My Body is Falling Apart-Whine Alert!

[altagirl]

I’m curious… does ANYTHING work to help with this stuff you all have going on? PRP, stem cell injections… TKR?? I know a knee replacement is the last thing most people want to do unless they really need to. But I guess I am curious because there are so many people with knee replacements and hip replacements etc. who are incredibly high level skiers afterwards too. And I know I have seen some talk about stem cells on Ski Talk and being able to avoid knee replacements longer. So, are these things options you guys might try to prolong high level athletic pursuits?

I would just make sure you have a detailed conversation with your surgeon first. One of my coworkers did TKR a couple of years ago specifically so she could ski and her surgeon told her afterwards that he STRONGLY recommended she never ski again, because it was too dangerous and the knee joint now wouldn't give, so a crash could result in a broken femur instead. She is crushed.

I do know others with knee replacements who ski just fine and don't really know all the TKR options so I'd just make sure you have that conversation up front and the doctor understands your priorities.

I have a friend who did PRP recently who is incredibly athletic but it's just not helping. And know others who have gotten infections after a TKR and that's scary. I'll probably have that done eventually, but not while I'm 100% pain free on most days and can do the things i want to with reasonable modifications.

 

[MissySki]

I would just make sure you have a detailed conversation with your surgeon first. One of my coworkers did TKR a couple of years ago specifically so she could ski and her surgeon told her afterwards that he STRONGLY recommended she never ski again, because it was too dangerous and the knee joint now wouldn't give, so a crash could result in a broken femur instead. She is crushed.

I do know others with knee replacements who ski just fine and don't really know all the TKR options so I'd just make sure you have that conversation up front and the doctor understands your priorities.

I have a friend who did PRP recently who is incredibly athletic but it's just not helping. And know others who have gotten infections after a TKR and that's scary. I'll probably have that done eventually, but not while I'm 100% pain free on most days and can do the things i want to with reasonable modifications.

Multiple coaches in my seasonal adult program have two knees done or two hips. It’s kind of crazy. I’ve met other random skiers who have different replacements as well. They all came right back, didn’t seem like there was any question that they would. Of course each person is unique and has different bodies and issues with them. I agree with of course having in depth conversations with specialists and more than one at that. And of course working with doctors who hopefully can understand and get behind your lifestyle if at all possible.

I’m only 42, and my joints are seemingly in good health currently. Hopefully they’ll stay that way for as long as possible, and in the interim I am always trying to build more strength for stability and protection. Not to mention since I am in peri, I am also interested in the idea of HRT offering protective qualities for my bones and joints ultimately. A great potential side benefit, even though it’s not my focus right now. I’m always interested in reading about other people’s experiences with the latest options for joint issues. Good to keep up on.

 

[contesstant]

I’m curious… does ANYTHING work to help with this stuff you all have going on? PRP, stem cell injections… TKR?? I know a knee replacement is the last thing most people want to do unless they really need to. But I guess I am curious because there are so many people with knee replacements and hip replacements etc. who are incredibly high level skiers afterwards too. And I know I have seen some talk about stem cells on Ski Talk and being able to avoid knee replacements longer. So, are these things options you guys might try to prolong high level athletic pursuits?

My trainer is mid-50s, grew up in Austria and had a very bad biking accident when she was younger where they had to remove a lot of the cartilage in one knee when cleaning it out. Certainly NOT what one would expect nowadays, and she was told she would have bad arthritis when she got older, which she did develop obviously. However, she says she has been able to keep full use and mobility from keeping her legs incredibly strong around her knees. She did switch to snowboarding from skiing as she feels it is easier on her knees, and she doesn’t run but she mountain bikes and is a very big fan of the crazy stair steppers at the gym and hikes a lot. She does everything in the gym that she asks of me…squats, leg press, wall sits, etc etc. It’s pretty mind boggling when I think about it. She is thinking about trying PRP or stem cells at some point down the road, but hasn’t felt it necessary just yet.

For arthritis, knee replacement is the only solution because arthritis doesn't heal. So, SOP is to keep on until the pain is unbearable or highly disruptive. PRP isn't covered by insurance but I've been told that it can be effective for a torn meniscus. My arthritis isn't what's holding me back skiing, it's my hypermobility, which causes extra stress on the skeleton and muscles because the connective tissue isn't "normal". Of course, I'm also limited by the arterial disorder (FMD) because I am supposed to keep my HR below a threshold, and it's pretty much impossible when I'm skiing my first few runs.

