Hi Sandra,
Not sure if I will be of any help, but much of what you are talking about I also experience. I have OA, degenerative arthritis. I'm guessing this is what your doctor refered to as "general". It is the most common of all types. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to slow down or prevent the disease taking a toll on the joints affected. Eventually surgery, as what you have had done - although there are other types done too - will help with the pain. If a joint is replaced it can even almost totally remove pain, but is a long recovery - at least it has been for me. I've read of massage helping the pain - as you are experiencing, unfortunately it is not a long term repreive. The cold does effect the joints and the entire leg or arm can ache with the joint. From what I have read, it seems the nerves in the muscle tissue which is inflammed plus the nerves in the arthritic bone actually send signals of pain through the lower limb in reaction to pain at the itiniat sight. Even though the initial area of damage is localized, the pain can be felt through an entire appendage. I am guessing that even if you have the knee cap replaced, there may be still active arthritis in the knee itself. Are you seeing a specialist or your primary care doctor? If you haven't seen an orthopaedic or rhemetologist doctor, I would suggest doing so for a different perspective. Keeping the area warm is a big help. Using wool or a wool-blend of knee warmers or thermal type underwear helps keep the leg warmer and seems to help. Also, I am an advocate of "Capsaicin", an ingredient in chili pepper. This comes in an ointment for external use and can be bought over the counter. Research is showing frequent and daily use of capsaisin actually impacts the nerve receptors by depleting them of the ability to sent pain signals. The nerves are not able to engage pain signals at the level - or at all - in the affected joint as before. This treatment is on going though and is not like every now and then through the week, if your pain is constant. You might want to do your own research on the web. Most sites explain the effectiveness much better than I have. I do hope you find something that will help ease your discomfort. Not sure if I was much help, but stay connected. There are many wonderful people at this AF community that are here for you and others. God bless you!
Linda

Hi,
For me I tried vitamins and now take fish oil everyday... Hurts worse when low on Vitamin B, since with my body I dont make enough anymore since the arthritis.. also I take neurotin for nerve pain and methocarbamol for muscle spasms.. hope you find some help..