Latest posts for the topic "yet another knee question!"

yet another knee question!

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 14:04:23 GMT

you lot must think I'm obsessed with my knees and skiing

with the sub zero temperatures over the last few days I've discovered that the cold really makes my knees hurt (post-op one particularly). The up side to this is that I've discovered it before my trip so can't blame it on the skiing

for my mcl knee I've got a bracesox lycra undergarment and a hinged donjoy brace. on my acl knee I've got a neoprene support, another lycra undergarment and then a couple of sports bandages for good luck. I'll also get my hands on some some foam (a la trencher). Just call me michelin woman!

so, my question is, would it do me any harm to put some hand warmers in between the layers somewhere under the kneecap? They get very hot and I wondered if anyone knows if this would do any harm? or shall I stick with what I've already got?

thanks
Caron

Re:yet another knee question!

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 14:35:06 GMT

If its to keep your muscles warm Caron, Would`nt some muscle rub stuff be better.

AJ Adele

Re:yet another knee question!

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 14:42:27 GMT

Tiger Balm....

Re:yet another knee question!

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 16:17:45 GMT

Grrrr! Good stuff.

yet another knee question!

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 16:28:45 GMT

caron-a wrote:y
so, my question is, would it do me any harm to put some hand warmers in between the layers somewhere under the kneecap? They get very hot and I wondered if anyone knows if this would do any harm? or shall I stick with what I've already got?

It's actually hard to say, I'd always thought a heat source like a hot water bottle was a good thing but I've since discovered that there's no hard and fast rule, if there's any sort of inflammation what you need is ice and applying heat can do harm. Same with some of the off the shelf supports, they can restrict movement of a joint or increase resistance on movement which can make a problem worse.

I've broken a lot of bones over the years and had some other injuries and I can't say that cold makes any difference, damp weather certainly seems to but not cold. Being fit helps though As does exercise, I reckon the endorphins work better than anything else you can do

Re:yet another knee question!

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 18:09:10 GMT

Caron,

I guess a big issue for you just now, is that you really don't know how it's all going to happen for you. So you may have some angst, at least until you get going, and you re-discover that smooth ski glide! Then you can go skiing with your OH and Grace!

I seem to recall you have several years experience. You might find that playing on the nursury will not be enough. There are two fairly easy T bar runs at the top, (not beginners, next stage up), both in the sun all day, with a Joch alm between them. Vodkas verboten during the day!

You might have a play at the top, enjoy the views, get your confidence levels up, come down on the Gondola.... Then vodka is permitted.

My OH spent most of last week, on these two runs, in the warm sunshine alternating a couple of runs with a hot chocolate, (she told me...) If it's good for broken legs....

No harm with carrying a couple of heat pads.

Hey, it's going to be great!

yet another knee question!

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 02:43:09 GMT

caron-a wrote:you lot must think I'm obsessed with my knees and skiing

with the sub zero temperatures over the last few days I've discovered that the cold really makes my knees hurt (post-op one particularly). The up side to this is that I've discovered it before my trip so can't blame it on the skiing

for my mcl knee I've got a bracesox lycra undergarment and a hinged donjoy brace. on my acl knee I've got a neoprene support, another lycra undergarment and then a couple of sports bandages for good luck. I'll also get my hands on some some foam (a la trencher). Just call me michelin woman!

Can you even move in all that stuff? Kudos on the brace though My health insurance company hates them. Although I love em'
I'd suggest anti inflammatories and of course the all powerful Tiger!! At least your leg will have the o`dor of a canned Christmas ham.

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 22:30:27 GMT

thank you everyone

I've been taught by my consultant and physio that heat is for soothing and cold is for after exertion as ise says. where does the tiger balm and/or muscle rub come in? while off or on the slopes? the pain is not muscle pain, it's the original injuries / operation. saying that, I think they're getting used to the cold as they aren't hurting so much (aside from my physio session this evening, ouch!). as for anti inflammatories, ibuprofen?

Dave, I think you're right that it's mostly uncertainty. My feelings jump between excitement and apprehension. If I can make it onto those sunny slopes it'd be a bonus but it's early days and I'm not going to push myself too hard. I'm sure the husband will enjoy them, mostly with Grace but not always! My plan is, bar delays, to give the nursery slopes a go on the monday afternoon and see how it goes...

