Medical advice/help.

[snuff]

I sold all my kit at the end of this year as I'm suffering from Arthritis to both knees. I went to see a specialist today and I'm now on the waiting list for a full left knee replacement,.
Both knees need doing and the wait for the second atm is 6 months to a year. I've tried every gel,tablet and knee support available. It's just the pain I need to get past and I really miss playing.
Does anybody know anyone that plays in a knee brace or have any experience with them. I need to take some of the wight off my knees. There are plenty about. After this I'm ordering some kit with the intention of playing by the end of the month. Sorry I wasn't sure where else to post this, it is airsoft related.. TIA.

 

[Skara]

Everything will have an impact on your knees.

Best compromise imo is to ditch any form of load bearing, get a very short gun with a drum mag (think arp9 and similar) and keep minimal supplies (bbs/water) in a small backpack.

Literally can't go lighter than this, until you fully recover.

 

[Tackle]

I feel your pain, literally, I've had one knee 18 months ago, due to get the other done end of June, both have needed doing for at least 10 years, so proper fooked by the time they agreed to do them, & even then I had to get nasty with them due to my age.
That aside, as Skara said, ditching every ounce of unnecessary weight can help, switch to a grab bag rather than a plate carrier, swap numerous mids or lo caps for a couple of plastic hi caps, maybe even leave the pistol & its associated mags at home if its not getting much use, the list goes on & on, its what I've had to do to manage.
Plus personal weight can be an issue, pre & post op, im fairly big set but being very fit for most of my life kept the weight at bay, but as soon as i couldn't exercise it started creeping on, not helped by the fact ive got a slow metabolism & a fast pie hand.
Regarding braces etc, ive tried loads, everything from cheap neoprene wrap around to full on calf to thigh robocop jobbies, all have their pros & cons regarding fit, comfort, & whether they actually work, for me one of the best brands I found was a hinged type made by a company called BioSkin, maybe have a look at them.
Another thing to maybe consider is a couple of cortosteroid injections in to each knee, they worked for me briefly, results usually last 2 to 3 months, worth considering if you've got a block of games coming up that you don't want to miss.
Good luck, im sure there's more advice coming

 

[Galvatron]

I had Donjoy hinged braces years and years ago that made me less worried about twisting my knee and worsening the damage I had to my ACL. They worked for walking but not for a sprint as the brace did press on the top of my calf and bottom of my hamstrings.

I have had corticosteroid injections to deal with the pain but my surgeon, physio and specialist all warned they come with long-term risks as either stronger doses or very frequent use can worsen the damage by weakening the tendons and ligaments. Don't get me wrong, I'm not discrediting Tackle's advice. As a short term and quick fix, they were very helpful for me before I had my ACL graft.

 

[Tackle]

Yep, the injections, as with any steroid use, are only a quick fix & cant be relied upon long term due to harmful side effects.
Its a balance, if a brief use of them allows you to do something you enjoy, the mental health benefits probably outweigh the possible side effects.

 

[snuff]

Thanks for the replies. I've had injections they lasted less than 1 week, I was supposed to get them this time but I convinced them that surgery was the way to go as everything else has been tried. My issue first showed up in 2012 but it was minor and the drugs helped although they probably covered up the issues TBH. Anything that will help is worth a try. Looking at 2 years for completion, so I'll look for a workaround.

 

[Tackle]

Thanks for the replies. I've had injections they lasted less than 1 week, I was supposed to get them this time but I convinced them that surgery was the way to go as everything else has been tried. My issue first showed up in 2012 but it was minor and the drugs helped although they probably covered up the issues TBH. Anything that will help is worth a try. Looking at 2 years for completion, so I'll look for a workaround.

Click to shrink...

My neighbour had both of hers done, on the NHS, but done electively at local private hospital (where they're doing my next one), & they were done ONLY 6 weeks apart, so it can be done, but obviously there might be many factors why yours are being spread so far apart ?

