My inflamed knees have caused my legs to become permanently bent. I purchased a pair of skinny jeans thinking it would make me look cute. I was outside today and for the first time I noticed my reflection in the mirror with the tight jeans on. My knees are noticeably bent and I walk like an alien or a turkey. I hate RA... !!!!
Do you guys have inflamed knees too? Does it ever go away or deflate? Also, most importantly, are the bent legs reversible?do you mean that your knees knock together inward while your feet splay out sideways? Or do you mean bowlegged with your knees extra far apart? I have become very knock kneed and I have been told it is due mostly to Osteoarthritis, rather than the RA. I will be having a total knee replacement in Feb. and the surgeon has told me that my knees will not rub together when I walk, after the surgery. I am so looking forward to not hearing that swishing, rubbing sound when I wear long pants! You could ask your RA doc about your knees, and see if there is anything that can be done. Good luck!
Mary-Pat
get to physical therapy NOW...do not wait. A serious loss of range of motion like in your knees CANNOT be ignored. it is reversible as long as you do not wait too long and as long as the constricture is due to the shortening of the muscles and not boned damage. If you let them remain this way you are looking at a TKR in the not so distant futureBuckeye or anyone,
Can you please explain you experiences with physical therapy regarding the Rheumatologist and insurance? Does the Rheumy have to refer you to PT, or is this just an independent expense. Do we go back to our General Doctor to get a PT referral? How does the process work? I've been asking about that with the Rheumy and seems I simply get an answer like "yes, you should stretch and exercise as the pain allows".
Thanks
Roland
depends on what your insurance requires. Most insurance companies require a referral to PT along with a diagnosis and a PT goal in order for them to pay. Any doctor can refer you to PT and frankly I've never had one turn down a request for a referral. Call your ins company and check on what they require and what limitations they may have.
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