Injection may delay knee surgery

May 20, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: You receive a lot of requests about knee-pain treatments versus surgery, but I have never seen you mention Synvisc-One. I’m 80 years old and have had two injections over the past two and a half years. They last a year or more and take effect a few weeks following the injection.

DEAR READER: This 2009 FDA-approved medication contains hylan polymers, produced from chicken comb. It is similar to the fluid that surrounds the joints of your body and acts as a lubricant. It is injected directly into the intra-articular space inside the knee and is prescribed for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain in patients who have failed to respond to more conservative therapy. A single dose is reported to reduce pain for up to 26 weeks.
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Are chronic hives related to knee replacement?

April 5, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your article about hives. The writer said her problem began after having bilateral knee replacements. I’m just wondering if the hives could be caused by an allergic reaction to any of the materials used in her knee replacements. Before my knee replacement, I was asked if I had any known allergies to metals, nickel in particular. I wish the writer the best and hope she has found the source of the problem.

DEAR READER: I am sure that the writer was also asked about any known allergies; however, perhaps the problem lies in something that she did not know. Nickel allergy is most commonly associated with jewelry, particularly inexpensive gold-plated pieces. If the reader doesn’t wear any or wears only high-quality jewelry, she may not have known. Allergies can also develop suddenly to substances that were previously handled without a problem.
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Clicking knees drive patient crazy

March 31, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: One year after having had both knees replaced, any pain I previously had is gone. Problem solved? No. A few weeks (after surgery) that turned into months, and now one year later, my knees (both) still click with every step I take. There is no pain involved, just annoyance. At times, it feels as if my new knees are rattling around in there. My wife and I enjoy walking in our development, but it is driving me nuts. I asked my doctor about it, and his comment is that all patients’ knees click to some extent. My question to you is, how can I eliminate or at least reduce this annoying problem?

DEAR READER: While I don’t have a ball or X-ray vision, my first guess is that you are likely experiencing normal noises. This is because if your knee replacement were tightened too much, you would likely experience lost range of motion and pain. [Read more...]

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Daily activity induces hives

January 19, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am begging for help, please. I am 73 years old and have lost 120 pounds on Weight Watchers. My problem is that when I walk, take a bath, get excited, angry or upset, I break out in hives that look like measles. And they’re so itchy!

I have been to a few doctors, and they tell me to take antihistamine tablets, but I cannot tolerate them. I need to walk to keep my weight down and my “new” knees working. This started four years ago after having bilateral knee replacement, but I’m not sure if there is any connection. I walked three miles a day before but cannot do that any longer. I know you are busy but hope you will reply. I am willing to try anything.
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