 

[ButcherBill]

My only advice would to let yourself heal properly before you try getting back into this hobby, I've not had surgery on my knees, hips or ankles... YET, but as a fat lad I expect it'll be in my future at some point, I have however had 3 Hernia opps & at least the second one failed because I didn't let myself heal for long enough (pressure from work after my first opp had me donning my safety boots after only 2 weeks recovery).
Give at least a month or two after you feel healed before you play any games.

 

[Craigb]

I sold all my kit at the end of this year as I'm suffering from Arthritis to both knees. I went to see a specialist today and I'm now on the waiting list for a full left knee replacement,.
Both knees need doing and the wait for the second atm is 6 months to a year. I've tried every gel,tablet and knee support available. It's just the pain I need to get past and I really miss playing.
Does anybody know anyone that plays in a knee brace or have any experience with them. I need to take some of the wight off my knees. There are plenty about. After this I'm ordering some kit with the intention of playing by the end of the month. Sorry I wasn't sure where else to post this, it is airsoft related.. TIA.

Click to shrink...

Brother .i have chronic arthritis in both knees and only partia cartilage in them .they hurt like buggery ALL the time .
Sometimes I do manage to go shooting .sttap my knees up .take my tramadol and carry my lightest gun and kit . When the whistle blows every one runs off toward the battle but I gently walk being very careful of my feet placing so not to trip .after the day I have a hot bathe with plenty of Eason salts .and a large glass of rum lol

It can be done .take hi ga easy and let ur body decide if u want to play every game .this is what i do

Be safe

 

[ruskitseller]

Hello mate, occasional knee brace wearer here - most of the time it is ok but Airsoft is quite knee heavy isn't it.

I sometimes use the neo-g knee one and it just gives a bit of extra support. I also think the best supportive knee pads are the Alta Contour full pads. They are like kneeling on sofa cushions and a worthwhile buy.

Could it also be worth considering a stood up marksman/sniper type role? Hang around the back, no need to go too low and just support the team that way? There are some "older gentlemen" I see who play more like that and walk around in the rear, still having a good time. Range may be your friend here.

Cheers

 

[snuff]

The timings are as advised by the consultant.

My neighbour had both of hers done, on the NHS, but done electively at local private hospital (where they're doing my next one), & they were done ONLY 6 weeks apart, so it can be done, but obviously there might be many factors why yours are being spread so far apart ?

Click to shrink...

The timings are as advised by the consultant.

My only advice would to let yourself heal properly before you try getting back into this hobby, I've not had surgery on my knees, hips or ankles... YET, but as a fat lad I expect it'll be in my future at some point, I have however had 3 Hernia opps & at least the second one failed because I didn't let myself heal for long enough (pressure from work after my first opp had me donning my safety boots after only 2 weeks recovery).
Give at least a month or two after you feel healed before you play any games.

Click to shrink...

These are not going to heal until after the procedure .
I've never worn anything apart from knee pads during play so I'll try the supports I have. I always found them uncomfortable after time so tended not to use them during "exercise".

Brother .i have chronic arthritis in both knees and only partia cartilage in them .they hurt like buggery ALL the time .
Sometimes I do manage to go shooting .sttap my knees up .take my tramadol and carry my lightest gun and kit . When the whistle blows every one runs off toward the battle but I gently walk being very careful of my feet placing so not to trip .after the day I have a hot bathe with plenty of Eason salts .and a large glass of rum lol

It can be done .take hi ga easy and let ur body decide if u want to play every game .this is what i do

Be safe

Click to shrink...

I don't drink although that would probably help. Got to agree with the hot bath, that is heavenly after a days play.

 

[Jefferson2000]

Naproxen, codeine and don't underestimate the importance of being well hydrated prior to, during and after playing.

I'm a big supporter of KT tape too, but only if you get someone to show you how to do it properly first, worth booking a consultation with a sports physio and explaining to them exactly what you want to do, they'll teach you how to strap and give you strengthening exercises that are often different to the medical physios/OT's input.

There's always going to be pain but as mentioned above the mental health benefits often outweigh the consequences and aches and pains.

 

[Craigb]

Naproxen, codeine and don't underestimate the importance of being well hydrated prior to, during and after playing.

