Knee pain - advice from radio programme

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I heard this while driving over to my Dad’s this afternoon and I think it will help me. It might help you too.

What’s up Docs? on BBC R4

Today’s guest was an Aussie knee specialist. The takehome for me was that if our knees are giving us pain, then our muscles are not strong enough. In other words, exercise more not less.

I will leave you to glean the details.

There was advice for anyone struggling to open jars too.

Easily findable on BBC Sounds.

(If you have some sort sort of ideological problem with the broadcaster btw, I’m only the messenger. Thanks.)

Cheers, Chris

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I do thigh muscle strengthening exercises when watching TV. It works.

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My knees are shot as a consequence of slamming them into cold limestone for 25 years. That’s helpful advice.

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Has a spot of bother with my right knee. I was dispatched for investigation by a specialist. X-rays and stuff like that. At the end of the consultation they handed me a British Arthritis Association branded sheet of exercise instructions. Certainly in my case the exercises work, though only if you actually do them…

Willy.

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This popped up in The Times yesterday. Must be International Knee Day in the press !

It’s behind a paywall, but you usually get a few articles a month if don’t subscribe. Doesn’t say much that hasn’t been said already

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Wise advice imho. Doesn’t just work with knees either, any joint pain can be lessened - back pain too. Sitting on your a### all day has never done anyone any good!!

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I think it depends hugely on what is the cause of the pain! I don’t think exercise will help if knee is worn out, cushioning cartilage worn away, etc… But if knees are weak, then exercise is good for them.

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Exercises given to me by a GP after a telephone consultation didn’t work that well; pain was reduced slightly and didn’t get any worse but didn’t disappear. Once face-to-face appointments were the thing again, I saw a physiotherapist and she gave me a different set of exercises that worked in a remarkably short time. Apparently, in her view, you need to be seen in person to work out which exercises work best, otherwise, it is a bit hit or miss if the exercises given with work the specific muscle or group of muscles that need working on.

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I had a knee replacement last year after years of (relatively) successful management of its deterioration. Years of playing sport, and consequent damage to cartilage and bone surface had taken its toll.
In my experience, keeping leg muscles strong and toned definitely helps significantly, and a good physio will generally give much better targeted exercises and advice than a GP or orthopedist.

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I was told by the physiotherapist that sensible exercise is always a good thing especially using resistance equipment as we get older.
I was prescribed Alendronic tablets for osteoporosis to improve bone density after the results from a Dexa scan. After three years the osteoporosis has been ‘improved’ to osteopenia. Dexa scans, I believe have only been generally available for men since around 2017. I was sceptical about the benefits of Alendronic tablets but decided to take them when I read that around 40% of people who break a major limb after the age of 70 are dead within one year!

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This week’s programme [or “show”, as the doctor presenters irritatingly called it] was on testosterone replacement treatment.

That’s What’s Up Docs? on BBC R4.

Testosterone prescriptions have gone up tenfold in the last decade, said the expert in reproductive endocrinology who was the guest. Lots of celebrity endorsements on social apparently.

The key question seemed to be, ‘Can you run for a bus?’ If not, listen on…

Edit: The answer possibly depends on how bad your knees are :wink: