Anyone else have major knee damage?

Question

I was in a plane crash when I was 15, and broke my tibia right below my knee. Over time, the jagged tibial plateau wore away the cartilage. I had an arthroscopy and chondroplasty on my knee back in January, and I am having trouble accepting the results. Basically, they had to cut out over half the cartilage in my right knee, it crackles every time I move it, I can't do any athletic activities besides swimming, walking, or light aerobics, I will need a new knee in about 10 years, then I will have another 10-15 years on that, and then I'm either in a wheelchair or an amputee by age 45 - 50. And it hurts like hell. I take a lot of calcium and glucosamine every night which helps. Anyone out there who knows what I am dealing with and has any knowledge that might help?

Answer 1

i have the same problem and they can give you a shot for it but only it can be done twice a year. and i know how you feel i had two knee cleanings on my right knee and i have to use pain pills and maybe next year to have my knee replaced. try the shot it may help and give you some releife for 6 months at least try that.

Answer 2

I have had problems with my knees since childhood, though I was not in an accident as you were . My cartilage crackled every time I walked up stairs, after a while it would throb and be very painful as if there was no cartilage left. I had a test done when I was 10 they put a huge needle in between the bone and the cartilage injected fluid and took xrays. They found lots of broken bits of cartilage like sand. I was a very very fast runner on the track team, if it did not involve getting up with my knee I would still be running today. I try not to over do and use my arms to get me up from a kneeling position. I often wonder if I would have had a running career if not for these joints. I do know where you are coming from the pain is always there. I too will most likely need the replacement surgery in time. I will keep you in my prayers you sound young, too young to be going through this. Take Care ~A~

Answer 3

since 1994, I have had 3 knee surgeries. I have cartilage damage from falls. My knee gives out all of the time and I wear an elastic or Velcro band for support. it's all my left knee. It hurts almost all the time. the last 2 surgeries were 2002 and 2005. The Dr said I would have to have a knee replacement but I am waiting because the operation scared me a little. it only last about 10-15 years and you have to get it replaced again the Dr told me. arrgghhh!!!! I just limp around and try to keep it working as long as I can. It is weak and I can't stand up very long ( or walk very long!). It makes crackling noises and I have osteo-arthritis and Osteoporosis . good luck. prayers to you. I am in my low 40's

Answer 4

i think we might have the some problem,but i wore my cartilage out play sports for 10 years. my knee starting hurting in may and i saw my doctor right away.he said i had fluid in my knee or i tore my cartilage. when the e-ray came back it was very clear that i have no cartilage in my knee. i can't do anything and i am a very active person. i might have to get my knee amputee in a few years, or get my knee replaced. i am taking therapy now and it usually works{in my case it is not}. now i am 14 and when i am 15 if thing don't get better they are going to have to something to it because i can't go to school in crutches forever. you can try putting major heat on it if it feels like it tensing up or you can try icing it down three times a day if you have swelling. life right now is a living hell for me. i hope one day i an maybe actually walk on it. if you still need to talk to someone, email me at [e-mail]

Answer 5

Nothing quite THAT serious, but I completely tore my MCL and destroyed quite a bit of cartiledge in my left knee during high school.

I can't do sports anymore and I was damn good at baseball, the pain can be crippling from time to time especially during either humid or cold weather, but it's something I just have to deal with. I underwent surgery to repair the cartiledge and MCL as best they could and was in physical therapy for nearly a year, still not even close to 100% but hell I can walk, swim, and play very non-competitive sports (like with friends) so I guess it's not a huge sacrifice.

Eh, I look at where I could be instead of where I am and I get pissed off from time to time, but it's just how the dice roll I suppose.

Answer 6

I have no medial miniscus and my MCL is too long because it stretched before it tore. Every time I bend my knee, or move my leg, bone rubs against bone. I have to have surgery, and I hope your knee feels better. I'm not supposed to do any athletic activities, but I do them anyway, and that won't help either. Well, you don't want to hear about my knee, but I seriously hope yours is better. I'm so sorry about the plane crash. Is that all you hurt in it, your knee??

Answer 7

i am sorry about that there is always research going on in the medical field so don't give up i know its probably hard right now but the way that the medical field is constantly finding new ways to do things i am sure that there will be something new out there before you have to start thinking about wheelchair etc don't give up!!!

Answer 8

Cant give ye any medical advice kid but ill say a prayer for you.Lord i complain about my bad knees alot but i know its just my old bones playing up.This kid got to deal with operations and alot pains and disturbance in there life.Lord give this kid the holy spirit to guide to you in times of worry and pain and lack of understanding about illness.God Bless ye .

Answer 9

The purpose your surgeon does now not desire you to move is lovely functional, rehabilatation. It traditionally takes 6weeks for the human frame to get well and repair itself from any operation or approach, however your announcing you had main surgical procedure, good simply leisure, your blood will nonetheless be clotting and the fine option to heal the frame is to leisure it, now not pass on reasonable rides.

Answer 10

Maybe a knee replacement surgery would help
Ask your Dr to refer you to an orthopedist
They specialize in joint problems