I hear you on modifications... my squats are pathetic but it is what it is. I've found i can do single leg RDLs and step ups and such without issue but squats and lunges that are even close to full range of motion are out of the question. My knees grind and it's just instantly not worth it. For the longest time i imagined I'd find some magic form correction where they'd feel good again and it's just not happening. But i can hike and even run a bit if I'm so inspired and feel really good most of the time. Which after this many knee surgeries feels like all I can ask for.

I'm like you in that modifications are acceptable, heck, getting an e-bike is a huge modication I had to make. The alternative was no more MTB, which is just not an acceptable option!

 

[MissySki]

For arthritis, knee replacement is the only solution because arthritis doesn't heal. So, SOP is to keep on until the pain is unbearable or highly disruptive. PRP isn't covered by insurance but I've been told that it can be effective for a torn meniscus. My arthritis isn't what's holding me back skiing, it's my hypermobility, which causes extra stress on the skeleton and muscles because the connective tissue isn't "normal". Of course, I'm also limited by the arterial disorder (FMD) because I am supposed to keep my HR below a threshold, and it's pretty much impossible when I'm skiing my first few runs.

I'm like you in that modifications are acceptable, heck, getting an e-bike is a huge modication I had to make. The alternative was no more MTB, which is just not an acceptable option!

I thought PRP and stem cell therapy also showed some promise as a treatment since it is supposed to help regenerate collagen? Nothing is a cure outside of TKR of course... but there seem to be some who have had success with these treatments and prolonging the need for replacement. OR like Lindsay Vonne went with a partial replacement really young after a lot of catastrophic injuries.

I can see the hypermobility piece since I am also hypermobile. That along with my long lower leg leverage is why I need to be in a stiff ski boot and could not make due with the soft noodle of the Lange RS120 last season. I don't even have knee issues and I could feel the additional strain being put on my knees in rough conditions with no support from those boots. In my current boots I feel no strain at all, thankfully. That is also a focus of my trainer's for muscle mass gains and strengthening goals for me of course. Super important for hypermobile folks to stabilize with muscle mass as much as possible. We work on this around my ankles and knees a lot.

I dislike the idea of people having to deal with pain and deteriorate until it is unbearable before they can take action. I mean, I understand longevity of the replacements etc., and that there are reasons for everything... hopefully also beyond insurance coverage... but it seems so counterproductive and reactive rather than proactive to do it that way especially in active people. Those people progressively cannot be active and then lose so much strength basically to the point of failure in some areas and then have to regain it all after a major surgery to then feel better and can get active again. There should be a more holistic way to maintain to a certain acceptable level of mobility and then treat before it gets to an unbearable point, if the doctor and patient agree of course, versus having to get to an excruciating immobile place before fixing. And perhaps for some that is also using interventions like PRP and stem cell therapy to keep chugging along until they reach that tipping point...

 

[tinymoose]

FWIW unless you have OA in other knee compartments generally they won’t do and insurance wouldn’t cover TKR for patellofemoral OA. There is a form of partial knee replacement of the patella compartment but from what I understand its longevity is not as good and can often lead to needing a TKR down the road in 10-15 years when it fails. My ortho surgeon essentially described it as a salvage surgery and may not offer me much in the way of gains with a lot of risks. My OA is from maltracking patellas and patella alta since birth. We just didn’t know about it until the knees got mad because my knees seemingly worked fine.

Generally speaking they tend to avoid surgical options if they can, especially in younger people because of concerns of needing additional surgeries down the road if/when the replacement fails. Multiple surgeries usually have diminishing outcomes. They’ll usually throw everything else at it first. Unfortunately as Amy said PRP and stem cell therapy are generally not covered by insurance and are hit and miss as far as results. Even with my HA injection that was covered by insurance, I can’t say I’ve noticed that it’s really made a huge difference in how my knees feel.

 

[contesstant]

I thought PRP and stem cell therapy also showed some promise as a treatment since it is supposed to help regenerate collagen? Nothing is a cure outside of TKR of course... but there seem to be some who have had success with these treatments and prolonging the need for replacement. OR like Lindsay Vonne went with a partial replacement really young after a lot of catastrophic injuries.