I'm a big supporter of KT tape too, but only if you get someone to show you how to do it properly first, worth booking a consultation with a sports physio and explaining to them exactly what you want to do, they'll teach you how to strap and give you strengthening exercises that are often different to the medical physios/OT's input.

There's always going to be pain but as mentioned above the mental health benefits often outweigh the consequences and aches and pains.

Click to shrink...

I agree … it’s the one time iam
Not a husband father bill payer uber taxi etc . When I do go , my body is hurting but my mind n soul are relaxed … it’s my version of a spa day

 

[Tackle]

PS, forgot to say, talking of the painkillers that people are using, try to stay away from tramadol, highly addictive & responsible for more deaths in the UK than heroin & cocaine combined, max usage time is 3 to 4 months, unfortunately many gp's just keep dishing out the scripts, I was put on it following a spell in intensive care, supposedly to wean me off the morphine, but was left on it for 2 years, was an absolute cnut to get off it.
Naproxen is good, but take it when you arrive at the game site, that way its past its half life by the end of play, hopefully leaving you fit for the drive home.
Another fairly new drug is gabapentin, non addictive & no sedative effects in all but the highest doses.
& yeah, hot baths are great, or do what i did & put in a full hot tub, nothing like 38 degrees, a suitable alcoholic tipple, & streaming some decent comedy, usually mickey Flanagan for me, to forget the aches & pains.

 

[Dani930]

Stay away from any opioid based or comparison prescription medication for as long we you possibly can.

Specifics but, I was badly injured in service and will soon need an amputation. I’m going to spend the rest of my life on medication including opioids and have been taken them for since 2012.

So, someone speaking with significant experience you don’t want to go down that road for arthritis. You’ll also be better off with anti inflammatory meds but if you feel the pain is significant enough just make an informed decision after research. The side effects and long term damage aren’t always worth the sort term benefits.

If you want to talk in more detail privately drop me a PM, if not I wish you all the best

 

[Cannonfodder]

Could it also be worth considering a stood up marksman/sniper type role? Hang around the back, no need to go too low and just support the team that way? There are some "older gentlemen" I see who play more like that and walk around in the rear, still having a good time. Range may be your friend here.

Click to shrink...

This. Leaving the charging around like a mad one to the youngsters will put less stress on your legs when n general

 

[Jefferson2000]

Gabapentin and pregablin are potent medications but primarily aimed at nerve based pain so may not be effective for arthritic pain. Amitriptyline is potentially another option, but all of these come with precautions and are prescription only so need to discuss options with your GP.

Unfortunately as above, these powerful meds can be highly addictive and most come with some pretty rats side effects (make sure you've got access to a ppi if you're taking naproxen regularly too or your stomach will be in clip).

It's pretty shite but arthritis is a degenerative disease/ condition. There's no magic bullet. The good side is that you've mentioned a knee replacement, well performed and with good physio it's a new lease of life. Hopefully you get there soon!

 

[Shep120181]

Gabapentin and pregablin are potent medications but primarily aimed at nerve based pain so may not be effective for arthritic pain. Amitriptyline is potentially another option, but all of these come with precautions and are prescription only so need to discuss options with your GP.

Unfortunately as above, these powerful meds can be highly addictive and most come with some pretty rats side effects (make sure you've got access to a ppi if you're taking naproxen regularly too or your stomach will be in clip).

It's pretty shite but arthritis is a degenerative disease/ condition. There's no magic bullet. The good side is that you've mentioned a knee replacement, well performed and with good physio it's a new lease of life. Hopefully you get there soon!

Click to shrink...

Hi all

Came across this by total accident but fellow arthritis/fibromyalgia/chronic pain and a number of other conditions sufferer I can relate to the struggle managing healthy activity’s for body and mind in airsoft snd the daily struggle of just getting about

I was diagnosed with arthritis when I was 18 now 45 and my health conditions have evolved and got worse over this time been on every drug treatment going but now found somewhat a cocktail that works for me

I suggest going back to your GP ask for a referral to the arthritis clinic / pain clinic

My drug routine if this may help you name drop to your doc is without going into detail of each mg and dosage lol

