[update: got the call and got them scheduled for Dec 12, 19, & 26]
What is Euflexxa? Is it cortisone? Euflexxa is a particular brand of hyaluronic acid, or joint fluid. It is not cortisone. HA is what naturally occurs in your joints as a lubricant. I will receive a series of three injections, a week apart, into the joint space of my left knee. It's not a fun procedure, but it beats a knee replacement!
What is wrong with your knee? I have osteoarthritis in my both knees. The cartilage is breaking down and I have a small bone spur in my left knee. The right knee has similar cartilage break down, but no bone spur. My left leg turns inward and my left knee is the one that bothers me at this point, probably because of extra force on the knee due to the biomechanical issue.
Is arthritis caused by running? Arthritis is a disease. Not everyone gets it. It's most common after age 45, which is roughly when it started causing problems for me. Exercise helps lubricate and strengthen the joint, but too much use can make worse. It's a fine line. It is doubtful that running is a much of a contributing factor in my case, I didn't start running until I was 40. My orthopedic encourages me to continue running, just short distances on soft surfaces and no hills. She also encourages cycling.
How long do you need to take a break from running once the injections start? Once the injections start, I need to take a break for about 2 months all together: the three weeks that I'm getting injections and the following 6 weeks while I wait for the medication to do it's magic. The break is not just from running, it's from anything strenuous involving my knee.
Do the injections work? I can't vouch for anyone else, but so far Euflexxa has proven to be an effective treatment for my particular left knee OA, and I have high hopes that it will work well once again. It's unfortunate that the effects wear off after a while, but I'm actually quite pleased that it worked for a full year this last time.
How do you know when it's time to request injections? The first sign seems to be that my knee feels like it needs to be oiled. It makes me think of the Tin Man from Wiz of Oz. If I ignore that for too long, my knee will begin to ache while walking/running, especially hills or stairs. After that, it just flat out hurts.
Is it wise for to even be considering a half marathon next year? I honestly don't know. When I talked with my orthopedic doc earlier in the year, she told me that my half marathon days were behind me. But I wasn't dabbling with the Galloway method at that time, so I plan to discuss this with her. She is a fan of easy/short running for my knee issue, but not long distance running. I'll have to clarify whether that includes long distance run/walking as well. My husband is not too please to hear that I'm even considering it. I have promised him that I won't pursue it if she says no or if I have any knee issues on long training runs. In the grand scheme of things, I know that it's not worth it if it causes further problems with my knee.
I think that about covers it. Do you have any questions that I have missed? Do you have any experiences of your own with HA injections or OA of the knee?
eww that sounds nasty - but it keeps you moving, so that's good! I thought your comment was hilarious :D
ReplyDeleteSounds way better than a knee replacement.
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons I like reading other people's blogs is that I learn new stuff. I'd never heard of Euflexxa.
I had never heard of it either. Knowing it has worked before must make you feel better about it. I hope it goes well!
ReplyDeleteSounds like it's working for you and that's what matters, right? I hope the half pans out for you painfree.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the details and educating (me) on OA. Is it ok to say that I hope to avoid it? 45 is just around the corner, haha.
ReplyDeleteI hope your treatment goes really well this month.
Thanks from me too for the insights to what you are going through. I really hope the next few weeks go smoothly, and then the recovery is effective.
ReplyDeleteVery informative, thanks! I'm so lucky I've never had any serious problems or injuries. I've been running for more than 32 years now and hope I can for many more.
ReplyDeleteI did a round of 3 euflexxa shots in 2012 I believe. They didn't work for me at all..so surgery #5 happened.
ReplyDeleteI really hope they work for you!!
Careful though, they have tremendous PRESSURE when they inject it. Feels like the liquid is taking up all of the room in your knee.
Ouch! The injections sound painful and I feel grateful that I haven't had serious problems with my own knees. I hate that you have to deal with this. I hope all goes well with the injections!
ReplyDelete