I can see the hypermobility piece since I am also hypermobile. That along with my long lower leg leverage is why I need to be in a stiff ski boot and could not make due with the soft noodle of the Lange RS120 last season. I don't even have knee issues and I could feel the additional strain being put on my knees in rough conditions with no support from those boots. In my current boots I feel no strain at all, thankfully. That is also a focus of my trainer's for muscle mass gains and strengthening goals for me of course. Super important for hypermobile folks to stabilize with muscle mass as much as possible. We work on this around my ankles and knees a lot.

I dislike the idea of people having to deal with pain and deteriorate until it is unbearable before they can take action. I mean, I understand longevity of the replacements etc., and that there are reasons for everything... hopefully also beyond insurance coverage... but it seems so counterproductive and reactive rather than proactive to do it that way especially in active people. Those people progressively cannot be active and then lose so much strength basically to the point of failure in some areas and then have to regain it all after a major surgery to then feel better and can get active again. There should be a more holistic way to maintain to a certain acceptable level of mobility and then treat before it gets to an unbearable point, if the doctor and patient agree of course, versus having to get to an excruciating immobile place before fixing. And perhaps for some that is also using interventions like PRP and stem cell therapy to keep chugging along until they reach that tipping point...

All I'll say is it's easier said than done. Life, kids, insomnia, and work all make maintaining the ideal activity and strength levels really challenging. For me, I apparently have such a high pain tolerance that I just don't notice it until it's gotten really bad. I finally have more time to take care of myself with my kiddo in college out of state, so I'm much more dedicated to PT than I have been in the past. I was honestly shocked when I found out I have bone on bone under my patella. I had NO idea. I don't feel it in that knee at all. Maybe I've done a better job of maintaining things than I think, I don't know.

 

[MissySki]

FWIW unless you have OA in other knee compartments generally they won’t do and insurance wouldn’t cover TKR for patellofemoral OA. There is a form of partial knee replacement of the patella compartment but from what I understand its longevity is not as good and can often lead to needing a TKR down the road in 10-15 years when it fails. My ortho surgeon essentially described it as a salvage surgery and may not offer me much in the way of gains with a lot of risks. My OA is from maltracking patellas and patella alta since birth. We just didn’t know about it until the knees got mad because my knees seemingly worked fine.

Generally speaking they tend to avoid surgical options if they can, especially in younger people because of concerns of needing additional surgeries down the road if/when the replacement fails. Multiple surgeries usually have diminishing outcomes. They’ll usually throw everything else at it first. Unfortunately as Amy said PRP and stem cell therapy are generally not covered by insurance and are hit and miss as far as results. Even with my HA injection that was covered by insurance, I can’t say I’ve noticed that it’s really made a huge difference in how my knees feel.

You should take a look at the thread on Ski Talk about the stem cells, if you haven't. I know there is someone there who seems to rave about a specific doctor with it that they have used. But yes agreed, it is an expense likely not covered by insurance and I'm sure not insignificant... but it could be worth it down the road if other things don't work and it is really hindering your activities. But perhaps it is only effective in certain cases as well.

I understand the concept of waiting for surgery and trying other things first of course, as well as not wanting to cause more issues later on, at least logic wise... I am not updated on the latest and greatest devices and longevity of these surgeries in 2025 admittedly. I just also feel it's an odd/crappy proposition how we have to wait until one is way older and therefore less likely to be able to even enjoy the improvements and pain-free activity as much as in younger years depending how long it takes to degrade to that extent and how debilitating it is along the way to that point I guess... IF the issues are so bad that it limits activities you want to do while younger, stronger, and more able bodied... that feels wrong. We should sit around and wait to rot away enough to intervene? And waste all that time as well? It just seems so counterproductive for anyone with a preference towards enjoying things now because tomorrow is far from guaranteed. Not to mention that major surgeries start to carry a lot more risk with advanced age too.

All to say, this is a very theoretical standpoint, and I am not actually saying anyone is right or wrong to explore, or not explore, whatever options in any particular timeframe. Of course, it is all very personal. I can only speak for myself on how I believe I would fall on the spectrum if it were me down the road in this position. I tend to find fault in this regard to Western medicine in general and how everything is so much more reactive than proactive. I find fault with this because in most cases proactive measures will always trump reactive ones, it is so much harder to fix what's broken rather than preventing it from getting broken, or as badly broken, in the first place. I feel like what Lindsay Vonne is doing exemplifies my thoughts on things really well... she was in pain AND unable to pursue the activities she wanted to and somehow it all worked out amazingly well to do what she's doing now with a partial knee replacement. I NEVER would have though that was a possibility for so many reasons. I am so all for that approach though and love how she went for it. Do it now, do whatever you can to enjoy it WHILE you can, figure out what's next when needed. Of course, she has way more access to the best medical team and a lot of financial resources as well, but the approach is 100% how I would want to approach it too haha. I know for a fact I would get pushback from some in my family who have a different outlook on these things, but that's my take regardless.

