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My knees giving way is often a sign there is either a fragment of cartilage or bone floating around. Generally it will dissipate with exercise and remaining active. A few times it has got so bad I have needed an arthroscopy to remove detritus and trim down the cartilage.
Last knee operation (third so far, two rhs and one lhs) the surgeon told me my cartilage is about as structurally sound as a wet sponge and there is bone on bone contact (arthritis). Ideally I need to keep going as long as I can prior to knee replacements. But they are inevitable. The issue is that there is only enough femur to do two replacements per leg. Old knees had a lifespan of approximately 10 years but this I believe has now increased.
Having seen my dad go through knee replacements it is best to be as fit healthy and flexible as possible before surgery. His first knee operation was reactive due to a cartilage tear that was stopping his knee moving, but the knee had to be replaced. Because it had impacted his activity he was out of shape and overweight and this slowed his recovery.
When his other knee needed doing it was planned for, and he had continued with his rehab exercise routine on both legs after the initial operation. This meant he was fitter, stronger and more flexible when the second operation was done and his rehab took about a third of the time.
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dancing james
@Bonj0ur
Three years ago, I injured my knee after landing awkwardly from a header while playing football. Since then, my knee hasn't been the same.
After a long wait for an MRI, it turns out I have patellofemoral arthritis. There's minimal cartilage left between my kneecap and leg bones, and my kneecap has shifted to one side. Despite this, I can still do straight-line activities like cycling and swimming, but running is out of the question.
The consultant recommended a knee replacement but advised me to wait as long as possible while I remain active. I've completed physio, and although it seemed promising, I haven’t noticed any real improvement.
Recently, my knee has been giving way more often, and even small movements can trigger sharp pain. If I trip or slip, the pain is intense but usually fades after a minute or two.
I’m 44 and trying to figure out my next steps. If I go ahead with a knee replacement, will I be able to return to my current level of activity? Or should I keep pushing through and hold off for as long as possible?
Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.