Fun sifting through all these threads. I am an orthopedic surgeon with a bad right knee. I can still walk flat five miles plus, but not good on the descent. Sheep hunting is now in my past (have my grand slam, two with a bow), but still have a passion for the elephant, and would love to hunt a Lord Derby Eland. I have several upcoming hunts with my stepson for non trophy elephant in Matetsei, spiral horned antelope Limpopo, and with Zambezi Delta with four of the tiny ten plus Nyala in Mozambique that have all been Covid-19 postponed. Enough about me.
For knee pain you should have an evaluation to find out what is wrong. this would include an interview, exam and standard x rays. There may be a mechanical problem from a meniscus tear, the cushion or spacer between the Femur and the Tibia. May need MRI documentation. This is easily resolved with physical therapy with or without corticosteroid injection, and possibly arthroscopic management. For a degenerative knee where the cartilage covering the bone is eroding or damaged there are different options. These would include again some physical therapy, consideration of injectional therapy to include corticosteroids or possibly viscosupplementation, a glucosamine / hyaluronase substrate. This was initially derived from the Coxcomb of the rooster, but now is synthetically generated. This is a thick viscous slurry that is in one large injection, or in a series of three smaller injections. Like coats of paint on a wall. Makes the joint more slippery, and less sore. Peak effect longer than steroid. Two of three will be improved for up to anywhere from six months or beyond. Bracing to shift the weight away from the damaged side of the joint can be effective. Most people with try nonsurgical measures before pursuing surgical treatment. For Tibiofemoral arthritis ( between the femur and tibia or shin bone) arthroplasty or replacement surgery is entertained for failure of conservative treatment measures. This could be a partial replacement if only one of the compartments is involved, or a total knee replacement if there is three compartment disease. The compartments being inside or medial joint, outside or lateral joint, and the patellofemoral or knee cap joint. The patellofemoral joint has its own special treatment considerations. Recovery will generally be three to six months and give you a B+ knee. Risks include infection (generally less than 1%), blood clot with possible pulmonary embolus, joint stiffness, or instability, and ultimately wear of the implants requiring revision surgery. Not to be taken lightly.
My two cents. Hopefully this helps those with bum knees to make more appropriate decisions about there choices for future care. Good hunting and be safe. TG