 

[MissySki]

All I'll say is it's easier said than done. Life, kids, insomnia, and work all make maintaining the ideal activity and strength levels really challenging.

Absolutely, it's always an individual choice to prioritize everything we do, and don't do, in a life with lots of competing priorities and situations.

 

[tinymoose]

Does taping help? Or wrapping the knee? Cycling is really good for patellofemoral OA. Maybe that's why mine hasn't been super bothersome since I moved to Utah and started biking regularly 12 years ago, who knows. I mountain bike, BTW. The repetitive motion of road cycling bothers my knees after awhile. (I have no explanation for this. I'm weird I guess!) The on and off pedaling of mountain biking does not. It's more fun anyway. I've had achy knees since I was in my teens. I think I'm just so used to it, that I have learned to ignore it. Probably not the best way to deal with it. Wearing a compression knee sleeve while skiing helps with the ache under the patella, however, it also causes my foot to fall asleep, so I need to find something else. I'll try KT tape next. I haven't been doing PT long enough to determine how helpful it will be. I thought I was doing a good thing by getting back to fitness classes. I still am, but boy do I have to modify a lot of the movements now! So yeah, I totally get the sadness about the former level of athleticism. I'm coming to terms with the fact that I'll never ski at the level I have aspired to. Determination only goes so far.

If anyone else wants to join in on my pity party and share their frustrations, feel free to! Shared experiences can be affirming.

Sorry just realized I didn't answer this. Taping didn't really do much for me personally. I did get different compression sleeves for skiing this year and they seem to be helping more than the braces I had last year did? Or maybe my knees are just generally less angry than last year. lol I also got HA injections pre-ski season, although I can't say my knees feel significantly different/better than before, but at least they're not worse either!

These are my new sleeves for skiing:

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

[tinymoose]

You should take a look at the thread on Ski Talk about the stem cells, if you haven't. I know there is someone there who seems to rave about a specific doctor with it that they have used. But yes agreed, it is an expense likely not covered by insurance and I'm sure not insignificant... but it could be worth it down the road if other things don't work and it is really hindering your activities. But perhaps it is only effective in certain cases as well.

I understand the concept of waiting for surgery and trying other things first of course, as well as not wanting to cause more issues later on, at least logic wise... I am not updated on the latest and greatest devices and longevity of these surgeries in 2025 admittedly. I just also feel it's an odd/crappy proposition how we have to wait until one is way older and therefore less likely to be able to even enjoy the improvements and pain-free activity as much as in younger years depending how long it takes to degrade to that extent and how debilitating it is along the way to that point I guess... IF the issues are so bad that it limits activities you want to do while younger, stronger, and more able bodied... that feels wrong. We should sit around and wait to rot away enough to intervene? And waste all that time as well? It just seems so counterproductive for anyone with a preference towards enjoying things now because tomorrow is far from guaranteed. Not to mention that major surgeries start to carry a lot more risk with advanced age too.

All to say, this is a very theoretical standpoint, and I am not actually saying anyone is right or wrong to explore, or not explore, whatever options in any particular timeframe. Of course, it is all very personal. I can only speak for myself on how I believe I would fall on the spectrum if it were me down the road in this position. I tend to find fault in this regard to Western medicine in general and how everything is so much more reactive than proactive. I find fault with this because in most cases proactive measures will always trump reactive ones, it is so much harder to fix what's broken rather than preventing it from getting broken, or as badly broken, in the first place. I feel like what Lindsay Vonne is doing exemplifies my thoughts on things really well... she was in pain AND unable to pursue the activities she wanted to and somehow it all worked out amazingly well to do what she's doing now with a partial knee replacement. I NEVER would have though that was a possibility for so many reasons. I am so all for that approach though and love how she went for it. Do it now, do whatever you can to enjoy it WHILE you can, figure out what's next when needed. Of course, she has way more access to the best medical team and a lot of financial resources as well, but the approach is 100% how I would want to approach it too haha. I know for a fact I would get pushback from some in my family who have a different outlook on these things, but that's my take regardless.

