Retired Nurse Regains Function and Ability after Disabling Knee Arthritis

Cathy Sweet was a nurse for 45 years before retiring four years ago. Unfortunately, the arthritis in her knees made it difficult for her to enjoy her retirement. She gave up traveling and, in her words, became almost completely sedentary.

Cathy’s family doctor referred her to a rheumatologist. Her previous analgesic treatments included topical creams, anti-inflamatories, and three separate corticosteroid injections. None of which were able to restore her function and ability.

A friend of Kathy’s told her about Neal Taub, MD, ABPM&R and the Center for Musculoskeletal Medicine. Dr. Taub proposed targeted neurolytic blocks around the knee to create the needed pain control. With 45 years of nursing experience, Cathy was not familiar with this treatment, and she now admits that she was skeptical at first. She consulted with her rheumatologist and eventually agreed to the targeted neurolytic block treatments.

Dr. Taub used ultrasound to guide four diluted phenol injections for each knee. Cathy’s pain relief was immediate. Kathy says her pain relief lasted 2 weeks to a month following the first few treatments. Now, she says the pain relief lasts up to 4 months after each neurolytic block. Of course, Dr. Taub’s practice is referral-based, so he only sees Cathy for the specific treatments not provided by her other doctors. Cathy is still under the care of her family doctor and her rheumatologist. After two years of seeing Dr. Taub, she admits she still does not like steps, but she is now able to enjoy her retirement, travel, and carry her grandchildren upstairs.

Knee pain accounts for roughly one-third of musculoskeletal problems seen in primary care. Exercise and lifestyle modification serve as the conservative treatment of choice for many, and arthroplasty solves the problem for thousands more. However, for those who are not recommended for knee surgery, Dr. Taub’s practice, The Center for Musculoskeletal Medicine, has options that may be able to provide immediate, long-lasting relief. Dr. Taub finds that 70% of patients receiving ultrasound guided neurolytic blocks for knee pain experience immediate relief even though this pain has usually proved refractory to other treatments including intra-articular corticosteroids and viscosupplementation.