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 22:35:53 GMT

You must be a little aprehensive but I bet within a couple of hours you will feel your confidence returning. Ibuprofen, yes probably the best you can buy over the counter. But possibly better Voltarol on prescription.
Enjoy Caron-A.

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 22:55:39 GMT

Re anti-inflammatories, I usually manage for about 3 days before the dodgy fills with fluid. I then take Ibuprofen, 400gm, max 3 x a day. This controls most of the worst bits. If I go off piste, I know I'm in for a grim couple of days, but if the run was a good one, what the heck.

The point about the upper runs, although a bit steeper, the snow quality is much better, allowing you to ski more in control. You will know for yourself after you have completed a few runs at the bottom.

Judging by the work you have put in, I have the impression that you have built up good leg strength, so stay optimistic.

My circumstances have changed slightly in the past week, when it emerged that my ski buddy, Mel, has had to call off his winter skiing. Unfortunately he has to undergo some treatment for a long standing illness. So for my first week, I'll be racing myself!

In my second week, will be racing my two sons, who both think they are quicker than me! My competitive bit says go for it, my fatherly bit says, let them win, otherwise they will go too quickly, and maybe have an accident.

It's a jungle.

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 12:19:07 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:My circumstances have changed slightly in the past week, when it emerged that my ski buddy, Mel, has had to call off his winter skiing. Unfortunately he has to undergo some treatment for a long standing illness. So for my first week, I'll be racing myself!

In my second week, will be racing my two sons, who both think they are quicker than me! My competitive bit says go for it, my fatherly bit says, let them win, otherwise they will go too quickly, and maybe have an accident.

It's a jungle.

I'm really sorry to hear that, I hope he's ok. Still, you'll have surprise mystery guest and/or graham (though he's not a racer!). I'll relax with a book and a hot cup of cocoa )

Is your wife not going for the second week now?

A quick couple of questions while we're on the subject - are there lockers in the village? also, do we need a photo for the lift pass?

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 14:19:01 GMT

caron-a wrote:

Is your wife not going for the second week now?

A quick couple of questions while we're on the subject - are there lockers in the village? also, do we need a photo for the lift pass?

Yes, I have a week by myself, in a 6 person apartment! Then my OH, two sons, and daughter-in-law all arrive for the second week. I then have another day or so. It's a shame my wife isn't there at the same time as you and G.

No photo required. If ever a photo is required, it's all done by webcam - and pretty grotty pictures they take too.

Re lockers, I think that you will find that the Duke of Auhof will take care of all requirements like this ~ you and all the gear will be transported to and from the slope of your choice.

Seven days to go.

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 17:43:01 GMT

Fiery Jack rubbed on first is the answer

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 19:14:50 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:Re lockers, I think that you will find that the Duke of Auhof will take care of all requirements like this ~ you and all the gear will be transported to and from the slope of your choice.

I was thinking that once I've had my quota it'd be easier on the knees walking around in normal boots rather than ski boots which I know can aggravate. Not a problem though.

daleroberts wrote:Fiery Jack rubbed on first is the answer

sounds good. where do I find him?

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 21:59:38 GMT

Caron have a word with Eric at the Margeireta as he has some lockers in the basement.

AJ Adele

Re:yet another knee question!

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:50:14 GMT

excellent. thanks adele

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:54:49 GMT

I am getting even more concerened about my knees. Never had any issues before and in the last month or two I am feeling a slight twinge in both knees going down stairs or getting out of the car etc.( god don't I sound old)

Because I have never had this before I am worried that it will affect my skiing ??

any advice?

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:37:46 GMT

I think many people feel the odd twinge in their knees, I certainly do. If it continues, I would have it checked out because it could be the start of arthritis. I know many people have slight meniscus issues, which can cause that odd twinge. My knees pop, and crack a bit, but I think that's normal. When I had a torn meniscus, there was swelling, and a definite clicking sound when I walked. I would annoy people at meetings by swinging my lower leg, under the table, click click click. Torn meniscus are common, and do not need some major sporting spill to occur. Just lifting while your leg is twisted could do it. Some people I know, have lived with knee injuries they were not aware of, like severed ACL, until something else happened that required a visit to the ortho. If it worries you, or you get swelling, it wouldn't hurt to have it looked at.

