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Post Info TOPIC: Driving With Dodgy Knees


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Driving With Dodgy Knees


I've got crook knees (meniscus damage from sport) and I'm not opting for surgery just yet. Does anyone else have bad knees, and if so, any home remedies? Best knee braces? Hint's, tips, etc?

I don't want to turn this into a medical thread, just want ways to make the driving easier



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I too have dodgy knees. I have found that if I set the driver's seat further forward than normal, my knees are bent more than if the seat was further back. This makes it easier for my knees.

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That's a good tip. I usually drive with the seat back a bit. Thanks!

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Me too, I also have my seat further forward when I drive and I wear those tubular bandages for a bit of support. I recently started carrying in the car a cushion in a plastic bag to kneel on should I have to change a flat extra (my backs gone too so I can't bend).
I also went to a physio (on a care plan so was free) who gave me knee stabling exercises to do, eg build up the non damaged bits to support the damaged bits. To early to tell if it helped, but might as well do them while I'm waiting for see what happens with opening up boarders.

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Agree with Wannabe, the high density foam kneeling pad, lives in front boot of van - absolute knee saver when hitching, even kneeling to light a fire - like amex, don't leave home without it.

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How do you reach the steering wheel ? I have crook hips . Hamstrings actually . Using brakes , pedals is not a problem for me . Keeping area warm I find prevents spasm or pain . Extra clothing track suit etc . Even in hot conditions . Sometimes A/C doesnt help ? Especially if directly on sore area !! Ive also found !! Be VERY weary of prescription drugs !! 30 years taking them . Off them now . The pain is the SAME !!  I drove and climbed 15m power poles !! Looking back I shouldnt have !! Hot grain bags on area and tense machine before sleep helps me .



-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Friday 26th of November 2021 10:25:12 AM

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I had injured cartilages in my knees from collisions whilst playing soccer as a kid. I don't know if that's the same sort of dodgy knee you have, but I found that doing Tai Chi and Tai Chi walking built up the muscles or ligaments around my knees and they stopped clicking, locking up, hurting and failing on me. 



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If you do go down the replacement path, be aware that kneeling might be something you cant do.
My surgeon was surprised that i didn't know i wouldn't be able to kneel anymore

Im in constant pain all day and night in the knee i had replaced so it doesn't matter what i do.

Sometimes it is swollen and throbbing and i dont understand why considering that its made from metal and plastic. 

 



-- Edited by SoloMC on Friday 26th of November 2021 12:18:02 PM

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Well, it's not just me then! I'm lucky that it's only my right knee that causes me real grief, but that's my driving leg. I've been using Voltaren gel and Biofreeze roll-on for temporary relief, but that doesn't last long. It's a typical Catch 22 situation. If you exercise it gets stronger, but it hurts too much to exercise!

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If its any help ? Your NOT alone mate ! Just dont get older !!

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Can't understand why you would not just get your knee fixed!
Having had both meniscus damage repaired in one knee and a replcement knee in the other, why put up with the pain?
It could be argued your driving ability is impaired possibly putting other people driving near you at risk!!
Safe drivingbiggrin
Ian



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Wanda wrote:

Can't understand why you would not just get your knee fixed!
Having had both meniscus damage repaired in one knee and a replcement knee in the other, why put up with the pain?
It could be argued your driving ability is impaired possibly putting other people driving near you at risk!!
Safe drivingbiggrin
Ian


 Yep been there.

Ihad  2 x arthroscopy on both knees and eventually had one replaced. 

Still way more pain in the replaced side than non replaced side.

Never again



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Yes the replacement is not much fun after the op but as I was told before hand, "make sure you do the exercises after", which I did. They are critical I believe in how your recovery turns out, in my case no pain, I can even kneel on the knee " with care".
Would I go again, yep, the other knee is bone on bone but at the moment we walk 5kms most days without too much discomfort. If and when if has to be done, I'm in

No pain in the new one at all, but its not the same as the old knee but nothing you can do about that

Ian



-- Edited by Wanda on Friday 26th of November 2021 05:41:12 PM

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I had both knees replaced due to bone on bone after years of sport, left one 2013 and right in 2018.

Can kneel on right but not the left, can climb ladders (Doc said I couldn't), walk about 10k steps a day, all good, no trouble driving.

No pain from replacements now, I was back at work after 6 weeks, painful at first, lots of bike riding and walking.

Not sure why you still feel it SoloMC, something went wrong.

If you have had a meniscus scrape, eventually you will need a replacement, good for 15 - 20 years now.

Cheers Bob



-- Edited by Bobdown on Friday 26th of November 2021 05:21:49 PM

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Hi,
I have had some joint replacements and repairs. One hip done twice now as I wore out the first one over the years. Shoulders repaired. My right knee is bionic but the calf gets sore driving. Then hard to sleep and get twitchy or cramps. :( I am careful to set up the seat properly and never drive low cars. 

If I have any pains that are too hard I use accupuncture. I have had it on various joints over the years to alleviate the pain. My doctor does it actually and has done since before my first hip replacement 25 years ago. I also use paracetemol quite a bit. That is the safest stuff to use and has the smallest side effects. :)

Do not get old is the only way to avoid pain and select the right parents for good genes !! LOL oh and do not work hard !
Jaahn



-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 26th of November 2021 06:43:47 PM

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if you have a problem with the knee joints why not get hand controls fitted to your vehicle ........there by the knees dont need to be used ...just an idea .....have you seriously thought about driving with the problem what if you have a prang or whatever .......



-- Edited by tea spoon on Friday 26th of November 2021 07:37:07 PM

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I've just read all your responses and don't feel so alone now and have just realised that when it comes to my bones an muscle issues it's actually quicker to list working parts than my hurty parts (and that's without mentioning my gut issues).My left arm, shoulder and hip are working well LOL is this the definition of getting old.
One of the reasons I mostly travel alone I'd so I can go at my own pace.
One thing I've have decided though is that if I'm in pain and not well even when at home I may as well be in pain and not well seeing some of the Country I live in.


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Wannabe, if there was a like button. it's your's!

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Ive found magnesium helps when it comes to cramps .

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