My husband, a disabled vet, has really bad knees. He is in very bad pain, and spends alot of time on his feet at work. We are working with the VA to get a double knee replacement (which was recommended over 15 years ago and he's put it off) In the mean time, though, his pain is worse every day. He has some pain medications (several different ones), but doesn't want to just live on them all the time, so he uses them very sparingly. He comes home from work every day and just keeps ice packs on his knees to numb them until he has to get up and go again the next day. It breaks my heart to see him so miserable. Are there any effective ways other than more drugs to help him until he can get the medical intervention that he needs? Preferably something we can do at home.
2006-08-19 14:57:47 · 5 answers · asked by water 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
By the way, he is only 39 years old, and we have 3 young children that he wants to be able to be active with.
2006-08-19 15:19:15 · update #1
That sounds like a very severe case, I hope he gets approved soon. My husband wrecked his knees from playing so many sports, and he uses MSM - it's a nutritional supplement. He may need surgery too, but we're trying to put it off as long as necessary. He says the MSM makes a difference and he relies on taking it every day. It takes a few weeks to build up in the body. He can also try Joint Joice, after about a month that helps. Joint Juice has shellfish ingredients in it, so don't take it if he's allergic to shellfish.
2006-08-21 15:12:29 · answer #1 · answered by Lake Lover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ice and heat in intervals should work - the ice to numb it and the heat to relax it. A whirlpool and/or physical therapy may help him also. I would try to run a google search on excercises for knee pain and see what comes up - you should be able to do some kind of rehab at home - Aleve is also a good pain med. Good luck!
2006-08-19 22:04:44 · answer #2 · answered by Weasel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry to hear of your husband's pain. I have knee issues myself, and I'm younger. So I really am not much help except to tell you about my somewhat odd neighbor...he has kneee problems, and swears by using WD40. Now seriously.....he sprays it on his kness and rubs it in. I have no clue where he got this idea, nor what this could do to your skin or knee, but he swears by it. He'd a odd one though.....
My father in law just had one knee replaced, and within 2 weeks was driving again. He is so happy he did it!! I hope you guys soon find some answers and some pain relief. As for me, well...I'll say a [rayer for some relief for him, ok?
(Oh...my hubby uses icy hot sleeves....they seem to help him...)
2006-08-19 22:06:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
2cc of 1% xylocaine and 1 cc of hydrocortisone given into joints give very good temporary relief. Any paramedic can be of help.
2006-08-20 02:27:06 · answer #4 · answered by J.SWAMY I ఇ జ స్వామి 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a cortisone shot usually works
2006-08-19 22:06:37 · answer #5 · answered by wizard 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