shocked with the X-Rays. He said that if I reach the 15 XXXXXXX the surgery would no longer be good. I guess that it would not be of any help to me. What are my alternatives, if I have any ??? And would the surgery be best for me at this time ???
Thank you for taking my question.
Thank you for taking my question.
Hi,
Thanks for asking the question.
Your knee really must have severe degenerative changes so as to shock your physician. Even so a score of 10 and 13 is bad enough. A bone rubbing on bone and osteophytes (spurs) are not going to regress on its own. A good portion of cartilage must be already lost for knees to degenerate.
To quantitate the actual damage one needs an MRI. It will show exactly how much tissue has viability.
The treatment options are limited at this stage and can only be individualised after looking at the X-rays. Total Knee replacement is by far the best management.
If you feel like avoiding it, you might consider an injection of visco-supplement (like syn Visc one). It aims at maintaining the viscosity of the joint keeping it pain free for a period of 6 months to a year. Note- avoid taking a steroid injection in your knee joint at all cost, since it damages the joint further though keeps it pain free.
Other modalties which might benefit are anti inflammatory and glucosamine oral medication, along with calcium and vitamin c supplements to help tissue regeneration(under your physicians supervision).
A support with knee brace and physiotherapy in form of quadriceps strengthening exercises help muscles to cope up the requirements. It may also interest you to know that reduction of weight works wonders on many patients.
Kindly send us the soft copy of your X-rays so as to know if any more treatment options can be implemented. Hope I've answered your query. Do ask for more information on aforesaid treatments, I'm available for follow up.
Good day.
Thanks for asking the question.
Your knee really must have severe degenerative changes so as to shock your physician. Even so a score of 10 and 13 is bad enough. A bone rubbing on bone and osteophytes (spurs) are not going to regress on its own. A good portion of cartilage must be already lost for knees to degenerate.
To quantitate the actual damage one needs an MRI. It will show exactly how much tissue has viability.
The treatment options are limited at this stage and can only be individualised after looking at the X-rays. Total Knee replacement is by far the best management.
If you feel like avoiding it, you might consider an injection of visco-supplement (like syn Visc one). It aims at maintaining the viscosity of the joint keeping it pain free for a period of 6 months to a year. Note- avoid taking a steroid injection in your knee joint at all cost, since it damages the joint further though keeps it pain free.
Other modalties which might benefit are anti inflammatory and glucosamine oral medication, along with calcium and vitamin c supplements to help tissue regeneration(under your physicians supervision).
A support with knee brace and physiotherapy in form of quadriceps strengthening exercises help muscles to cope up the requirements. It may also interest you to know that reduction of weight works wonders on many patients.
Kindly send us the soft copy of your X-rays so as to know if any more treatment options can be implemented. Hope I've answered your query. Do ask for more information on aforesaid treatments, I'm available for follow up.
Good day.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Radhika
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