Trencher

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:44:40 GMT

Thanks Trencher, hopefully my knees won't pop out whilst hurling down Goats eye at a vast rate of knots next week!!!

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:04:52 GMT

Wow. Reading back through this thread makes it seem like a lifetime ago.

I don't know how old you are but, if it's any consolation, a lot of my mates are complaining about their knees now (around the age of 40). It seems to be a given that your knees feel age, especially, in the experience of my friends, if you do high impact exercise.

If you're really concerned I'd invest in a physio session even if it's just to put your mind at ease.

Good luck

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:05:05 GMT

Check out Hell's Kitchen, easy on the knees

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:32:22 GMT

Hi Caron-a It does seem that that around 40 us skiers seem to go a bit soft on the knees, I am 42 now!

Pablo hells Kitchen sounds interesting where is that situated? near wild west?

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:34:14 GMT

Hi, never had a to much problem with knees,despite being on them for the last 36 years,couple years ago they started to twinge a bit probaly down to playin footy again.Was suggested to me to try Glucosamine tablets might be in me head, but def improvment.
Goff

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:20:43 GMT

I have managed a knee injury for over 20 years. With a mixture of daily knee routines, and the glucosamine/condroitin tablets, I manage to get the best out of my skiing.

If I go off piste, in heavy snow, there is a price to pay, in the way of a swollen knee. It's part of my winter. Ibruprofen is effective for me.

To be effective, you need to take glucosamine for 3 months. How do I know it works? I have twice tried stopping taking it, and on both occasions daily knee pains returned after a month.

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:06:42 GMT

I'm a Glucosamine and Chrondroitin fan also, and use it to manage Patello-Femoral Osteoarthritis in 1 knee. I also use good old Cod Liver Oil for the localised Arthritis that began, post Dendix Thumb
I avoid bump fields these days, as it means swollen knees. I also use Ibuprofen when skiing on consultants instructions.

Is it too early to order a Zimmer frame )

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:42:27 GMT

I regularly recommend G and C although luckily dont have need to use it myself although maybe I should. Years ago my Mum had to go on a waiting list to have a hip replacement she was going to have to wait about 2 years, good old NHS. Her consultant told her to use G and C until she had the op. She had such success with it, she felt she did'nt need the hip op. I told her she still should have the op and she did with great success. But it just shows what relief it can give.

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:43:56 GMT

Bandit, I'm thinking ahead now, to the J2ski get together, 2020 (Zimmer section) We just need Ellestine or some other photoprint genius to give a picture of what our first Zimmer-on-skis race might look like.

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:47:44 GMT

RoseR wrote:I regularly recommend G and C although luckily dont have need to use it myself although maybe I should. Years ago my Mum had to go on a waiting list to have a hip replacement she was going to have to wait about 2 years, good old NHS. Her consultant told her to use G and C until she had the op. She had such success with it, she felt she did'nt need the hip op. I told her she still should have the op and she did with great success. But it just shows what relief it can give.

You have previously recommended Voltarol, Rose. One of mr oldish tennis partners, has been a long term user of Voltarol, and suffered a stomach bleed this autumn. He is off the Voltarol now, and offered me his unused stock. Not too sure if I will make the transition though.

I rarely take Ibruprofen in the summer, mostly just in January and March.

Re:yet another knee question!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:51:32 GMT

Voltarol is fine to use Dave as long as its for short term use, say when you are in pain for a couple of days, but taken continually I would not recommend. Id you need something continually you need something like Arthrotec which has something to protect the stomach as well.

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:56:46 GMT

Thanks guys, assuming I do have problems next week is G&C a quick fix or is it a long term thing and should use ibruprofen as the quick fix?

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:33:27 GMT

Tonypants, Ibuprofen is the anti-inflammatory and pain killing quickfix. I only use it when I'm skiing, as it takes the swelling down enough to be manageable. G & C is at least a 3 month trial for you. At the end of the 3 months only you can decide if it's worked. For belt and braces, I suggest that it would not hurt all of your joints to start taking a cod liver oil capsule from now on.
My views are strictly amateur and have no professional clinical basis whatsoever )

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:39:40 GMT

Hi guys glad to see a little pain and the fact we might not be able to walk in later life is not putting us off what we love to do ) I take Glucasamine all year round and when skiing Naproxen 500Mg, which I get on perscription. This year I am going to try a really tight crepe bandage uder my Bioskin knee brace with the knee in a slightly bent position. I looked at a Donjoy brace but for GBP390 I can buy a lot of painkillers. Last year after skiing I put a bag of ice cubes on my knee for 20mins before heading back out to the bar . This year im trying a more scientific approch and using an Artic blast bandage, www.taureanhealth I also like to keep the knee warm when when just walking around town.

