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[toffeecushion]

I went to the doctor yesterday with my aching and creaky knees and he suspects osteoarthritis.  I need an xray to confirm.   So I decided to see if there was a connection with the menopause and lo and behold they link it with low estrogen.  Just wondered what other people's experiences were, did your symptoms get worse as your menopause started and would taking estrogen help?

[CLKD]

Osteo arthritis is wear and tear of the various joints particularly those weight bearing ones that is caused by humans evolving upright.  Plus exercise, wrong shoe wear, type of work etc. can all cause problems in the joints.  X-ray will confirm the amount of 'damage' present and if any treatment is required.  It can be managed by pain relief as necessary, if the joint is severely worn then replacement surgery.

Interesting about the oestrogen ……… I don't know if any studies have been done,  maybe Hurdity does have info.?

[honeybun]

I have in both knees, my right one being the worse. It started in my 40s with the cracking noise. Now my knee is permanently swollen. I have fluid gather in a pocket under my knee cap.
The sad thing is there is absolutely nothing that can be done.
I have had physiotherapy and ultra sound and acupuncture. All helped a little but not a lot. I can't take anti inflammatory pills so I use a gel. When things are very bad I use a support.
I don't do hills or stairs but can walk fine on the flat. My knee does swell though if I walk too far.
My sis has the same and had keyhole surgery which worked for about a year. She is now facing the possibility of a new knee cap.

The one thing a physio will tell you is to strengthen your thigh muscles, oh and to keep your weight down.
I have to say it does worry me because I'm 54 and hopefully have a way to go yet.

Sorry I can't be more positive but having this is no fun at all.


Honeyb
x

[Dancinggirl]

I believe there is a strong link of anything to do with our joints and oestrogen deficiency. Bond loss, ligament inflammation and general pain in the joints are all linked with the meno - I think there s a section on this site about this. HRT will help to a point as it will help to maintain bone density and ligament health. It is easier to maintain muscle structure as well with HRT. I had a break from HRT for a year recently and I really noticed a dramatic loss of muscle despite increasing my physical activity - my hips really started to hurt badly.  Since going back on HRT my muscle structure has improved again. DG x

[honeybun]

My knee problems started long before meno. I was probably 40 and still having regular cycles.

I don't find any difference on or off HRT to be honest as the damage has been done and the knee joints will not get any better no matter how much oestrogen I take.

No doubt it helps with bone density but for actual damage to a joint 


Honeyb
X

[CLKD]

Once the damage is done, short of replacement surgery, it can't be improved other than be magining any pain and swelling.  Taking advice from a physiotherapist can be useful, not only for joints but for posture, i.e. when ironing and we need to remember to bend knees (that don't creak  ) instead of bending from the hips to protect the back.  Wearing appropriate foot wear is very important too.

I note that DH is beginning to lean forwards and I see it in myself when I glimpse that old lady in shop windows: before realising it's me!

X-ray is usually the first step to take  after which decisions can be made as to future management.  I have been SO lucky, apart from RLS and occasional sciatica which reminds me to bend correctly, my joints have worn well.  I danced 2/3 times weekly until I was 18 but cycled everywhere, which I think kept the quads muscles firmed up.  Certainly when walking/cycling/climbing slopes it's the thighs that HURT!  (note to self  )