I wonder if PRP and stem cells work better for certain types of knee arthritis than others? I've not been too inclined to try it given a lot of people I've found online who also have patellofemoral OA didn't have much success with either, plus $$$$. The HA injections I did also didn't do much for me, although I know others have had great success with them. I will say having read up, there seems to less info and solutions for patellofemoral OA. Not that any OA has great options, but a lot of people online with this condition have expressed their frustration that nobody really offers them good solutions so they just muddle by as best they can. Partial knee replacements on non-patella compartments have much higher success rates and longevity, which is annoying.

At this point I'm just doing some trial and error with workouts and activities in an attempt to modify and manage as best I can, given neither PT or injections have proved a cure for the pain. All things considered, my knees are less angry than last year but it would still be nice to get rid of the pain entirely, but that may never happen. I'm hopeful maybe if I can muddle by in a decade or two someone will be regrowing cartilage by that point.

 

[contesstant]

Sorry just realized I didn't answer this. Taping didn't really do much for me personally. I did get different compression sleeves for skiing this year and they seem to be helping more than the braces I had last year did? Or maybe my knees are just generally less angry than last year. lol I also got HA injections pre-ski season, although I can't say my knees feel significantly different/better than before, but at least they're not worse either!

These are my new sleeves for skiing:

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Sleeves make mine feel the best while skiing, too. Taping mostly helps me when I'm strength training. I have a custom brace for my TPF knee and I don't like it. It is so cumbersome and doesn't help with pain. I'm grateful that I really have very little pain overall, just overall body aches (especially my neck.) The PT tried to dry needle one of my shoulders today, and I almost passed out. I don't do needles very well. I'm going to work on the mental fear of needles, because I really want to dry needle some of the muscles (trapezius) that have been in knots for decades.

I skied today, and thankfully whatever I tweaked in my left knee on Sunday was not an issue.

 

[contesstant]

You should take a look at the thread on Ski Talk about the stem cells, if you haven't. I know there is someone there who seems to rave about a specific doctor with it that they have used. But yes agreed, it is an expense likely not covered by insurance and I'm sure not insignificant... but it could be worth it down the road if other things don't work and it is really hindering your activities. But perhaps it is only effective in certain cases as well.

I understand the concept of waiting for surgery and trying other things first of course, as well as not wanting to cause more issues later on, at least logic wise... I am not updated on the latest and greatest devices and longevity of these surgeries in 2025 admittedly. I just also feel it's an odd/crappy proposition how we have to wait until one is way older and therefore less likely to be able to even enjoy the improvements and pain-free activity as much as in younger years depending how long it takes to degrade to that extent and how debilitating it is along the way to that point I guess... IF the issues are so bad that it limits activities you want to do while younger, stronger, and more able bodied... that feels wrong. We should sit around and wait to rot away enough to intervene? And waste all that time as well? It just seems so counterproductive for anyone with a preference towards enjoying things now because tomorrow is far from guaranteed. Not to mention that major surgeries start to carry a lot more risk with advanced age too.

All to say, this is a very theoretical standpoint, and I am not actually saying anyone is right or wrong to explore, or not explore, whatever options in any particular timeframe. Of course, it is all very personal. I can only speak for myself on how I believe I would fall on the spectrum if it were me down the road in this position. I tend to find fault in this regard to Western medicine in general and how everything is so much more reactive than proactive. I find fault with this because in most cases proactive measures will always trump reactive ones, it is so much harder to fix what's broken rather than preventing it from getting broken, or as badly broken, in the first place. I feel like what Lindsay Vonne is doing exemplifies my thoughts on things really well... she was in pain AND unable to pursue the activities she wanted to and somehow it all worked out amazingly well to do what she's doing now with a partial knee replacement. I NEVER would have though that was a possibility for so many reasons. I am so all for that approach though and love how she went for it. Do it now, do whatever you can to enjoy it WHILE you can, figure out what's next when needed. Of course, she has way more access to the best medical team and a lot of financial resources as well, but the approach is 100% how I would want to approach it too haha. I know for a fact I would get pushback from some in my family who have a different outlook on these things, but that's my take regardless.

