This is my 2 cents for anyone suffering from sore knees.
1. Get an MRI if insurance will pay for it. You'll need that so your insurance will help pay for some, and hopefully all that's needed.
2. If you've already had surgery or have arthritis but don't need surgery, see if you can get a script for PT. PT will go a long way in teaching you what to do on your own, when the script for PT runs out. Find the best "sports" PT in the area and go as often as you can and do extra at home. If insurance won't pay for it, search YouTube for "PT for arthritic knees" and save 4 - 5 different routines and do them at least 2-4 times a week, depending on tolerance and pain. If your progressing well, I would recommend changing your rehab routine, every 2-3 weeks to continue improvements. If you have pain returns or is persistent, go back to Dr or seek another opinion.
3. Back to initial Dr. visit and MRI….. After receiving a diagnosis for arthritis, ask your Dr or better yet, your orthopedic, for Uflexxa (sic) shots in the knee. They don't hurt, are all natural and the visit take only a few minutes. Uflexza are shots of the sodium Hyalironate (sic), a fluid that lubricates the inside of your knees. Most insurances will pay for these every 6 months and can be life changing for many with moderate to severe arthritis in the knees.
Something else that you can do, that may help, are stem cell shots. Not all stem cell shots are the same and costs can be really high. You always get what you pay for, if they are hurting bad enough and you have the resources, do your homework and make sure that you aren't getting a cheap substitute. Your insurance won't cover the stem cells, so negotiating the price and/or finding a Dr that hunts as well, always helps!
4. Supplements- Someone mentioned Krill Oil earlier. Krill Oil will go a long way to treating those with less severe arthritis. Everyone who's active and/or played sports when they were young should take KO. Make sure that your getting Krill oil that's processed in the USA. Avoid cheap, foreign substitutes. If Krill Oil isn't available, the standard fish oil from the USA can help.
Another daily recommendation is collagen protein. Like Krill oil, supplementing with collagen will generally help those with less severe arthritis. For those with moderate to severe arthritis, a good made in the USA collagen protein with vit C is a must. There are many types, I suggest you try a few to see what works best for you. In addition to those MUST use supplements, vitamin D3, glucosamine and chrondrotin have all shown promise.
5. Topicals- Anything that contains capsaicin will make the knees "feel better" but no, zero, topical works better on arthritic knee pain than Voltaren Gel. For years Voltaren was a prescription tablet that was used orally, they then started making it in a prescription strength gel and now it's available over the counter. Use it at night after showering and upon rising in the morning.
6. NSAID's- These things work, but they are hard on the gut. Aleve offers you the biggest bang for the buck and you don't have to take as much, so, you save wear and tear on the gut. Prescriptions of celebrex work well to, but like the OTC's, they can cause damage to the gut. Always take them with food and make sure that you're drinking lots of water.
7. Steroids- No, I'm not talking about HET, I talking steroids for inflammation… A medrol dose pack or shot will offer some short term relief, but will not get rid of your issues. Use with caution and only when necessary!
8. Lastly is exercise.. If all the above doesn't help, your mountain hunting days are probably over and you'll be limited to riding the 4x4 to the stand and sitting with the kids and grand kids. NOT A BAD PROBLEM!!! If you're able to get out and walk and/or ride a bike, I suggest you do that. I would recommend a fitness tracker, garmin or polar watch to track your progress. Gradually add time, distance and/or load in the pack and plan rest weeks every 3-4 weeks for recovery. Reduce the time, distance and load by 30% for 5-7 days and begin the progression again. Set obtainable goals and start far enough out from the big hunt or season so that you don't have to rush your preparation.
I hope this helpa! If you have any specific questions, feel free to DM me, my schedule is wide open.
Happy Hunting!
