Grandmother's knee gives out.?

Question

My grandmother is in her 80's and is a very independent person - one of the reason's I like her so much. She's always been very healthy and taken long walks. However, she's got a longstanding problem with her knee that's recently gotten worse, to the point where she's limiting her walks greatly because sometimes the knee goes out and she's got to grip on to something. She has a walking stick that's helpful when she carries it. I'd like to help somehow, but I know she's not likely to go to the doctor. I asked her once and she told me that doctors don't like old people (I personally know she is the one who doesn't like doctors). Does anyone know of products for older people that look good and actually help? Would a visit to a physical therapist be helpful? There's no way she's having knee surgery at this age. Why do all products for older people look so sterile. Please help - I really hate to see my grandmother dealing with this.

Answer 1

It is imperitive that she see the doctor. We need to know the cause of her knees buckling...it can range from painful arthritis to spinal stenosis to metabolic disturbances or neurological disturbances.

If due to arthritis...PT may be of limited benefit to increase the strength and power of the legs...but if it's painful arthritis that is making her knees buckle, PT will have limited benefits.

Other considerations include adaptive devices such as walkers or canes or functional knee bracing. The key is to keep your grandmother safe.

If she does have arthritis and is in otherwise good health, there is no reason why they shouldn't consider a knee replacement for her if it will improve the quality of life.

I currently have an 87 year old gentleman under may care and he is doing great! He's had both his knees replaced within the last 4 months.

Answer 2

Someone in your family needs to convince Grandmother to see a doctor. A fall could result in a broken hip, and at her age, there is the danger of complications from the surgery or during the recuperation process.

There are many types of braces that would stabilize her knee and make it easier to get around. The products that she would get from her doctor are much better than the knee braces one can purchase in the drugstore.

She might need a different type of cane, or even a walker. A physician should make this determination.

In addition, if she is not on meds for her knee, there are prescription drugs for pain, stiffness, and joint inflammation.

Again - it's great to be independent, but she truly needs to see a doctor. Good luck.