Yes, our healthcare system doesn't help. It sounds like both myself and @tinymoose have had chondromalacia for decades but never knew it because there was no pain. I did all the right things by staying active, but I think aging is aging and sometimes, crap just happens. I will say, I feel oodles better when my estrogen levels are optimized. Getting them there is another story.

 

[tinymoose]

Yes, our healthcare system doesn't help. It sounds like both myself and @tinymoose have had chondromalacia for decades but never knew it because there was no pain. I did all the right things by staying active, but I think aging is aging and sometimes, crap just happens. I will say, I feel oodles better when my estrogen levels are optimized. Getting them there is another story.

Yeah, I'll never know why I muddled by with it being unknown for decades, and then one day boom... angry knees out of nowhere. It did seem the thing that really set it off was the temporary canting we tried on my boots last year. Could be that was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back of poor knee tracking. Before that I was doing gymnastics and skiing with no issue, other than a little knee pain on stairs, but I'd been ignoring that for 5+ yrs as just "aging."

ETA: my left knee is the only one we've imaged (MRI) and while it's not full bone-on-bone it's definitely Stage IV chondromalacia. my right knee we don't know as it's the less angry knee so we haven't imaged it (largely b/c insurance will probably push back). both knees have been x-rayed and other than some very tiny bone spurs, all looks well on x-ray, but the assumption is the right knee is in the same boat, just in slightly better shape than the left. that's the other thing that's weird about OA. there's very little correlation between pain and cartilage loss. you can have someone with bone-on-bone like Amy, and no pain. then there's me and I have some cartilage left but pain. I do suspect that most of my pain is tied to my hoffa fat pad and impingement there.

 

[contesstant]

Yeah, I'll never know why I muddled by with it being unknown for decades, and then one day boom... angry knees out of nowhere. It did seem the thing that really set it off was the temporary canting we tried on my boots last year. Could be that was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back of poor knee tracking. Before that I was doing gymnastics and skiing with no issue, other than a little knee pain on stairs, but I'd been ignoring that for 5+ yrs as just "aging"

Knee pain under the patella, correct? I have the same and have for a long time and also chalked it up to aging. Which, it is--age related arthritic changes. Annoying!

 

[tinymoose]

Knee pain under the patella, correct? I have the same and have for a long time and also chalked it up to aging. Which, it is--age related arthritic changes. Annoying!

I mean I'm a gymnast so I fall into the same stupid camp as you where I just ignore things until they get big bad. lol

Yeah, all my pain is anterior knee pain, and I feel it worse on the inside/medial portion of my knee, which makes sense, b/c that's where the bulk of the cartilage loss is behind my patella:

- Patellar cartilage: Full thickness cartilage loss most prominent along the medial facet with delamination underlying subchondral edema.

- Trochlea: Partial-thickness cartilage loss along the medial facet.

- Alignment: Lateral patellar tilt. Patella alta.

- Hoffa fat pad: Edema superolaterally in keeping with patellar tendon lateral femoral condyle friction syndrome.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

So I saw an orthopedist last week and it appears I tore the medial meniscus in my right knee during the fitness class a few weeks ago. I swear...so that poor knee has two torn menisci and a healed but not repaired tibial plateau fracture. Headed to Sun Valley tomorrow (since we have no snow here in Utah) so I will really test things out since Sun Valley is not known for its easy cruisers. Have an MRI scheduled next week to get a definitive answer. Treatment is cortisone injection if I choose to treat any pain. I do not have pain at the moment. If it is bothersome enough doing my normal activities, surgery is of course an option.

I bought some Bracelayer tights but am skeptical. I feel like all they're going to do is make my knees and mid thighs sweat. The waist band also feels like a tourniquet. I am not a fan of tight waist bands as I feel like a stuffed sausage, so we'll see how I like them.

Oh my goodness - so sorry @contesstant! I cringed at the meniscus injury, but TBH, the description of Bracelayer tights really rocked me. TORTURE by Tights should be illegal. I can't stand anything tight and absolutely 100% refuse to wear any tight waistbands.

I honestly think the only thing that keeps me from gaining too much weight is when my underwear start feeling snug. I will do anything (except buy new underwear) to avoid tight panties. I don't even want to know what sweaty mid thighs are like. Eke!!

