Am I suffering from arthrosis of spine and both the knees?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 64-year-old-female. I work in a garment factory as a pedal sewing machine operator for eight hours and five days a week while sitting and using my leg. Is this type of work terrible for my knee and spine? Am I suffering from arthrosis of the spine and both of my knees? Between Collagen type 2 and Glucosamine tablet, which is better for me? What kind of food and physical activity should I avoid? Should I avoid jogging, jumping, or running exercises and lifting? Should I do physiotherapy for hip and knee every day or once a week is fine?

Regarding Knee:

Am I a candidate for knee arthroplasty? What can I do to avoid worsening my knee pain? Should I wear a knee brace all the time? If not all the time, how often? Between Cortisone (Methylprednisolone) and Gel Injection, which one will be better for me considering my age, condition, and Why? What are the side effects?

Regarding the Spine or Hip:

Now I have mild pain and discomfort. What can I do to avoid worsening my back pain? Should I wear a back brace all the time? If not all the time, how often? Should I use any particular type of shoes and bed mattress? Please give me any other suggestions or treatment plans, if you have any? Would you please have a look at the attached images?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through all of your reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). I can see that there are early osteoarthritic changes in the knee joint. In the spine, there is mild scoliosis (a sideways curvature of the spine) and degenerative changes due to age.

1. Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate tablets are suitable for your condition.

2. Avoid oily foods which increase your weight, and during physical activity, avoid lifting heavy weights and bending forward.

3. Avoid sitting cross-legged and squatting.

4. You can continue your professional work along with regular physiotherapy.

5. You can go jogging and running.

6. Regarding physiotherapy, you need to do it daily at home after taking a few sessions at the physiotherapy center.

At present, you are not an ideal candidate for total knee replacement (TKR). I will suggest Cortisone injection and gel injection. You can use a knee cap while walking to decrease the condition's progress and do regular physiotherapy and weight reduction. You can use a back belt while you are walking or traveling. For pain, you can take analgesics (pain medication) as required.