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:19:15 GMT

I did take G and C post op but stopped after a few months. I have no idea if it made a difference . I thought it was very expensive. I do still take cod liver oil though.

Rose, I was taking Ibuprofen 4 times a day when skiing but I bought some Voltarol for this trip after hearing on here that you can buy it over the counter now. Is it right that you can't take it for more than three days in a row though?

Eggman, I'd interested to hear how you get on with those bandages, when are you off? I put an icepack on my knees straight off the mountain but then a hot water bottle in the evening.

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:38:48 GMT

caron-a wrote:I did take G and C post op but stopped after a few months. I have no idea if it made a difference . I thought it was very expensive. I do still take cod liver oil though.

Rose, I was taking Ibuprofen 4 times a day when skiing but I bought some Voltarol for this trip after hearing on here that you can buy it over the counter now. Is it right that you can't take it for more than three days in a row though?

Eggman, I'd interested to hear how you get on with those bandages, when are you off? I put an icepack on my knees straight off the mountain but then a hot water bottle in the evening.

Caron, I had a medical recommendation to use Voltarol tablets recently. They upset my stomach after 24 hours, so I have gone back to Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. I can confirm that the instructions did say, no more than 3 days usage in a row. Have a good read of the contra-indications, and keep an eye out for side effects (as with all medicines).
For the best prices on joint supplements, I now use Zipvit, and it was cem who suggested them to me!
http://www.zipvit.com/

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:44:49 GMT

What really helped me when my knee was bad, was to heat it before skiing. I would ice it for 1/2 an hour to reduce any swelling, and then wrap an electric heat pad around it for 20 min. I found warimg it up before skiing (actually it was snowboarding then) made a huge difference. Definitely don't ice immediately before working it hard, that would end up hurting a lot later.

Trencher

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:31:05 GMT

Reading all the previous posts has given me terrific encouragement. I am booked on my first ski trip for 30 yrs, and have been very concerned about my knees not being up to it. They give me twinges, which I have accepted (being 59) as being normal; they also grind and make a racket when I excercise. I am now limited in the gym because the leg machines give me too much pain. To hear that so many seem to be fighting through some sort of pain to go skiing is giving me heart therefore. Thanks.

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:34:59 GMT

Caron you can take it for more than three days, a lot of people take it every day long term, but you do run more of a risk of stomach probs. Not such a problem if you take it after a fairly substantial meal. Lots of people take it with out eating and thats where they have the problem.

Re:yet another knee question!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:39:04 GMT

Because Voltarol has not long been available OTC the directions and cautions are stricter than if you have it on prescription, its one of the ways of gaining a licence to sell from prescription only to OTC. It can upset my stomach if I take it too long, chronic indigestion but taken as a now and again I am fine.

Re:yet another knee question!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:04:06 GMT

thanks guys. I have used it before for a head cold and I didn't have any problems.
I think I'll stick to ibuprofen and maybe take the Voltarol if really needed.

Huwcyn wrote:Reading all the previous posts has given me terrific encouragement. I am booked on my first ski trip for 30 yrs, and have been very concerned about my knees not being up to it. They give me twinges, which I have accepted (being 59) as being normal; they also grind and make a racket when I excercise. I am now limited in the gym because the leg machines give me too much pain. To hear that so many seem to be fighting through some sort of pain to go skiing is giving me heart therefore. Thanks.

Good for you! Take painkillers beforehand, maybe wear some neoprene/support and enjoy

Re:yet another knee question!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:35:25 GMT

Hi

I agree with what Trencher said earlier about warmth and cold.

I had a minor but excrutiating knee injury through cycling for 30 odd miles, in the cold, with shorts on. I saw a physio who gave me exercises to do and said to keep it warm when exercising/cycling. Brilliant advice - I've never had a problem since.

In short, I believe that keeping joints warm will help prevent picking up further injuries.

Being tired can lead to injuries too.