Knee Osteoarthritis

[Catrin]

I did go to the doctor, and for someone who doesn't run, I seem to have developed "Runners Knee" (chondromalacia). So no more running, but I do have permission to keep on riding and spinning whewww! I will, however, stay in the saddle during spinning class right now until things feel better. It will also help to regain my leg strength lost in my protracted recovery period - especially with the arthritis. The knee feels much better than even yesterday, but I am glad that I went and of course am doing what he suggested. Don't want a repeat of last fall...

[Bluetree]

Recent studies are showing that creatine may help. Also, try adding powdered glucosamine chondroitin MSM to your diet.

I use creatine-G/C/MSM-glutamine supplements daily and it has done wonders for my knees.

[Catrin]

My doctor prescribed glucosamine chondroitin complex (so I can use my flexible spending account on it) and Pennsaid (a NASID topical). The Pennsaid is having a pretty rapid effect, and I am taking the supplement as I should.

I have figured out that as long as I stay in the saddle in spinning class that my knee doesn't hurt - but I also know that my protracted recovery period led to a loss of strength in my calves/quads/hamstring muscle groups. I do not yet stand on my real bike - and as long as I use my BMX pedals I will never attempt that. Staying seated in spinning class will help regain my strength - thankfully, at least this has served well in the past.

[Bluetree]

Don't give up on G-C-MSM (must have the MSM!). It will take 1-2 months before you will start to feel it. I prefer the powdered kind because the tablets are like horse pills.

Also, try incorporating some lateral leg exercises. Cyclists are notorious for having weak adduction/abduction and the more muscle support you can give to your knees the better. Good luck.

[Catrin]

Don't give up on G-C-MSM (must have the MSM!). It will take 1-2 months before you will start to feel it. I prefer the powdered kind because the tablets are like horse pills.

Also, try incorporating some lateral leg exercises. Cyclists are notorious for having weak adduction/abduction and the more muscle support you can give to your knees the better. Good luck.

+1 on the lateral exercises, have recently been in PT for assorted hip/back/hammie issues and lateral exercises are now part of my workout routine. Thankfully I don't find the large pills a problem to swallow as long as I don't try to take both of them at the same time I actually don't know if the pills have the MSM, my Dr. prescribed it and the pharmacy put them in a regular prescription bottle. It is called Glucosamine Complex so will look it up under that name and see what is in it.

errrrr - WHAT is MSM?

[Bluetree]

WHAT is MSM?

Methylsulfonylmethane. It is often added to glucosamine-chondroitin to help with osteoarthritis. I find it costs the same whether it has MSM added or not. It makes a double whammy into a triple whammy for the same price.

[Catrin]

I am VERY happy to report that my knee now feels just like the other one Thursday night during spinning it just stopped hurting, Friday it felt even better. Yesterday, with all of the riding and hiking on gravel it SHOULD have bothered me but it felt better as the day wore on - and it feels great today.

Apparently the supporting structure is once again getting stronger to support it properly...whewwwwww!

Attempting to run is now permanently off of my list of possible activities - that is what caused this thing to flare more than a month ago! Thankfully it didn't cut back on cycling activities, but I was more cautious than I am known for...Back to ramping things back up slowly but surely!

I am still taking the glucosamine-chondroitin as I've multiple types of mild arthritis, when when I am out of what I have will find some with MSM as one of the ingredients.