Omeprazole
Sulphasalazine
Naproxen
Sertraline
Amitriptyline
Pregabalin
Biological therapy injections self administered every two weeks
Every 6 ish months I get a lidocaine infusion for both nerve and arthritic pain via pain clinic had 3 so far

I also find that a combination of knee support and sports tape work a knee support company I use is bear hug the material and the warming effect really help

Hope I’ve helped somewhat but this hobby and it’s mental health impacts do get taken for granted love the hobby as it’s a great distraction if I can’t play it doesn’t stop me faffing about with my collection working on them getting internal and external parts fitted and or painting them etc etc

Shep

 

[Shep120181]

Hi all

Came across this by total accident but fellow arthritis/fibromyalgia/chronic pain and a number of other conditions sufferer I can relate to the struggle managing healthy activity’s for body and mind in airsoft snd the daily struggle of just getting about

I was diagnosed with arthritis when I was 18 now 45 and my health conditions have evolved and got worse over this time been on every drug treatment going but now found somewhat a cocktail that works for me

I suggest going back to your GP ask for a referral to the arthritis clinic / pain clinic

My drug routine if this may help you name drop to your doc is without going into detail of each mg and dosage lol

Omeprazole
Sulphasalazine
Naproxen
Sertraline
Amitriptyline
Pregabalin
Biological therapy injections self administered every two weeks
Every 6 ish months I get a lidocaine infusion for both nerve and arthritic pain via pain clinic had 3 so far

I also find that a combination of knee support and sports tape work a knee support company I use is bear hug the material and the warming effect really help

Hope I’ve helped somewhat but this hobby and it’s mental health impacts do get taken for granted love the hobby as it’s a great distraction if I can’t play it doesn’t stop me faffing about with my collection working on them getting internal and external parts fitted and or painting them etc etc

Shep

Click to shrink...

Forgot to mention please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you want some more direct help regarding arthritis and keeping active etc that goes for anybody on this forum I’m no expert and I would never give advice to follow without it being verified by a professional but it’s getting to the stage where I’m meeting specialists with less experience than myself as the patient

 

[Tactical Pith Helmet]

I've terrible arthritis in my feet and a twisted leg. Add to that tarsal tunnel syndrome, scarred hamstrings, planter fasciitis and sciatica. The torsion on my leg led me to walk on crutches for long periods due to the knee being twisted at the slightest provocation. Jointed braces are usually best, but I now sometimes use a cheap E-bay one with crossover straps and an open back. That said, touch wood, I've been free of regular knee pain for a few years due to going against my docs, consultants and physios advice... and starting martial arts seriously again. I'm now five years in and on a fraction of the meds I was on. I think it's all the exercise done in bare feet on a soft surface. I'm not recommending any of the above though! Ignoring advice can be lethal, and MA are not for everyone, but I do think that strengthening the leg muscles helps greatly. It's just for me I find other sports/gym work boring. A friend has bad joints and found that karate in bare feet on a hard surface helped!

Counter to expectation, a bespoke weight lifting routine from a decent personal trainer may help. But I've known people use ballet and even plastering to fix joint pain.

As for meds, Gabapentin at 3600 a day hardly touches the nerve pain for me. Naproxin makes me hurl. I only find occasional Tramodol and regular codeine work for me (not at once obvs). I found injections useless. Amatriptolene totally wrecked my body clock years ago and it remains fucked to this day, it also made me sleepwalk so horrendously that Mrs TPH called 999 fearing I was psychotic. I'd taken it for a week or less. One the worst experiences of my life.

My answers are almost totally counter to Tackle's, but hot water and taking your mind off the pain work for me great too. I take a camping shower to games to stop myself stiffening up on the way home. I also use a massage gun each night. I could use it post-game, at lunch etc.

Distraction e.g. listening to something can definitely work too. Indeed mindfulness is the best medicine for some people. It does have clinical backing. Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness for Beginners was a favourite book to recommend back when I masochistic enough to work for the NHS.

Given the wide disparity in answers here, I think that the best you can do is repeat the advice a nurse gave me a few years back at the pain clinic, 'The consultant is stumped by your symptoms, throw the kitchen sink at it love. Try anything and everything, even the weird stuff like acupuncture.'