Physical grafter's 57 year old knees

[Lord Flashheart]

I've spent the majority of my life doing physical jobs daily. I go up and down stairs many times every day, often carrying toolboxes, bags of rubble, boxes of heavy tiles etc. When I'm not doing that, I'm kneeling down down, standing up, kneeling down, standing up (repeat 100+ times). I also have owned English Bull Terriers for 24 years, none of which have ever walked to heal. It's like walking a small steam train! And I live in a hilly area, so downhill is spent holding back a lunatic dog with all strain on my old knees and lower back.
I don't actually have knee pain in general, but in recent years there is discomfort in my knees when they are under strain. If I'm just pottering around/walking on the level/sitting, there's no discomfort at all. So I'm thinking that sooner or later my knees will actually become a real permanent issue and changing job or house location is not an option.
I see runners with these elasticated knee supports on. Are these what I need (no pun intended)? If so, there will be good and bad ones no doubt, so which ones are good?
Is there anyone here who works on the tools with similar issues to me and has found a convenient, simple answer?

[Red9zero]

You're lucky your knees lasted so long. I started working for my Father at 16 (roofing /GRP company) and my knees were done by the time I was 25. First one went while I was working in Spain, which was nice. Since had a few ops, with eventually replacements if they get worse. Pills don't seem to work and the knee supports just make me sweaty and too hot, which then seems to aggravate my knees. Moving to an office job sort of helped, but sitting too long can make them seize up. Driving too long can also get uncomfortable, so regular breaks for a stretch are a must. I have actually found that regular, short, slow walks with our dog are the best therapy. He is a terrier too (Westie), but he has one speed and that is very slow, so that helps. He also has a harness, which sometimes helps too. Basically, not much help really, but I feel your pain, literally !

[lrdisco]

Sorry but I’ve tried loads of the knee supports and in my experience they are all rubbish. Sweaty and ruck up behind your knee.
Builder here who had to give up due to knees and lungs being buggered.
Now work in H&S in an office.

[Mr Magooagain]

Plasterer builder here. Years of floor screeding ,stilt walking, hop ups and two games of footy a week for many years have resulted in much knee pain and injury. I’ve had my right knee cleaned out of loose bits and it’s much the same now after 5 years. Mine is mainly Cartlidge problems and when they are bad (both knees) I’ve found using a Velcro fastened band just below the knee cap works best. It’s only about 3 cms wide. It’s not a cure but does help. Full elastic supports did very little.

I’m 66 and hopefully through the worst of it as I’m keen not to have any operations.

[The Leaper]

I have had arthritis for several years in both knees. I tried knee supports which did nothing for me. In due course I saw my GP, she rightly suspected arthritis. arranged X-rays which confirmed this, and I got an open letter of referral. Consequently, I had right knee total replacement surgery May 2003 and left leg TKR May 2004. In both case it took me maybe 3-4 months to recover fully. Both knees are now in good nick.

So, I recommend getting yourself to your GP pronto and going through a similar process to me. If you do have the op, be prepared for pre-op physio sessions and then 3-4 months of post op physio sessions plus a strong daily exercise routine. My post op message is: pain, exercise, rest.

R.

[lrdisco]

Sorry but I’ve tried loads of the knee supports and in my experience they are all rubbish. Sweaty and ruck up behind your knee.
Builder here who had to give up due to knees and lungs being buggered.
Now work in H&S in an office.

[LuckyThirteen]

Anybody tried those sprung assisters that have been advertised on social media?

[Mr Magooagain]

Mr Magooagain said:

Plasterer builder here. Years of floor screeding ,stilt walking, hop ups and two games of footy a week for many years have resulted in much knee pain and injury. I’ve had my right knee cleaned out of loose bits and it’s much the same now after 5 years. Mine is mainly Cartlidge problems and when they are bad (both knees) I’ve found using a Velcro fastened band just below the knee cap works best. It’s only about 3 cms wide. It’s not a cure but does help. Full elastic supports did very little.

I’m 66 and hopefully through the worst of it as I’m keen not to have any operations.

Edit to add photo .


Bought on Amazon. Karm Patellar knee brace.

[gazza285]

I’ve never found a comfortable wearable support, but when mine get bad I will use KT tape for a week or so, as recommended by one of the physiotherapists I have used.

Never had any medical intervention, I was told at thirty three to persevere as long as I could before resorting to an operation, then told at fifty that I was too old.

[The_Doc]

When the time comes,

A. See a good physio, recommended to you as "good with knees" Don't ask your GP, they know less. Don't have an MRI unless requested by a specialist. They are very difficult to interpret in isolation.
B. Lose weight and do 3 months of physio minimum.
C. when /if this fails, ask to see a knee surgeon, not to talk specifically about surgery, but for an overview of treatments.

Offloading braces, keyhole, osteotomy, partial or full replacement, etc etc.

This is my job

Edited by The_Doc on Saturday 2nd November 16:44

[dirky dirk]

Im a whopper
I like a moderate hike and they are sore next day but generally fine

I renovated my daughters house and no amount of rest gets them back to normal i think it was up and down a foldaway stool thats done it with nothing to pull myself up on as my hands usually have a drill or a brush
I think ill go on a diet and try some swimming or cycling
If it wasnt for the fact the nhs is ruined id go the the docs