39 yrs old with bilateral osteoarthritis in knees, more severe in the left knee

I am so sorry to hear this. I was diagnosed with OA at age 40, although I think i had it long before that, but fortunately it doesn't affect my large joints, so far.  Early on although my doctor suggested coated aspirin for pain (we are talking more than 30 years ago) I learned that it shouldn't be taken regularly as it interferes with cartilage regeneration.  This is true also of all the newer nsaids, so just keep those for other things, like headaches, not for a daily treatment.  I have been taking a fairly large dose of glucosamine for many years, and I suppose this has helped because considering how long I've had OA it hasn't progressed nearly as much as it might have.  I have it in my spine, especially neck, also lumbar spine, and in my fingers.  X-rays showed the beginning of OA in my knees, which I only found out about when I had a broken leg four years ago.  They told me then that the OA in the affected leg would get worse because of the break (tibial plateau) but it's only been in the past few weeks I've noticed that knee starting to stiffen.  I am not overweight which I believe has also helped the OA, although as I've become too thin lately it's a mixed blessing.  I avoid most processed foods, go light on the carbs from grains, but eat a lot of fresh foods, including leafy greens.  

I also remember reading that Vitamin B6 can help, but lately I take, on alternate days, a complete B vitamin supplement - don't want to overdose - and think B vitamins work together so hopefully this is better than B6 alone.  

I think it's really important to retain range of motion, and also to keep muscles supporting affected joints strong, so physiotherapy can be very helpful.  I've been doing some physio exercises for something like twenty years, and recently got a few different ones.  

I hope you can find a way forward.  Good luck.  Keep in touch; someday you may be able to help someone else on the forum!

So very sorry to hear how much you are suffering and so young too.

I'm 71 yrs, about 8 yrs ago I had a miniscus tear op. 4 yrs later diagnosed with OA. Just 6 mth ago I have same symptoms in other knee. Second one much more painful. I'm on Naproxen, co-codamol and amitriptyline. Waiting to see specialist as all these meds don't help much especially at night.

Like a red hot poker in inner knee, cloths rubbing even slightly is irritating as is water running down in shower.

Cool packs help while I have them on but symptoms just come back.

I'm going to physio excercises but that's only a 6 week course, went to 2 , now on holiday so not given it a chance yet though I am trying to do them while away.

Good luck and all the best Anitra

What rubbish they can give you a knee replacement at any age. I have had finger joint replaced and its wonderful no more pain. Go find a surgeon willing to do it then you can get your life back and be pain free. 

I'm with wknight. If the joint is shot-it's shot & it isn't gonna help to wait till you're older.

Being so young you will face other replacements because they don't last forever. Bilateral TKR at 54 was a god-send & I waited till I nearly couldn't walk & was going bow-legged. Find a competent ortho surgeon.

Please get off the prescribed meds. They do nothing but harm long term. I’m 43 and have tricompartamental arthritis in both knees. I’ve tried everything, including losing weight. Everybody’s body is different but I tried Heal & Sooth which are natural enzymes and anti-inflammatories combined. It seems to help the best out of everything I’ve tried. The pain went from a 7 to 2 in less than a week. You can get it online, you have to get through the doctors long speal but for me it was worth it. Good luck!