I hope SV is good to you and crossing fingers you have a good time and your recovery is seamless. Ski the easy, fun stuff.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

I’m curious… does ANYTHING work to help with this stuff you all have going on? PRP, stem cell injections… TKR?? I know a knee replacement is the last thing most people want to do unless they really need to. But I guess I am curious because there are so many people with knee replacements and hip replacements etc. who are incredibly high level skiers afterwards too. And I know I have seen some talk about stem cells on Ski Talk and being able to avoid knee replacements longer. So, are these things options you guys might try to prolong high level athletic pursuits?

My trainer is mid-50s, grew up in Austria and had a very bad biking accident when she was younger where they had to remove a lot of the cartilage in one knee when cleaning it out. Certainly NOT what one would expect nowadays, and she was told she would have bad arthritis when she got older, which she did develop obviously. However, she says she has been able to keep full use and mobility from keeping her legs incredibly strong around her knees. She did switch to snowboarding from skiing as she feels it is easier on her knees, and she doesn’t run but she mountain bikes and is a very big fan of the crazy stair steppers at the gym and hikes a lot. She does everything in the gym that she asks of me…squats, leg press, wall sits, etc etc. It’s pretty mind boggling when I think about it. She is thinking about trying PRP or stem cells at some point down the road, but hasn’t felt it necessary just yet.

I believe that "mountainous" biking - getting up out of the saddle and handling bumpy terrain hits while having the side-to-side movement constrained by being clicked into the pedals has served me incredibly well.

I also advocate throwing out every pair of high heels.

All have been a great help in stabilizing and strengthening my knees and hips. I do a lot of "stork" (one-legged) balancing exercises that include movement. I do the latter while in the kitchen or standing in line somewhere. I do dips on one leg.

Steps are high on my list, too. I graduated to taking 2 steps at a time several times a day and this year added unweighted then moderately weighted squats.

I no longer have any hip pain and after full recovery from 2 serious knee sprains 16 years ago, I am the only female my age (almost 69) in my ski circle with all my own joints. Biking, biking, and more biking and living and hiking multiple times a week in the mountains have served me well.

One concession to age: I do now ride an eMountain bike (Class I, no throttle) and I turn it off on the flatter sections. The bike weighs 55 pounds and I love that I can tailor how much effort so I avoid over-torquing my joints while still get a great workout. Most importantly, the climb up to my house doesn't suck anymore so I ride more. Remove disincentives to year 'round fitness.

Oh, and surprisingly, barefoot paddleboarding is fabulous for micro-balance strengthening and our feet are the platform from which all our activities rest. Things like ankle circles and toe wiggling and stretches done during screen time. It all adds up. Lotsa little things between the big things.

Spouse and I have a motto: Keep all your shite moving or it'll rust. The older ya get, the faster it rusts.

 

[MissySki]

At this point I'm just doing some trial and error with workouts and activities in an attempt to modify and manage as best I can, given neither PT or injections have proved a cure for the pain. All things considered, my knees are less angry than last year but it would still be nice to get rid of the pain entirely, but that may never happen. I'm hopeful maybe if I can muddle by in a decade or two someone will be regrowing cartilage by that point.

It seems they already are regrowing cartilage, at least the techniques are there and more being developed all the time. So perhaps. Have you looked into these other surgical interventions? I’ve never heard of these things so unsure how prevalent they are. Just AI’s response on Google.

 

[tinymoose]

If insurance isn’t paying for this stuff yet it would be out of my budget. I’m sure if any of these were options for me my surgeon would have mentioned them.

 

[MissySki]

If insurance isn’t paying for this stuff yet it would be out of my budget. I’m sure if any of these were options for me my surgeon would have mentioned them.

I know your doctor is really great since we have discussed him, so I am sure he is up on all of the latest and greatest and what is appropriate for you as an individual too.

I'd still ask about any possible option I found myself, but that's just me. I've had too many subpar experiences with doctors where I think it's so important to be your own biggest advocate. I'm the annoying patient who literally brings a list of questions like this to any doctor (or veterinary for that matter) appointment I have when something is amiss. Because I want to see their reaction and explanations... whether it is oh x,y,and z make no sense for you because of this, OR x,y,and z are all BS don't bother thinking about it, OR yeah those could be options to explore but we don't do that here so you'd have to seek it elsewhere, OR yeah some people have anecdotally found improvements with x but not enough for me to recommend it because it's a long shot, OR yeah those are all really promising but also extraordinarily expensive so that's on you if you wanted to try it, etc etc etc.